Sean McCormack, head veterinarian at tails.com, a personalized pet food company, offers his expertise to pet owners grappling with various animal-related concerns. From dietary issues to behavioral changes, Sean addresses a range of queries, providing practical advice and solutions.
One reader sought help with their rabbit, Ginge, who exhibits a peculiar habit of thumping his hind legs. Sean explains that this behavior, while seemingly odd, is perfectly normal for rabbits. In the wild, thumping serves as an alarm signal, alerting others in the warren to potential dangers. Ginge’s thumping, therefore, might be an expression of excitement or a way of signaling a friendly greeting. Sean also emphasizes the importance of companionship for rabbits, recommending that single rabbits be paired with another rabbit for their social well-being.
Another reader, Andrew Woodhouse, grapples with the excessive flatulence of his Beagle Boxer cross, Moose. Sean acknowledges the Beagle’s propensity for obesity and indiscriminate eating habits, which often contributes to flatulence. He advises against feeding Moose pork pies, recommending instead a switch to a hypoallergenic diet or an adjustment in fiber levels. Prebiotics and probiotics are also suggested as potential remedies, alongside specialized diets formulated for sensitive digestion. A personalized food plan from tails.com is offered as a tailored solution to Moose’s digestive woes.
Nancy Rowe expresses concern about the escalating fights between her two 12-year-old Burmese cats, Raffles and Reilly. The previously harmonious siblings began exhibiting aggressive behavior following the passing of Rowe’s husband and a subsequent weight-loss diet imposed by the vet. Sean acknowledges the emotional impact of the owner’s death on pets, noting that cats can experience sadness, withdrawal, and even depressive symptoms. He discourages intervening in the cats’ fights with negative reinforcement, suggesting instead that Rowe provide ample resources like food, shelter, and resting places to minimize competition. If the problem persists, consulting a qualified animal behaviorist is recommended.
Beyond individual pet concerns, Sean also highlights inspiring stories of animal rescue and welfare initiatives. Gremlin, a Shih Tzu with severely matted fur, was rescued by the UK charity Blue Cross. His overgrown fur had obscured his breed and gender, requiring extensive grooming and care to restore his well-being. Gremlin has since found a loving home, demonstrating the transformative power of animal rescue organizations. The article also features a competition for a luxury dog bed and promotes Gizmo’s Legacy, a volunteer-run organization dedicated to rescuing stray animals and identifying deceased pets.
Gizmo’s Legacy, founded by Helena Abrahams, operates with over 1,500 volunteers who respond to calls about stray animals and collect deceased pets for identification. The organization emerged from Abrahams’ personal experience of losing her cat Gizmo in a car accident and being unable to retrieve his body. Gizmo’s Legacy advocates for a legal requirement for all roadkill cats to be scanned for microchips, allowing owners to be notified and preventing the distress of unknowingly losing their pets. The organization provides a crucial service, reuniting lost pets with their owners and offering closure in cases of pet fatalities. Helena’s dedication and the unwavering commitment of the volunteers exemplify the vital role of community-driven animal welfare initiatives.
