Alabama Rot: after last year’s local outbreak of this rare and nasty disease in dogs, there have been more cases reported this winter. Please keep a close eye out for sores on your dog and have them checked by your vet.
It is best to avoid muddy woodland walks, and to wash your dogs clean of mud. More info may be found at alabamarot.co.uk.
Litter box hopping: if you notice your cat making frequent visits to the litter tray, straining and passing blood do have them checked over by your vet as soon as possible.
Your pet may be suffering from painful cystitis or a life-threatening urethral blockage requiring vital emergency treatment. Cystitis may be due to bladder stones or infection, but the commonest cause is stress and not drinking enough. Find more information and advice here: icatcare.org.
Bird flu outbreak continues: as more cases are seen in backyard flocks and wild birds across the country, the Prevention Zone continues throughout February. This requires that all poultry and captive birds are housed indoors. For tips and updates check out thepoultrysite.com.
Also, if you find any dead wild waterfowl or gulls, or 5 or more dead wild birds of other species in the same place, please report them to the Defra helpline (Tel: 03459 33 55 77).
Adopt a bunny! If you have a single rabbit then do think about adopting another. They are naturally social creatures and will be much happier as a pair. However, as they are territorial it is best to introduce them on neutral ground.
An expert rehoming centre such as Cottontails in Westbury can help with the match-making.
by Jacky Macqueen