Latest news with #Beardies
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
From a destructive cat to a friendless bearded dragon – your pet queries answered
Scroll down to read Sean's advice about a cat who only eats the jelly in their food Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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 has helped with owners' queries for ten years. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Sean McCormack, head vet at promises he can 'help keep pets happy and healthy' 4 This week a reader writes in whose cat keeps scratching their chair Credit: Getty Q) ALTHOUGH she knows it annoys me, my cat keeps scratching my favourite chair. I've already had it recovered once. What can I do to stop Dingo's destroying ways? Peter Thrower, Barnsley A) Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats. It marks their territory, leaving scent behind for other cats that might stray in as well as being a visual reminder that they live in that location. There's also evidence it releases natural feelgood chemicals like endorphins and happy hormones. Dingo is not doing it to annoy you, she just really wants to scratch that chair. They like prominent upright surfaces to do it on, too. The trick is to encourage the behaviour more on appropriate objects. Cat-scratching posts are vital if you don't already have some. Multiple ones around the house preferably. And use a pet-safe deterrent spray on your chair or temporarily wrap it in cling film or aluminium foil to break the habit. Bonkers, but it can work. Q) CAN you please advise on what paint can be used for a tortoise enclosure? World's Oldest Tortoise Jonathan Package - Joe Hollins My family have a pair called Laurel and Hardy. Sara Moore, Selsdon, Surrey A) I have to admit I'm not up to date on the paint market, so it's difficult to recommend products. What I will say is that it needs to be a paint advertised as pet-safe. I'd also mention that it needs to be for outdoor use so it doesn't flake off and get eaten by your tortoises. And on that note, certain colours can be very attractive to tortoises. Bright yellows, oranges, reds and purples in particular are a no-go, otherwise Laurel and Hardy may be chewing their way through your enclosure and we don't want that. Q) I HAVE just bought my son his first bearded dragon. Called Berty, he is really sociable. Should I get him a friend? Amy Parker, Reading A) My niece just got one too and it's reminded me just how fun and sociable they can be as pets. The pet dog of the reptile world, I think. Anyway, you'll be glad to know Berty doesn't need a companion as Beardies are pretty solitary animals. They only really come together to mate. When kept in groups, stress and competition for food and basking spots is high, but fighting, injury and even death can also occur. As with all reptile-keeping, mimic their life in the wild as best you can and you won't go too far wrong. Q) MY cat Princess only eats the jelly on cat food and turns her nose up at the rest of it. What can I do to get her to eat up? I'm worried she'll be hungry. Olivia Edwards, Basildon, Essex A) One of three things is likely to be happening here. Firstly, it's quite possible Princess may have oral pain, caused by dental disease. This is worth a vet appointment. As is the second category — an illness may be making her lose her appetite. You don't mention if she has lost weight or whether she's drinking more but these are always signs to watch out for, in older cats especially. Finally, maybe she's just not that hungry, and she knows that if she turns her nose up you come rushing in with something even more tasty. Cats and dogs can be very clever like that, training their owners to produce the goods when they fancy something different. We often worry too much in this last situation. If your cat is a healthy weight and seems well in herself, simply relax and let Princess finish her bowl. Star of the week 4 Deadpool's Peggy is now a superhero to other pups Credit: Supplied SHE played Dogpool in the latest Deadpool & Wolverine blockbuster – and now Peggy is a superhero to other pups. As the five-year-old hairless pugese – a pug and Chinese Crested cross, once voted Britain's ugliest dog – has helped raise £627 for Birmingham Dogs Home at Comic Con Midlands. Rachel Frost, the charity's events and community fundraising manager said: 'We were a little star-struck to have Peggy visit our charity but are extremely grateful for her taking time out of her busy schedule to support our rescue dogs.' Peggy's owner, make-up artist Holly Middleton, 38, from East Yorks, said: 'Peggy and I are very proud to support them.' Donate at birmingham WIN: £50 B&M VOUCHER B&M is giving five lucky readers the chance to win a £50 voucher to spend on their new summer pet collection. The range has everything you need to keep your furry friend happy – from cooling mats and splash pools to Paw Pops you can freeze for a tasty treat. To enter the competition, email sundaypets@the-sun. with the subject line B&M by August 3. Check out the range at T&Cs apply. SAVE PETS FROM GARDEN'S HIDDEN TOXINS 4 Owners should look out for hidden dangers in their gardens to keep pets safe Credit: Supplied SUMMER is the ideal time for pets to relax in the garden – but owners should look out for hidden dangers. Check slug pellets, fertilisers and pesticides are safe for animals, and remember some plants can be deadly. Lars Mortensen, head vet at the Agria pet insurance app, said: 'Dog, cat and rabbit owners should look out for plants such as lilies, giant hogweed, geraniums and hydrangeas. Know which products are pet-friendly and which are toxic.' Kitten Izzie had a risky brush with a lily on the Ards Peninsula in County Down. Her owner, healthcare professional Megan Clarke, washed her and rushed her to the vet, where she was put on a drip to support her vital organs. Agria covered the £2,500 cost. Lucinda Alderton-Sell, of charity Cats Protection, revealed several owners have been caught out by surprise toxins. She said: 'Lilies are poisonous to cats and the toxins can cause kidney failure, which can be fatal.' Ross Hallifax, from pet insurance specialist Purely Pets, said there are also chemicals in pest control which can irritate dogs' skin and digestive systems. If your pet has symptoms, call your vet immediately.
Scottish Sun
21-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Is it safe to let my Bearded Dragon enjoy the sun from our patio? – your pet queries answered
'How can we tell if our hamster is happy?', asks another pet owner PAWS AND CLAWS Is it safe to let my Bearded Dragon enjoy the sun from our patio? – your pet queries answered Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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 has helped with owners' queries for ten years. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Sean McCormack, head vet at promises he can 'help keep pets happy and healthy' 4 Vet Sean gives advice to a Bearded Dragon owner Credit: Alamy Q: SHOULD I let my Bearded Dragon Lucky out on the patio in the sun, in a safe enclosure where he will be supervised? It seems a shame to keep him inside if the weather is good. What do you think? MIKE BROWN, Leeds Sean says: Yes, natural UV rays from the sunshine just can't be beaten for reptiles like your Beardie. But a few safety tips . . . You've already touched on the most important one. It must be a foolproof, escape-proof enclosure — if there is a gap or opportunity to climb or jump out, Lucky will take it. And not be so lucky facing life in the wild. You must also watch him like a hawk, or a hungry hawk or cat could see him as a meal. Finally, what can seem like sunny weather to us may not produce the right temperature for him at ground level, for example. So it's best to use a thermometer to measure the ground and air temperature, ensuring it's meeting his ideal thermal range. If it's a few degrees too cold don't risk it, as respiratory illness is common in Beardies if they catch a chill. Q: HOW can we tell if our hamster is happy? And what are the signs of stress? We have Siberian hamster Pippa, who is six months old, and I want to ensure she has the happiest life, cared for by my daughters Bella, eight and Flo, nine. MARK THOMAS, Cardiff Sean says: I applaud you Mark, as many small pets are overlooked in this way — seen as low-maintenance, not needing much consideration for their happiness. And the way they are sold, particularly in respect to their housing, is often below the acceptable minimum standard in terms of space and environmental or behavioural enrichment. Basically, think how a hamster lives in the wild — yes, there are still wild hamsters in Europe, Russia and into Asia. They live in a burrow system and will roam great distances at night. A tiny cage with a wheel just doesn't cut it. So provide as big a cage as possible, with a safe area for supervised free roaming. Q: MY dog gets grass seeds in her paws. I keep her pad clipped but should I consider getting booties for her? I wonder if Mica, a Siberian husky, is just unlucky or if there's anything else I can do to stop this happening? HELEN BROOMFIELD, Doncaster Sean says: Most dogs really dislike boots and poorly fitting ones can chafe by altering how they walk. My advice is to try to keep Mica away from areas of very long grass going to seed. You simply have to inspect her paws after every walk and make sure there are no seeds lurking under or between her pads. Keeping fur clipped short there is good too. Q: WHAT steps should I take to keep my dog safe as the weather gets hotter? Should I get a drinking bowl that cools water? Or provide fans? After last year's heatwave, I want to get prepared. COLIN SMITH, Sudbury, Suffolk Sean says: No need for expensive gadgets. Room-temperature water, and plenty of it, around the house is best — and shade to retreat to when things get too hot. If you can get one, a cooling mat is a good idea. Finally, make sure to only walk your dog in the cooler mornings and evenings, never in the middle of the day when it gets really hot. Test the pavement with the back of your hand — if it's too hot for you it's too hot for our dogs. Star of the week 4 Felix the dog has been announced as Britain's new ambassador for sports brand ASICS Credit: supplied GLOBETROTTER Felix the dog has been announced as Britain's new ambassador for sports brand ASICS. The seven-year-old Samoyed has visited 36 countries and is an social-media sensation with the handle @wanderlust_samoyed. Latest ASICS research shows British dog owners are 35 per cent more likely to hit recommended physical activity guidelines compared to those without dogs, and have better mental wellbeing. ASICS spokesman Gary Raucher said: 'We are delighted to have Felix as our official ASICS Mind's Best Friend and share dogs' infectious love for movement with the world to motivate us to get out and move for our minds.' See WIN: Kanoodle toy bundle DISCOVER Kanoodle® Dog Edition by Brightkins™. This engaging toy hides tasty treats, encouraging your dog to sniff, spin and solve for their reward. Brightkins is giving away five bundles each worth £49.90 – one for your dog and one for humans. See who cracks it first. To enter, send an email headed BRIGHTKINS to sundaypets@the-sun. by July 6. See T&Cs apply. How to keep your dogs safe at the seaside WITH summer fun on the way, one of the country's top canine first-aiders has issued an urgent warning about water safety for dogs. Veterinary nurse Rachel Bean, author of the iPET Network's canine first-aid qualification, said that while many dogs love water, some breeds, boxers, are at higher risk of drowning. 4 Here's how to keep your beloved pet safe at the beach Credit: Getty Here are her top four hazards to look out for . . . 1. Sea water ingestion, which can lead to salt poisoning: Rachel says: 'If your dog starts vomiting or showing signs of distress, get them to a vet immediately. Carry fresh water and offer it frequently while at the beach.' 2. Drowning: Breeds such as bulldogs, boxers and Basset hounds are physically unsuited to swimming, so don't just assume they will be fine. 3. Blue-green algae: It can be lethal, even in small doses. Rachel says: 'Rinse them off immediately. Symptoms can appear rapidly and include weakness and drooling.' 4. Overexertion and heatstroke: Watch for excessive panting, drooling, disorientation or collapse. Move them to shade, offer cool (not ice-cold) water and seek veterinary help urgently.
Telegraph
28-01-2025
- General
- Telegraph
The slow death of Cornish tin, and other tales of metal
Mines are intrinsically In Under a Metal Sky, Marsden leaves his home near some of the world's richest metal deposits – the Cornish batholith – to visit underground seams of metal across Europe. His route takes him past the sluice gates and peat of the Netherlands, and along the Rhine to consider the bronze layers of meaning in The charm and the genius of this book is in its ability not to pigeonhole itself. There's no homogeneity here, no forced framework, nor, as far as I can grasp, a strict classification system for the chapters, nor any firm criterion for including or excluding a mine or metal or thing. Marsden's journey isn't contiguous, and he avoids clichéd conceits – for instance, exclusively following Bronze Age trading routes. Avoiding all these old tricks allows him instead to display a quiet depth of knowledge, and a truly impressive network of friends, acquaintances and correspondents among the mining and metal enthusiasts both across Europe and at home. For instance, take 'the Beardies', a collection of ex-miners, crystal collectors and amateur geologists who meet in a Bodmin pub to discuss all things rock, metal and mine. This doughty group of enthusiasts continue to delve underground, and the early passages in which Marsden descends with them are some of the most vivid. During one trip in the abandoned mine-shafts they find themselves among stalactites, passing blue sheets of copper sulphate, seeing the hobnailed imprint from a miner's boot. During another, they see rubbish from the 1970s tipped down a hole in the moor: a yoghurt pot, a suitcase. European equivalents of the Beardies recur in later chapters, offering anecdotes, philosophical insights and enthusiasm for heavy metal; this might have started to wear thin, but Marsden also introduces a range of historical figures from Though Marsden's subject matter is European mines, and he's writing in the time of their ebb – probably a terminal one – he remains elegant and detached, and so avoids sounding bleak. The last mine in Cornwall, South Crofty tin mine, closed in 1998 after a fight against economic forces that was meticulously documented by the local news. It was the daily soap-opera of my childhood in the English south-west; series two has now begun, with the hunt for lithium. But Marsden doesn't get drawn into the heat and fury of present-day debates. When he returns to Cornwall to meet the sustainable future, he does so, thankfully, without pomp or bombast: instead, we get an intelligent and gently cynical discussion of 'clean' lithium, which is extracted from tin slag-heaps and recycles the extractive processes of long ago. The only blip, I thought, was in a late discussion of soil. Marsden takes us on a whistlestop tour of its 'galleries and tunnels and water drops the size of reservoirs, and huge mites scurrying between boulders of sand and clay-cliffs'. Yet it's a shame to generalise that 'soil ecology was not a thing in the 1790s': the many 18th-century lime-kilns built around England's south-western coast attest to just one attempt to 'rebalance' the soil, albeit for agricultural purposes, on a massive scale. Metals, although they form different compounds and pass through different oxidation states, have a certain cleanness and cohesion to them; it's a pity to generalise about the microbiota of soil after such a lucid exegesis on everything else. But in general, Marsden's voice and Under a Metal Sky are restrained and authoritative throughout. I'm only sad that he quashed my belief that the Phoenicians traded in Cornish tin. Under a Metal Sky is published by Granta at £20. To order your copy for £16.99, call 0330 173 5030 or visit
