Dear PDSA Vet: I have a nine-year-old Labrador, Bennie, who is pretty fit. He's not overweight, but how far is it safe to walk him now that he’s getting older? Gareth

No matter how old Bennie is, all dogs still really look forward to a walk! I’d recommend that you change to slightly shorter, but regular, gentle exercise throughout the day to keep his muscles and joints active.

When walking him, make sure that you go at his pace – don’t exercise him for longer than he appears comfortable with and allow him to rest if he appears to be struggling.

If walking seems to be getting too much, swimming is a great alternative exercise that you could try, as it will put less strain on his joints.

Also discuss Bennie’s comfort levels with your vet to ensure that his needs are best met.

Dear PDSA Vet: I have two girl guinea pigs, recently I noticed one is bleeding from her rear end and it’s slightly swollen there. She seems ok otherwise – her eyes are clear and she’s eating fine. Please can you advise on what to do? Nate

Guinea pigs are very efficient at keeping themselves clean and she should have a dry back end, so I recommend that you have your guinea pig checked over by a vet as soon as possible.

Guinea pigs, like most mammals, don’t menstruate (have periods), so any blood at the rear end could indicate a health problem that may need urgent vet care. It’s great that you’re keeping a close eye on her health, behaviour and eating habits, which has helped you spot this problem.

Daily health checks of your pets are really helpful in identifying new health issues so treatment can be sought straight away.

For more information, please visit https://www.pdsa.org.uk/guineapighealth

Dear PDSA Vet: My cat seems to be struggling with jumping and using the stairs recently, and he’s got a slight limp too. Should I be worried? Vinnie

Please visit your vet for a thorough examination as these signs can mean that your cat is in pain from an injury or other condition.

Your vet can advise on what’s causing this, and the most appropriate treatment.

If your cat is older, arthritis is a very common condition that causes painful, swollen joints and makes moving around uncomfortable.

Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways that you can control the symptoms and keep your cat comfortable.

Treatments including anti-inflammatory pain relief, joint supplements, surgery and alternative therapies can be very effective in helping arthritis.

A raised, comfortable bed, using raised food bowls and putting your cat on a specialist diet in order to keep them slim may also help to offer relief.

For more advice, visit https://www.pdsa.org.uk/arthritisincats.

Dear PDSA Vet: I am not sure what is going on with my dog as she is not eating, and is leaking milk from her breast (nipples). Although her behaviour hasn’t really changed, I am really worried. Do you think she could be pregnant? Theresa

Producing milk like this can be a sign of pregnancy in dogs, usually in the late stages.

If your dog was mated at her last season, then she could be pregnant (pregnancy in dogs lasts around 63 days, though this can vary by a few days).

However, many dogs can have so-called phantom pregnancies, where hormones produced naturally in their cycle mimic pregnancy, and so they can begin to produce milk even if not pregnant.

I would recommend visiting your vet, who will be able to diagnose if she is pregnant or not, and provide you with advice and treatment.

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