HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions. Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm tails.com, has helped with owners’ queries for ten years.
He says: “If your pet is acting funny or is under the weather, or you want to know about nutrition or exercise, just ask. I can help keep pets happy and healthy.”
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Sean McCormack, head vet at tails.com, promises he can ‘help keep pets happy and healthy’
One reader wants to know if dogs grieve Credit: Getty
Q: WE are considering using a pet-sitting service this summer for our Cockapoo, Barney.
But recently, on social media, someone posted about pet sitters who kicked a family dog.
What’s your best advice to make sure this never happens to our boy? I’d be heartbroken.
Is there a registration scheme that we should look out for?
BAD CATTITUDE
Dog owners are more likely to be happy than those who have cats, study finds
CREATURE COMFORTS
Half of pet owners plan their entire holiday around their furry friends
Sarah Stephens, Newcastle
Sean says: Stories like that are upsetting, but there are ways to minimise risk. Always choose a sitter with verified reviews, references and, ideally, insurance.
Or sign up to a membership platform that vets sitters with proper ID checks, makes some guarantees and covers you with insurance.
Look for those registered with organisations such as the National Association Of Pet Sitters.
Meet them in advance and observe how they interact with Barney.
Trial short visits before committing. And trust your instincts; a good sitter will be open, professional and genuinely interested in your pet’s wellbeing.
TrustedHousesitters.com connects pet owners with verified sitters.
Q: DO pets grieve? I lost my husband recently and our dog Lucy sits by the gate and seems so sad at times.
What advice can you give? She gets lots of walks and cuddles.
Cath Reid, Hull
Sean says: I’m very sorry for your loss. Yes, pets absolutely can grieve and show changes in behaviour when someone close is no longer there.
Lucy sitting by the gate suggests she’s waiting or searching, which is very common.
You are giving her the best possible support — routine, walks, affection and reassurance.
Over time, most dogs adjust, but they may always show subtle reminders of that bond.
Q: WHAT type of reptile would you recommend as a starter exotic for my daughter Grace, age 14?
I want to encourage her love of nature and animals.
Matt Dorman, Birmingham
Sean says: It’s lovely that you support your daughter’s interest, but I always warn that reptiles are not easy or beginner pets.
They have complex needs and shortcuts in housing them or neglecting subtle factors in how they are kept can lead to illness over time.
For beginners, species like leopard geckos or corn snakes are relatively hardy, manageable in size and have straightforward care needs.
However, all reptiles require proper heating, lighting and habitat setup, so research is vital. The equipment will cost much more than the animal itself.
A reputable reptile specialist or rescue can help find the right match.
Q: DO you recommend dental check-ups for cats?
My puss Emma is 15 now and clearly toothbrushing is a no-no. She seems fine, but is it wise to get a dental check-up now and again?
What are the signs I should look out for concerning decay?
Barry Carter, Glasgow
Sean says: Yes, dental health is hugely important, especially in older cats like Emma. Even if she seems fine, many cats hide dental pain well.
Regular checks can spot early signs of gum disease, tartar build-up or tooth decay before they get serious.
Watch for bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, dropping food or pawing at the mouth. Brushing isn’t always realistic (you’re not alone!), but dental diets or treats can help.
An occasional check-up may also identify dental disease, inflammation or infection sooner rather than later.
Left untreated, these can lead to kidney, liver or heart problems.
Star of the week
What The Flocks has been sitting next to her owner, Stellar-Blue Rose-Baker, 16, while she studied for her GCSEs Credit: Alley Einstein
A GCSE student has been getting help with exam revision from an unlikely source – her hen, What The Flocks.
The bird, a frizzle Pekin bantam, has been sitting next to her owner, Stellar-Blue Rose-Baker, 16, while she studied for her GCSEs.
Stellar, from Falmouth in Cornwall, will get her results in history, English, maths and photography in August – and says What The Flocks kept her company as she revised.
She said: “We named her What The Flocks because she has a gene defect, so her feathers curl outwards instead of inwards, giving her a very distinctive look that often surprises people.
“She’s got the vibe of an electrocuted Big Bird out of The Muppets.
“She was hand-reared, so she’s super-friendly.”
WIN: One of ten £25 Pet Remedy vouchers
You can win a Pet Remedy voucher Credit: Supplied
WE are offering TEN readers the chance to win a £25 Pet Remedy voucher to celebrate the firm winning a King’s Award for innovation.
The brand, based in Torquay, Devon, offers a range of vet-recommended products including calming sprays, diffusers and plug-ins.
To enter, send an email headed PET REMEDY to sundaypets@the-sun.co.uk by June 21.
See petremedy.co.uk.
Pampered pets love a makeover
A new survey has revealed eight out of ten owners have created a dedicated space for their four-legged friends when giving their home a makeover, pictured For The Love Of Dogs Host Pete Wicks Credit: Dulux
OUR pets always have a big say in our lives – even over DIY.
A new survey has revealed eight out of ten owners have created a dedicated space for their four-legged friends when giving their home a makeover. While 54 per cent take their pets into account picking paint colours and furniture.
And one in five (19 per cent) have given their pampered companions a room of their own. The research by Dulux, polled 1,000 UK pet owners.
And as the Dulux Dog marks 65 years this year, the firm says the growing significance of pet parenthood reflects a broader shift in how most of us view pets.
TV personality and devoted dog dad Pete Wicks has teamed up with Dulux Creative Director Marianne Shillingford to design a bespoke pet nook in his home for his rescue dogs, nine-month-old Rodney and his French bulldog Eric.
Pete, host of Channel 4 show, For Dogs’ Sake said: “Dogs take over your heart. Every dog deserves their own space, so they feel safe. It’s about creating something that looks good and gives them a place to relax.”
See more at: dulux.co.uk/en/pet-parenthood.
