Do you have questions about how to keep your dog healthy and happy post lockdown? Ask PDSA vet and animal expert, Anna Ewers - £200 voucher to be won

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You can find Anna's answers to all of your questions below - we're no longer taking questions on this thread

As the UK went into lockdown last year, most of us had a lot more time at home, and as a result, puppy sales soared. One year on, these pups will be reaching adolescence and some owners may be noticing a change in their dog’s behaviour. Many won’t have experienced the usual socialisation during their early years because of the pandemic, so their health and wellbeing is a priority as they adjust to life in the big wide world. With this in mind, PDSA vet Anna Ewers Clark will be on hand to answer your questions about preparing your adolescent pets for life after lockdown.

Here’s some more information about PDSA vet Anna: “Anna Ewers Clark is a vet working for the UK’s leading veterinary charity PDSA, who provide free and low-cost veterinary care to the pets of owners in need. She has worked in several PDSA Pet Hospitals across the UK, writes for the PDSA Pet Health Hub and provides veterinary advice for the charity’s communications team. She also has a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Anna lives with her dog, Kirk, and two rescue rabbits, Jack and Harley.”

Here’s what PDSA has to say: “As we start to socialise with friends and family again and visit new places, it’s important pets’ flea and worming treatments are kept up to date, especially if they’re exploring and mixing with other pets. PDSA has a range of flea and worm treatments available, helping to keep your four-legged friend and your family pest-free.”

Whether you’re worried about your dog’s behaviour, changing your pet’s routine post lockdown, or pesky fleas and worms, ask your questions on this thread and PDSA vet Anna will be back on the 23rd June to answer some of your questions.

All who leave a question will also be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £200 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

I’m also interested with doggy daycare- are they a good idea or do they encourage dogs to be bad mannered with a free for all jumping on each other all day (which my puppy would love)

what's the best way to keep them entertained?

We have recently got a second dog- puppy is getting on well so far. We have left them both for very short periods (with the puppy in a pen in the same room). Puppy is learning commands and sleeps in a crate.

Do we need to be as worried about socialisation and separation anxiety as they are together?

I have a 2 year old Cocker Spaniel who has become extremely clingy and extremely protective/territorial during lockdown. We were shielding so understand that he’s got used to the lack of visitors but if this continues we won’t be able to welcome anyone once restrictions are fully lifted. Any help would be gratefully received.

How often would you recommend brushing a young pups teeth, currently they look fine but I want him to get used to having them checked and brushed by me and vets if required. Currently he chews his yak bone which keep them clean. I don’t want him to get bad teeth later on?

My dog Baxter has gotten very clingy and anxious when left alone during lockdown. What is the best way to reduce his anxiety when leaving him at home alone?

Because we have been shielding and my dog has not seen any other person in my home apart from DH and DS, he gets very protective now vaccinated visitors are coming into my home - he snarls and barks as if to tell them to go away - how would you tackle this to make him less anxious when we have visitors - I currently put him in the dining room (crying) - he is a chocolate labrador - age 18 months

We've had our lovely dog for 10years. She's always been absolutely fine to be left in the house on her own. Since lockdown has ended shes showing signs of anxiety when she's left alone. How can we help her get over this ?

My 5yo dog has always been super chilled and adaptable, but over the last few months, as lockdown has lifted, she’s become very jumpy and reactive at home and in the garden. How can I help her to stay calm like she used to?

Post lockdown my 4 year old borodor (border collie/labrador cross) is less and less tolerant of visitors, especially the postman. He barks like crazy and jumps on the sofa at the window snarling. Even if the person is someone he knows or is familiar with.

Once the person is inside (if it's a friend) then he's calm and wagging in seconds, but his reaction is becoming really hard for everyone - especially my son who has special needs.

What would be the best way of calming his reaction and stopping him barking. Obviously we still want him to be on guard and a deterrent, but he's causing so much upset to himself and the family.

Please advise! Thanks.

Could we have some tips please on dealing with separation anxiety

Do you have any advice for returning to the office when they have been so used to having us there full time? Thank you

My rommie rescue lunges at cars, any strategies to help him desensitize to cars?

I have a very anxious retired greyhound - she is very loving & affectionate, but very tense & fearful when out on walks & does not like other dogs at all. I try to walk her at quieter times of day, & on routes where I know we won't bump into many other dogs - but sometimes it's unavoidable. Other dog owners always want to stop & chat, & I would love to - but it makes my girl so anxious & unhappy - I always keep moving. Is this the right thing to do? I know from research that this is very common in greyhounds, particularly retired greyhounds as they are often only familiar with other greyhounds. Would love to know your thoughts! Thank you :)

My little white Maltese/Poodle cross is ten years old. He loves to lie in the sun, actually seeking out the sunny spots in our home. He doesn't stay long, usually about 15 minutes tops as he gets hot. I am worried about skin cancer. Should I stop his sun bathing?

My young dog seems nervous of people coming in the house, presumably as not experienced it before because of lockdown. He runs off and hides. Any tips?

My 4 month old pup is learning recall and doing well but she will bounce off to chase the a bird on the ground or a toddler and completely ignores me standing with a tasty piece of chicken for the recall
At what age should she get better at this?

Our one year old lab hasn't been left with anyone else during lockdown. We have a family holiday planned for late August and are looking at a range of options: e.g. using a company that arranges for a sitter to come and stay in our home; or a company where we would take him to the sitter's home; kennels; finding someone local who would come in occasionally to feed him and take him for walks and getting him used to that person beforehand etc......In your experience, is there a best option for our pup's happiness and our peace of mind?

Our 13yr old lhasa apso has become ridiculously clingy and demanding over lockdown (spoiled by 3 uni students being home). He is demanding constant walks and attention. We are worried about how he will cope when they all return to their cities in Sept and he will be alone for 6 hours a day, 3 x per week.

Hi - I have a King Charles spaniel & have been advised she has heart murmur now grade 3 - vets want to do a scan but I can’t afford it - is there any medication I can purchase to help her?? I’m so worried

We rescued a dog in lockdown, he's 16 months now and incredibly relaxed.
He doesn't mind people but we're going to be starting some building work soon. How can we make this as stress free as possible for him?
We are at home with him every day, and he has met the builders but the house will be in chaos for weeks.

My puppy is prone to bouts of upset stomachs. Should I change to biscuits only.

My puppy is six months old and gets so excited whenever we have our shoes on or pick up keys how do I calm her down when it’s not walking time just getting washing on the line …

My lovely Spanish Podenco rescue girl is settling in well but I’m a bit worried that she’s still really thin. She enjoys two 30 minute walks a day (longer at weekends) now that lockdown restrictions are easing. Should I increase her amount of food or be supplementing her usual food to improve her health as we increase her exercise level? Thank you for your advice.

Do the plaque powders and liquids that are added to food and drinking water work and what's the best type of toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs teeth