Pet Whisperer: Squirrel-Obsessed Dogs, Aging Labs, and Cats Who Stare at Walls

By HOAR Team 4 May, 2025 7 mins read 123 Views

I've spent the last decade listening to pet owners pour their hearts out about everything from poop problems to psychological mysteries. And let me tell you—some days I feel more like a therapist than a vet. But that's the job I signed up for at tails.com, and honestly? I wouldn't trade these weird, wonderful animal dilemmas for anything.

Audio Summary of the Article

When Your Dog Thinks He's a Squirrel Assassin

Andrew from Maidstone wrote to me about his otherwise perfect dog Barnaby who apparently transforms into a squirrel-seeking missile at the park. I had to laugh—I've been there with my sister's springer who once dragged me through a bramble patch chasing a squirrel that was clearly mocking us both from the safety of an oak tree.

Here's the thing about squirrel obsessions. If Barnaby's a terrier or sighthound, you're fighting against literally hundreds of years of breeding. These dogs were MADE to chase small furry things. It's like asking a fish not to swim.

What works? Honestly, redirection is your best bet. Get some super high-value treats (I'm talking chicken, not those dry biscuits) and a squeaky toy that might be more exciting than Mr. Bushy Tail. But really—find a qualified animal behaviourist to observe you both in action. They'll spot patterns you've missed and create a plan that actually works for YOUR situation.

Old Dogs, Judgmental Strangers, and Knowing When It's Time

God, I hate when people make snap judgments about elderly pets.

Tom from Bradford wrote about his 14-year-old Lab Marley who's dealing with arthritis but still enjoys his (very) short walks. Some random person actually tutted at him! The audacity.

Listen. Age isn't a disease. Arthritis is. And it sounds like you're managing it appropriately with medication and vet check-ups. The "when is it time" question keeps many pet owners up at night—I know because my inbox is full of 3am emails about it.

What helps is creating objective measures. There's an excellent resource at caninearthritis.co.uk with scoring systems that remove some of teh emotional burden from these decisions. Track things like: Is he still eating with enthusiasm? Does he greet you when you come home? Can he get comfortable enough to sleep through the night?

Trust yourself, Tom. You know Marley better than anyone.

Cheese for Hamsters: A Hard No from Me

Aimee asked if her hamster Jerry (cute name choice!) can have cheese like the cartoon mouse. While technically you CAN feed hamsters anything, that doesn't mean you SHOULD.

Hamsters are little hoarders—they stuff food in their cheek pouches and stash it in their nests. Cheese gets moldy fast in those conditions. Plus, it's high in fat, which can lead to obesity and diabetes in these tiny creatures. Back in 2019, I treated a hamster who was literally twice the size he should've been because his owner thought giving him cheese daily was adorable.

Try dried mealworms instead as an occasional treat. They're more natural for omnivores like hamsters who would eat insects in the wild.

Is Your Cat's GPS Malfunctioning?

Stella's 15-year-old cat Meg has been staring at walls and crying—classic signs of what we call feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD), which is basically cat dementia.

I saw this exact behavior in my aunt's elderly cat last Christmas. Poor thing would walk into a corner and just... stay there, meowing plaintively until someone gently turned her around.

While there's no cure, we can help manage symptoms. Keep Meg's environment consistent—same food bowls in the same spots, furniture in familiar places. Omega-3 supplements, B12, and antioxidants like Vitamin E can support brain health. There are also medications that improve blood flow to the brain.

The goal isn't to fix it (we can't), but to make her remaining time comfortable and less confusing.

The Great Escape Artist

Daisy the kitten nearly gave her owner a heart attack when she sneaked into a gardener's van and went on an unplanned adventure. This little calico troublemaker had already used one of her nine lives when she was abandoned as a newborn last July, left in a plastic box with her mother.

Thankfully, her owner—Reverend Carol Lee from South Yorkshire—rallied the community with posters and Facebook appeals. Someone spotted Daisy half a mile from home, adn a joyful reunion followed.

Makes me wonder what cats would post on social media if they could. Probably "accidentally" got in van, now enjoying tour of neighborhood, human freaking out unnecessarily #catsploring #sorrynotsorry

Prickly Business: Hedgehog Week

It's Hedgehog Awareness Week, and I'm feeling guilty about the state of my back garden right now. These spiky little creatures are in serious decline, and they need our help.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society is asking everyone to "give hedgehogs the edge" by making wildlife-friendly areas in their gardens. As a vet who once spent 3 hours removing ticks from a rescued hedgehog (not an experience I care to repeat), I'm all for this initiative.

Simple things make a difference: check for wildlife before mowing, create 13x13cm "hedgehog highways" in fences so they can travel between gardens, add ramps to ponds so they don't drown, and please—PLEASE—stop using those horrible pesticides that destroy their food sources.

And keep your dogs away from them! I've treated too many hedgehogs (and dogs) with injuries from these encounters.

Visit britishhedgehogs.org.uk if you want to do more. Your garden visitors will thank you with their cute snuffling noises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of central banks in the economy?

Central banks manage a nation's currency, money supply, and interest rates. They implement monetary policy to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and foster economic growth. They also serve as lenders of last resort to the banking system during financial crises.

What is the importance of financial literacy?

Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.

How can I budget my money effectively?

To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.

What are the main functions of money?

The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.

How does inflation affect the value of money?

Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time, which erodes the purchasing power of money. As inflation increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services, meaning that the value of money decreases in terms of what it can purchase.

What is the definition of money?

Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.

How can I start saving for retirement?

To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.

Statistics

According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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How To

How To Educate Yourself About Personal Finance

Educating yourself about personal finance is a vital step toward financial independence. Start by reading books and reputable blogs that cover fundamental concepts like budgeting, saving, investing, and credit management. Consider enrolling in free online courses or attending local workshops on financial literacy. Follow financial experts on social media for tips and current trends. Additionally, podcasts and webinars offer valuable insights and diverse perspectives. Join forums or community groups to discuss financial topics with others. Lastly, practice what you learn by applying concepts to your own financial situation for hands-on experience.