Dear PDSA Vet, I'm taking my dog camping for the first time this summer. What should I pack other than the obvious poo bags and food? Thanks, Hazel 

Hi Hazel, whenever you leave the house with your dog you should carry a doggy first-aid kit with you to treat minor injuries, such as small cuts or grazes. Pack pet safe suncream too.

You’ll also need any medication they may need for the duration of their trip and a waterproof bed that you can easily remove dirt and mud from. If they are used to it, a tether can be useful, so you don’t have to hold on to them constantly, while keeping them close, supervised and safe. A reflective or flashing collar, lead, or harness for your dog to stay visible at night. Your dog's favourite toys and home comforts too!

Before you go, make sure your dog’s microchip database information is correct should the worst happen and save the contact number for a vet local to where you’ll be staying. For more information visit pdsa.org.uk/a-beginners-guide-to-camping-with-a-dog 

Dear PDSA Vet, is it possible for cats to get food allergies? Ben  

Hi Ben, just like humans, it’s possible for cats to develop food allergies — often to things they have eaten for years with no problem. Food allergies occur if the immune system mistakes a food for something dangerous, and reacts inappropriately, causing skin and/or stomach issues.

Food allergies normally cause skin issues and/or tummy problems in cats so symptoms can include itchiness, skin rashes, diarrhoea and vomiting, and sometimes weight loss. It can be tricky to diagnose food allergies and there are other things that can cause these problems too so your vet will do a full examination of your cat to rule out any other causes. Book an appointment with your vet if you’re worried about your cat. 
 

Dear PDSA Vet, is it normal for my French Bulldog, Hugo, to snore? Thanks, Sally 

Hi Sally, snoring is a sign that your dog’s breathing is disrupted when they’re asleep – this could be due to their sleeping position, their weight or because of their breed or an illness.

French Bulldogs are a ‘flat faced’ breed and snoring is often a result of their airway being squashed into a small head space. This problem can get worse over time. Noisy breathing at rest or with mild exercise might also indicate there could be an underlying health condition. So I recommend booking an appointment with your vet who can check him over. 

Dear PDSA Vet, I’ve just got two house rabbits, Ant and Dec, do they still need vaccinations if they are inside all day? Thanks, Jess 

Hi Jess, the answer in simple is yes! Your pet rabbits should be vaccinated against Myxomatosis, Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease-1 (RVHD-1) and Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease-2 (RVHD-2).

Your rabbits should have their first vaccine at around 5-7 weeks old, and then a booster every year to keep them protected. There is now a single vaccine for rabbits that protects against all three diseases.

We recommend vaccinating both indoor and outdoor rabbits because these diseases all spread via insects, such as mosquitos and fleas, wild rabbits, and on surfaces such as clothes and shoes. Find out more: pdsa.org.uk/rabbitvaccines 

For more information visit pdsa.org.uk