'Hi, I’m Dr Michael. I studied veterinary medicine and zoology at the University of Edinburgh, then completed a small animal and exotics internship. I work as a vet at the RSPCA’s Putney Animal Hospital in London — and I love it!'
My dog eats her poop. Is this dangerous? And can I stop her?
Dangerous? No. Disgusting? Yes! Around 16 per cent of dogs love to eat their own poo — this is called coprophagia. The best way to beat this not-so-lovely habit is to clean up after your dog as quickly as possible — dogs prefer eating fresh poo — and reward them with a treat straight after they go to the toilet.
What's causing my cat's dandruff?
Older cats with arthritic joints or overweight cats end up with dandruff because they groom themselves less. It could be an early sign of a skin infection, parasite problem or hormonal issue.Rule out the more worrying causes with your vet first, as painful arthritis can easily be treated, then try adding fish oils to your cat’s diet and brush them daily.
Mr rabbit has developed a lump behind his ear. What could it be?
Just like dogs and cats, rabbits can get all sorts of lumps and bumps. This could be a growth or an abscess due to infection or dental disease. All of these causes can be serious, so get the lump checked out by your vet soon.
My goldfish's fins and tail look ragged. Should I be concerned?
This sounds suspiciously like fin rot. This happenswhen the water quality is poor — dirty tank, overcrowding, left-over food — but can also occur if fish are fighting (yes, goldfish can fight!), have parasites or a disease. Check the water quality with a test kit, give the tank a good scrub and invest in some anti-bacterial fin-rot treatment. If things don’t improve, find a vet with an interest in fish medicine.
My ferret really pongs. Is there anything I can do?
You can never get rid of the smell completely, but there are ways to reduce it. Keep their bedding and toys as fresh as possible with frequent washes, clean out their waxy ears regularly with pet ear cleaner and cotton wool, and bathe them once a month. The good news is that most ferret owners say they get used to the smell — after a while! If there is a sudden change in the smell, or an unusual smell, consult your vet in case of an infection.
My friend said she thinks my daughter's hamster has wet tail. What is it?
Wet tail can be life- threatening, so if you notice diarrhoea or a wet bum, take the hamster straight to a vet. Wet tail is when your hamster gets a serious bout of watery diarrhoea. This often affects young hamsters and can be caused by some nasty bacteria, stress or a poor diet.
If you’ve got a question for Dr Michael, send it in to pets@bauermedia.co.uk__.