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.” MY cat Heathcliffe has a thing about doing zoomies after dinner. He whizzes around like a lunatic. I thought only dogs did that. Why do you think it’s happening? He then settles down for the night. ROB PEARCE, Cardiff SEAN SAYS: This is classic “post-hunt energy release”. The official term for it in cats is a FRAP, or a “frenetic random activity period”. READ MORE ON PETS In the wild, cats hunt, eat, then expend leftover adrenaline. Your dinner routine is mimicking that cycle. Heathcliff’s zoomies are a normal expression of that instinct. It’s actually a good sign he feels comfortable and stimulated in his environment. If it gets too chaotic, a short play session before meals can help burn off energy in a more controlled way. Otherwise, enjoy the show. OUR tortoise Reg is very particular about his baths. If we use a see-through bowl he gets agitated, but if it’s not translucent he’s really happy and will bathe to his heart’s content. Why do you think that’s the case? ANDREW MAITLAND, Bexley, SE London SEAN SAYS: Tortoises are prey animals, so feeling exposed can make them anxious. A clear bowl means Reg can see movement all around him, which may feel unsafe. An opaque container gives a sense of security, like being partially hidden, which helps him relax. It’s similar to how many animals prefer enclosed spaces. If you find he’s happy and soaking calmly in a non-transparent bath, you’ve found what works for him. MY Labrador Mia has become reluctant to use stairs. She is now nine. She was recently diagnosed with arthritis. Is this the root of it? She has pain relief daily. Can you recommend any additional supplements that could ease her symptoms? DAVE PETERS, Basildon, Essex SEAN SAYS: Yes, arthritis is very likely the cause of Mia’s reluctance. Even with pain relief, stairs can be challenging. Joint supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin and, crucially, omega-3 fatty acids, can provide additional support over time, as can a diet tailored for weight control and joint support. We can definitely help at Tails.com if you want to sign up for a free trial or get in touch on hello@tails.com. Keeping her weight ideal is vital, as excess weight worsens joint strain. Non-slip surfaces on flooring, stairs and ramps where possible can help. Gentle, regular exercise is better than bursts of activity. If her mobility is worsening, your vet may adjust medication. A great resource to learn more is at Canine Arthritis Management (caninearthritis.co.uk). DELCIE, our terrier, gets really upset and barks when there are visitors at the door or deliveries. If someone comes into the house she barks with excitement. How can I stop this? JASMINE DOWLING, Crayford, SE London SEAN SAYS: This is very common and usually driven by excitement and territorial alerting behaviour. Delcie has learned that barking gets attention and that visitors are a big event. Start by teaching an alternative behaviour, such as going to a bed or mat when the door goes. Practise this when there’s no one there first. Reward calm behaviour heavily. Ask your visitors to completely ignore her until she is calm and then invite her to come interact. No ramping up her excitement please. Consistency is key, and over time she’ll learn that calmness, not chaos, gets the reward. STAR of the WEEK KYLO the Bengal cat has been branded a “tiny terror” by his owners as he likes to pinch items around the house. The one-year-old often tries to break in to his treat cupboard in the kitchen and loves nothing more than running off with the children’s toys. Owner Levi Harris, 16, of Sudbury, Suffolk, said: “He’s like a little torpedo. “He’s always trying to get into his treat cupboard to steal treats. “I have two younger brothers, aged four and seven, and he grabs their fluffy toys and even little cars and will run around with them in his mouth like a dog. “We call him ‘the tiny terror!’.” Win: Book by British ‘dog whisperer’ TIKTOK dog training sensation Adam Spivey has released a new book, The Dogs That Saved Me – and we have 12 copies worth £22 each to give away. The book reveals how, while building his dog-training community, he overcame loss and depression, and it shares the lessons he learned from his animals. To enter, send an email headed LITTLE BROWN to sundaypets@the-sun.co.uk by June 7. See littlebrown.co.uk. T&Cs apply. IT’S A DOG’S LIFE? NOT IF YOU OWN A PUP NEARLY 90 per cent of dog owners say their emotional wellbeing has been improved by their dog, a new survey has revealed. But the study also showed the lengths we go to caring for our four-legged friends. A survey of 2,000 dog owners by flea and tick protection company Frontline found nearly 37 per cent of dog owners said having a pooch led to working at home more. Meanwhile 14 per cent said they have adjusted their schedule or taken time off. But being at home has not led to loneliness, as 86 per cent felt their emotional wellbeing had improved. A Frontline spokesman said: “Dog owners have really benefited from home working and flexible hours. “It’s win-win as they don’t miss out on social interaction as they’re making new friends.” Nearly a quarter polled said that during dog walks they stop for coffee with others, while 36 per cent made a dog-walking pal. Ali Stewart-Paterson, from South London, who has a Labrador, said: “Having a dog makes it really important to have an understanding employer. “I had to take two days off when Trevor was neutered. I’ve also met new people thanks to Trevor.”