From a chuckling horse to an unwalkable dog – your pet queries answered

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.” Sean McCormack, head vet at tails.com, promises he can ‘help keep pets happy and healthy’ This week a reader is wondering if a horse is chuckling Credit: Getty Q) IS it OK to feed garlic to dogs? I’ve read it’s good for immune support and improved circulation, but someone said you have to feed it raw and not cooked? What do you advise? Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! JANE ARMSTRONG, Chester Sean says: I’d steer clear. Garlic is often promoted online as a natural health supplement for humans, but it belongs to the allium family alongside onions, leeks and chives, all of which can be toxic to dogs. In sufficient quantities, they can damage red blood cells and lead to anaemia, and there’s no good evidence that feeding raw garlic provides meaningful health benefits that outweigh the risks. To support your dog’s immune system naturally, you’re better focusing on a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise and preventative veterinary care. Q) DO horses laugh? I go to a riding school and one in particular seems to chuckle at times. Is this possible? Could horses have a sense of humour like us? Most read in Money CATH WOOD, Horsham, West Sussex Sean says: Every horse owner has met one that seems to have a wicked sense of humour. Scientifically, we don’t have evidence that horses laugh in the same way humans do, but they certainly play, form friendships and show individual personalities. They communicate through their ears, eyes, posture and facial expressions, and some seem remarkably good at getting up to mischief. But if your favourite seems to grin after pinching a grooming brush, I’d say it’s probably confidence, curiosity and personality rather than laughter. Q) SHOULD I let my tortoise Reggie live out in the garden for summer with his tortoise house? My sister used to, but I have inherited him and, while the space is secure, I wonder if I should bring him in at night. What do you think? HELEN MATLAND, Bexley, Kent Sean says: For Mediterranean tortoises, a secure outdoor enclosure in summer is often the healthiest option because nothing beats natural sunshine for shell growth and vitamin D. Reggie’s tortoise house should provide shelter from rain, wind and predators, but I’d still keep an eye on overnight temperatures. If they drop significantly or it is cold and damp for prolonged periods, bringing him indoors overnight is sensible. Having indoor housing provision as back-up is vital. This should include a full-spectrum UV bulb as well as a heat lamp. There’s great advice on the Tortoise Trust and British Chelonia Group websites. Q) MY 16-month-old cockapoo Bonnie has just finished her season. Now, she is refusing to go on her 6am walks and snarls at me if I bring her lead over. She will come out in the afternoon, but only wants to sleep in her crate each morning. Nothing ever happened on the walk to scare her, so I don’t understand. FRANK LANGAN, Peterborough, Cambs Sean says: Because this behaviour appeared quite suddenly after Bonnie’s season, I’d be less inclined to think it’s stubbornness and more concerned there’s an underlying reason. Hormonal changes can temporarily affect behaviour, but pain, discomfort or even a phantom pregnancy could also explain why she wants to stay in her crate each morning. The fact she’s happy to walk later in the day is an interesting clue. I’d arrange a veterinary check-up to rule out any physical causes before approaching it as a behavioural issue. If medical issues are ruled out first, you can find a local behaviourist by searching online for APBC, CCAB and ABTC, the accrediting bodies. STAR OF THE WEEK Marji the rescue cat has a favourite plant pot at her home in Sheffield Credit: Unknown YOU’VE heard of the flower pot men, now meet the flower pot cat! Marji the rescue cat loves a spot on the sofa, but also has a favourite plant pot at her home in Sheffield. Owners Tim and Julie Clew, who rescued her ten years ago, said: “We adopted Marji from the Sheffield Cats’ Shelter when she was about one. “We don’t know anything about her former life, but she’s wary of people, which is a shame because she’s very sweet and people do keep trying to befriend her. “She does like to cuddle up to us, but only on her own strict rules! “What she does love, though, is an old plant pot on our driveway – it gets full sun on a nice day and she curls up.” WIN: Dog ice cream cake and bundle from Dog & Bond THE award-winning make-at-home dog treats company Dog & Bond are offering two readers the chance to win an ice cream, treat and cake mix bundle worth £125. Goodies include cinnamon apple treats and peanut butter doggy ice cream. To win, send an email headed DOG&BOND to sunday pets@the-sun.co.uk by September 3. See dogandbond.com T&Cs apply. HOT DOGS CAN FORAGE FOR FUN The relentless heat is creating a very different challenge for the nation’s dogs Credit: Unknown BRITAIN’S record-breaking summer may be welcomed by sunseekers, but the relentless heat is creating a very different challenge for the nation’s dogs. Canine expert Andrew Hale says foraging games provide a satisfying way to combat boredom if it’s too hot for walkies. He said: “Dogs experience much of their world through their noses. Giving them an opportunity to search, sniff and forage can provide meaningful mental stimulation without the physical exertion. “It allows dogs to make choices, solve a problem and engage in a behaviour which comes naturally.” There are a number of products on the market, including the Pet Remedy Boredom Buster Foraging Kit, which has pockets where treats can be concealed. There’s also dog puzzle boards from stores including Pets At Home. Or if you’re on a budget, you can hide treats in boxes or loosely folded towels. Andy said: “Enrichment should not feel like an exam. The aim is to make the activity achievable for a dog for the first time. “Start simply and allow them to build up slowly.” Find out more at petremedy.co.uk. Comment now