Q. My alsatian has developed a nasty cough but seems well apart from that. He races about in the fields and woods and has a lot of energy. My neighbour said her alsatian had the same thing and it was grass pollen and mould spores, do you think this likely to be the case?

Lloyd, East Hendred.

A. I suspect your neighbour is describing a hayfever type condition or pollen allergy which should improve now the pollen season is over.

He seems well at the moment so you can probably play for time and monitor his progress. There are many other possibilities ranging from viral infections to heart disease and tumours, but please don’t worry: most of the other conditions will grumble on or worsen with time and infections get better over a period of around two weeks. If the condition does persist beyond two to three weeks with little sign of improvement, I do think you should make that trip to your vet.

Q. My seven-year-old cat has been going to the litter tray frequently, sometimes every few minutes, but not doing anything. Should I be worried?

Jenny, Didcot.

A. I see this frequently in my surgery.

The most likely cause is cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) which may be down to a simple infection.

A course of antibiotics will sort it out.

It could be complicated by bladder stones (mineral crystals in the urine).

The condition can keep recurring, and is sometimes complicated by blockage, which means she’ll be unable to pee. Blockage is an emergency and if it’s not treated, the bladder could burst. You really should take your cat to the vet, whether the problem is simple cystitis or something more serious, especially if your cat is not managing to pass any urine at all. It is very uncomfortable and could lead to permanent bladder or kidney damage if not treated, but please don’t worry, as most cases are routine and sorted out quite easily.

Q. We have taken on a rescue tortoise, Terry. He is eating well but looks a bit deformed. His shell is dome shaped and flattened at the sides. As he is still eating, when will be the best time for him to hibernate?

Mrs G Springs, Oxford.

A. Misshapen shells are likely to be a problem if Terry’s diet is lacking calcium, phosphorus, VitaminD3, and other trace elements like magnesium and zinc.

If he has a good appetite and eats a good vegetarian diet with access to direct sunlight 3-4 hours a day or a good UVB light source, most of his dietary requirements should be met.

I would advise you to supplement his diet with Vetark Nutrobal (£6/100g everythingforpets.co.uk ) which is a powder you sprinkle on his food two or three times a week for extra calcium, phosphorus and minerals.

Terry cannot hibernate if he is still eating; he must fast for 4-6 weeks first and allow him water but no food. If he is underweight he should not hibernate at all. There is much to be aware of with tortoise hibernation, so please visit the excellent tortoisetrust.org for further information.