Veterinarian answers pet owners' questions: can you rename a dog.

According to The Sun: He has a mission to help our pets . . . and is ready to answer your questions.

Sean, the chief veterinarian of tailored pet food tails.com, has been supporting pet owners for ten years.

Sean McCormack, the chief veterinarian of tails.com, promises he can "help keep pets happy and healthy" Getty

Questions and Answers

Q) CAN I change the name of my rescue dog?

I have a mixed-breed one-year-old dog named Barney, but he seems not to know his name. Should I keep his name or give him a new one so he can start a new life?

I don't want to confuse him even more, if that's not right.

He doesn't respond to his name, so I'm starting fresh.

Mike Barnett, Middlesbrough

A) Of course, you can. Animals are not tied to their names the way we are. Names are a human invention for interacting with animals.

They help draw attention, reward or praise, or make a remark when needed.

If you clearly pronounce the new name along with treats, the animal will quickly get used to its sound, whether it’s Bernie, Boris, Barbara, Lenny or even Doggo McDogface.

Dogs adapt well. But be cautious with the name Doggo McDogface.

Cat Questions

Q) MY cat, Pepper, has issues with gas, and sometimes his stomach rumbles.

He is healthy, and I have no other concerns about his well-being, but it’s not very pleasant.

Should I consider probiotics? What about prebiotics? What’s the difference? What do you recommend?

Ben Peters, Lancashire

A) It could be a food intolerance, but first, I always recommend checking that Pepper doesn't have worms.

Worms can cause numerous problems, including gas and stomach upset.

I recommend trying a hypoallergenic diet for cats or one specifically for digestive support.

A diet with a new protein or limited ingredient list that Pepper hasn't eaten before may also be helpful. If needed, add a supplement to improve digestion.

However, try to introduce changes gradually, allowing at least six to eight weeks per change to assess the result. Your veterinarian will be able to select the best option for your situation.

Animal Heroes

Q) WHEN should I consider hibernating my tortoise, Ben? Is it with the first frost?

I plan to keep him in the garage this winter, moving his residence.

Is there anything else you would recommend for safety?

Andrew Maitland, Bexley, Kent

A) Nights are getting shorter, and the weather is getting cooler.

You haven't mentioned how old Ben is or if you have previously hibernated him. I always emphasize that changes are significant for tortoises.

Climate and seasonal changes affect them, so you need to be cautious.

Traditionally, it's recommended to allow Ben to burrow into the ground or perhaps wrap him in straw in a box in the shed. However, these options can be dangerous for older tortoises due to the weather.

Waking up too early or prolonged hibernation can lead to illness.

My advice is to move tortoises to a warm room with UV light as soon as autumn begins.

The hibernation process is best performed under controlled conditions, such as in a refrigerator for six to eight weeks. If this is not possible, hibernate them indoors with appropriate equipment. A lot of useful information can be found on the Tortoise Trust and British Chelonia Group websites.

STAR OF THE WEEK

STARVING sisters Esme and Freya were found in critical condition, thrown in a pile of rubbish before being rescued by RSPCA staff.

But now they have a chance at a new life. Their new owner, Katie Arousmit, traveled hundreds of miles from Edinburgh to adopt them from a rescue center in North Yorkshire.

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Katie, 45, said, “I knew that as soon as I saw them, they would be my girls.”

RSPCA inspector Rowena Proctor, who found them, added: “Both were literally thrown out with the rubbish. They recovered and learned to trust again, and I am very grateful to Katie and the Great Ayton staff for bringing them back to health.”

WIN: Self-cleaning Cat Litter Box

GET RID of unpleasant odors and make caring for cats easier with a self-cleaning litter box!

We are giving away a PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro litter box valued at £307.99.

This smart mechanism moves waste into a closed compartment, taking the hassle of cleaning off your hands.

To win, email with the subject PETSAFE to [email protected] by October 26.

Details at petsafe.com/uk. Terms and conditions apply.

IS YOUR TREASURE A GREAT DOG FOUND IN UKRAINE?

Searches for the UK's greatest dog hero have begun!

Nominations for the Hero Dog 2026 award by the Kennel Club are open for extraordinary pets of the country, from devoted companions to heroes who save lives.

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The winner will be announced at Crufts.

Last year, the award was won by retired police dog Balloo, who sustained injuries during his service.

Balloo has inspired the creation of a mental health support service for dogs, Oscar Kilo, which now has over 250 dogs serving in the British police.

Katarina Hoover of the Kennel Club shared, “Every day, dogs make a difference — whether protecting us, assisting people with disabilities, or just providing unconditional love.”

“We want to hear your stories about dogs who have changed lives or shown extraordinary courage.”

Nominations are accepted in five categories, and five finalists will receive donations for their favorite dog charities.

Nominations close on October 27. For more information, go to crufts.org.uk.

In Ukraine, as in the world, pets play an important role in people's lives. News of animal rescues and their heroic acts always attract attention and touch hearts. Participation in contests and campaigns often helps to raise awareness of the problems of stray animals and encourages people to adopt. Therefore, it is important that information about them spreads and people are encouraged to help.