Your pet questions: Why is my dog barking at people when we're out on a walk?

I’ve started to take my dog out socialising a bit more, but she always seems to bark when people are near to us. Is there anything I can do to prevent this behaviour? Elan

Dear Elan,

Barking when people are near may mean that your dog feels worried about people approaching, but it could also be because she is excited.

It is important to work out what she is trying to tell you through her behaviour and body language. Early socialisation for our pets is very important but needs to be done gradually, at your dog’s pace, making sure she stays relaxed.

Try to keep your distance when you see people on walks and reward your dog when she stays calm. As you dog gets used to being near people and stays calm, gradually move closer while continuing to reward her.

Talk to your vet for advice, they may refer you to a behavioural specialist.

For more information, visit pdsa.org.uk/dogbehaviour

Dear PDSA Vet,

My cat seems to be drinking and weeing a lot more recently, should I take him to the vet? Gavin

Dear Gavin,

Cats normally get a lot of their fluid from food (especially if they mainly eat wet food), so it’s quite common to only see them drinking now and again.

If you have recently noticed your cat drinking more than usual and using his litter tray more often, it can be a symptom of a medical problem so it’s really important to take him to a vet for a thorough examination and possibly further tests.

It’s important to make your vet aware of any other changes you’ve noticed in your cat, such as any weight loss or change in their behavior or appetite.

It will really help to take note of exactly how much your cat is drinking and to take a fresh sample of their urine too.

Dear PDSA Vet,

Since getting our new rabbit, Peaches, I’ve noticed she keep tilting her head to the side. Is this normal? Rihanna

Dear Rihanna,

A head tilt in a rabbit isn’t normal and can be caused by a problem inside the ear or the brain – where the balance centre sits.

Inner ear infections and E.caniculi (a tiny parasite that causes damage in the brain) are the two most common causes of a head tilt in a rabbit. Most of the conditions that cause a head tilt can also cause other symptoms such as loss of balance and flickering eye movements.

Always contact your vet if your rabbit develops a head tilt, and do so immediately if he/she has also lost their balance, seems distressed, is falling over, or stops eating.

For more advice and information, go to pdsa.org.uk