DEAR PDSA Vet: My dog has recently started to leak urine when he’s lying down at home. He’s never done this before, is this normal? Damian

There are a few reasons that may be causing this problem and your vet will probably need to run a few tests to get to the bottom of it. I’d recommend making an appointment to take your dog to the vet for a full examination. Take with you a clean, fresh urine sample from your dog, first catch of the morning if possible. Your vet may want to test his urine, run some blood tests and possibly arrange an ultrasound scan and x-ray. Until your dog’s condition is under control, use incontinence sheets on his bed to keep him dry. If he gets urine stained, wash and dry him well to keep him clean. Don’t be tempted to restrict his drinking, he needs to have access to water at all times.

Dear PDSA Vet: I’ve noticed that my 12-year-old Border Collie, Dotty, has started to get cloudy eyes. Should I be worried? Nevena

It’s important to contact your vet if you notice any changes in your dog’s eyes, or if you think she is losing her vision. As dogs age, some cloudiness or haze within the eyes is normal which doesn’t affect their eyesight. However there are other causes of cloudy eyes that should be checked for, including cataracts. A cataract creates a cloudy or white appearance to the eye, due to changes in the structure of the lens. These can develop due to old age, diabetes or can even be hereditary. Cataracts can be removed through specialist surgery, however many dogs are able to cope without this. If a pet loses their eyesight, it’s important to keep the house layout the same, but make sure walk ways aren’t obstructed. For more information, please visit https://www.pdsa.org.uk/cataracts-in-dogs

Dear PDSA Vet: My cat, Bella, is sneezing a lot more than usual recently. I presume it’s nothing to be worried about, but what does this mean? Kez

The occasional sneeze is nothing to worry about, however, if Bella is sneezing regularly or having severe bouts, it may signal that there is something more serious behind it. Some of the most common causes of sneezing in furry friends include dental disease, a foreign body in their nose (such as a blade of grass), irritants in their environment or cat flu – which can fortunately be vaccinated against. Based on the symptoms that you have described, I would recommend taking Bella to the vet as soon as possible, just to get to the root of the problem and avoid her becoming poorly.

Dear PDSA Vet: I went to hold my rabbit the other day and she was breathing really fast. I’ve been worried ever since, what should I do? Edita

Breathing issues in rabbits can be serious so I recommend that you have your rabbit checked over by your vet as soon as possible. If your rabbit’s breathing soon settled and it was just a one off episode, then it’s possible that she had experienced a stressful situation before you picked her up as stress can make rabbits breathe very fast. Take great care with your bunny if she continues to have breathing issues, as any added stress can be dangerous for her. If your rabbit is still breathing fast, please do not leave her untreated, a breathing problem can quickly become much worse – potentially even fatal. For more information, please visit https://www.pdsa.org.uk/breathing-problems-in-rabbits

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