PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing answers your questions...

Dear PDSA, We got our first puppy this summer, and this will be Elsa’s first Christmas with us. My friend said chocolate is dangerous for dogs, is this true? John

Dear John, yes chocolate is toxic for dogs, and also for other pets too. It contains a substance called theobromine, which is fine for humans, but harmful for our pets.

Depending on the amounts eaten, it can make them very sick, or in serious cases can even be fatal. It’s best to keep all advent calendars and anything containing chocolate well out of reach from Elsa.

It’s also a good idea to ask if any gifts you’ve been given are edible, and if they are don’t put them under the tree! If you think Elsa may have eaten something she shouldn’t, always call your vet straight away.

For more tips and keeping pets safe over Christmas, download our free pet survival guide at www.pdsa.org.uk/xmas-guide

 

Dear PDSA, I bought two rabbits earlier this year, they are kept in a hutch and run outside. I heard that they should be brought indoors for winter, but my friend says they are fine outdoors. Which is correct? Carolyn

Dear Carolyn, you’re both right! With proper housing, rabbits can stay outside through winter, but it’s important to protect them from the weather as they can really feel the cold.

Consider bringing them to a cooler room indoors or moving their hutch to a draft-free shed or car-free garage, away from fumes. Add extra bedding so they can snuggle up at night and provide plenty of feeding hay, as eating gives them the energy to keep warm.

If you can’t move the hutch, cover it with old carpet or a thick blanket (ensure it’s well ventilated), to help insulate and keep the warmth in. Check water is clean and not frozen multiple times daily. For more advice on caring for rabbits, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/rabbits

 

Dear PDSA, Should I reduce my dog’s walks during the really cold weather? Anya

Dear Anya, fit and healthy adult dogs usually cope well with cold weather, but if they have short or thin fur then a dog coat might be a good idea.

If your dog starts shivering that’s a sign that they’re too cold, and you should bring them into the warmth straight away. Even the fittest dogs can struggle in deep snow and icy conditions, so you may need to adjust exercise routines to suit the conditions.

For older dogs or puppies, really cold weather can be dangerous for them, so aim for shorter walks several times a day rather than one long outing.

If your dog is sick or unwell then it’s best to limit their outdoor time to short, supervised toilet breaks. For more advice on keeping pets safe and warm in the cold, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/wintersafety

 

Dear PDSA, I’m looking for a comfortable collar for my cat Berry, but I’m not sure what type is best.  What would you recommend? Paul

Dear Paul, cats aren’t required by law to wear collars and they can cause nasty injuries if they catch on branches etc when they are climbing. I would recommend getting Berry microchipped, as this is a permanent way of identification and is also now legally required for cats.

A microchip is a harmless device about the size of a grain of rice that is injected under the skin in the same way as a routine vaccination.

If you do decide to fit Berry with a collar as well as a microchip, make sure you choose a “quick release” type and consider a reflective collar for the winter months to help Berry be seen.

You should be able to fit one or two fingers between the collar and Berry’s neck when it is being worn.

For more information visit www.pdsa.org.uk