Got pet questions? You're not alone! We're diving into some common concerns from pet owners, with expert advice to help keep your furry, scaly, or feathered friends happy and healthy. Let's get started.

Q: My cat, Buttercream, licks herself constantly. Is this normal?

Excessive grooming in cats, like Buttercream's endless licking, can be a sign of a few different things. It's important to rule out any underlying medical issues first. While a vet examination is always recommended for a proper diagnosis, let's explore some possible causes.

If there's no redness or dry skin, and the licking seems to be all over her body rather than focused on specific areas, then behavioral or environmental factors could be at play. Perhaps she's feeling stressed or anxious. Changes in the household, new pets, or even a change in routine can trigger compulsive grooming.

Another possibility is boredom. Is Buttercream getting enough playtime and mental stimulation? Cats are intelligent creatures and need activities to keep them engaged. Try introducing new toys, puzzle feeders, or even a cat tree to encourage exploration and play.

On the other hand, if the licking is concentrated in specific areas, particularly around joints, it's definitely worth a visit to the vet to rule out any pain or discomfort. Arthritis or other joint problems can cause cats to lick excessively in an attempt to soothe the area.

Q: My 18-month-old Labrador, Marley, lunges at other dogs. How can I stop this?

It's common for rescue dogs like Marley to have some behavioral challenges. Since he didn't have proper socialization early on, you're right to focus on playing catch-up. Lunging at other dogs often stems from excitement, anxiety, or a lack of proper social skills. The key is controlled desensitization and positive reinforcement.

Planned training sessions are crucial. Find a qualified dog trainer who can guide you through the process of gradually exposing Marley to other dogs in a safe and controlled environment. Start with distance, rewarding him for calm behavior. As he becomes more comfortable, you can slowly decrease the distance.

It's also important to teach Marley to focus his attention on you, especially when other dogs are around. Use high-value treats or toys to redirect his attention. Practice obedience commands like "sit" or "stay" in the presence of other dogs, rewarding him for compliance.

Don't forget about the importance of play! Marley needs an outlet for his energy. Schedule regular playdates with other dogs, either at a dog park or with friends who have well-socialized dogs. Doggy daycare can also be a great option, providing supervised playtime and socialization opportunities.

Remember that understanding the underlying motivation for Marley's behavior is key. Is he excited to greet other dogs, or is he anxious or fearful? Addressing the root cause will be much more effective than simply trying to suppress the behavior. If you're struggling with lead training issues, consider enlisting the help of a qualified behaviorist.

Q: My five-year-old Siberian husky, Ella, is terrified of the vet. What can I do?

Veterinary visits can be incredibly stressful for some dogs, especially breeds like Huskies that can be particularly sensitive. It's understandable that Ella is shaking with fear and needs to be muzzled. The goal is to change her association with the vet's office from a scary place to a positive one.

Start by visiting the practice when Ella doesn't need any medical attention. This allows her to experience the environment without the added stress of being poked and prodded. Have the staff greet her warmly, offer treats, and engage in gentle play. The more positive interactions she has, the better.

Consider using a calming pheromone diffuser or spray at home and in the car before vet visits. These products can help reduce anxiety and make Ella feel more relaxed. You can also bring her favorite blanket or toy to the vet's office to provide a sense of security.

For particularly fearful visits, talk to your vet about using sedative medication. This can help Ella stay calm and relaxed during examinations or procedures. Over time, with consistent positive experiences and potentially the help of medication, Ella's fear should decrease.

Q: We just got two sister rabbits, Elsa and Snow White. What's the best way to keep them healthy?

Congratulations on your new bunnies! It sounds like you're already off to a great start by providing them with plenty of hay. Hay is essential for rabbits' dental and digestive health.

Make sure you're providing them with a complete and balanced pelleted food, rather than a muesli mix. Rabbits tend to selectively eat the tastier bits of muesli, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies, dental problems, and obesity.

Annual health checks, including dental exams, are crucial for rabbits. Their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives, so regular checkups can help prevent overgrown teeth, which can be painful and affect their ability to eat. Also, vaccinations against myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease are highly recommended, as these diseases can be fatal.

Mickey's Miracle: A Story of Survival

In a heart-wrenching tale of animal cruelty turned triumph, a disabled dog named Mickey cheated death after being cruelly forced into oncoming traffic in Marrakech. Thankfully, the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC) intervened, rescuing Mickey from a horrific situation.

Mickey's story highlights the plight of millions of street dogs around the world who face neglect, abuse, and even mass slaughter. The IAWPC is working tirelessly to protect these vulnerable animals, but they need support. To learn more about their campaign and how you can help, visit iawpc.org.

Keep Your Pets Cozy This Autumn

As the weather turns cooler, ensure your pets are snug and warm with the Paws For Slumber range from bedding provider Slumberdown. These luxurious pet beds are designed for ultimate comfort and are the perfect way to keep your furry friends cozy this autumn. Visit slumberdown.co. uk/products/paws-for-slumber-luxury-pet-bed for more information.

Decoding Your Dog's Body Language

Dogs communicate primarily through body language, and understanding their signals is crucial for building a strong bond and preventing unwanted behaviors. A new book, "Dog Parenting" by Amy Pike, Elizabeth Mullen, and Tara Murtagh, provides valuable insights into canine communication.

Pay attention to your dog's vocals, facial expressions, and posture to understand their emotions. Here are some key signs to look out for:

• Playful: Ears and tail up, front paws bent, back end lifted. Pupils dilated, mouth open, tongue visible.
• Relaxed: Tail neutral, ears forward, head high, mouth open, tongue out.
• Alert: Wide-eyed, mouth closed, ears forward or moving, tail lifted horizontally.
• Anxious/Fearful: Furrowed brow, ears down, hair raised, body lowered, tail tucked.
• Aggressive: Ears forward, tail raised like a flag, nose wrinkled, lips curled, with stiff, forward stance. May bite if further challenged.
• Submissive: Ears flat against the head, rolling on back, tail tucked, avoiding eye contact.