How do I know if I am consuming the right amount?

The average adult in the United States consumes about 3,500 milligrams of sodium per day. And cutting back to 2,300 milligrams without making drastic dietary changes can be a challenge. It’s also difficult to know if you’re going over the limit at all, as no simple test can measure this. But it’s not all or nothing, said Dr. Hu. Any reduction in sodium should be helpful for most people.

In the United States, about 70 percent of the sodium people consume comes from processed foods and eating out, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The best way to reduce your sodium consumption is to eat less of these foods and prepare more meals at home, said Dr. Apple.

Vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and dairy products are all rich sources of potassium, and eating more of these foods can increase your potassium and likely decrease your sodium, too, said Dr. Hu.

You can experiment with adding flavor to your food by using more herbs and spices and less salt. Research suggests so spicy seasonings such as chili peppers And acids such as lemon juice and vinegar can improve the taste of salt, making a little bit last longer. And in taste testing of store-bought tomato souppeople said that a low-sodium version seasoned with garlic, celery, oregano, bay leaves and black pepper was just as tasty as a full-sodium version.

When purchasing packaged foods, Dr. Anderson that a good rule of thumb was to choose products that contain no more milligrams of sodium per serving than calories. This will help you stay under the daily limit of 2,300 milligrams. And keep in mind that certain canned foods, such as beans and vegetables, are often high in sodium; By draining and rinsing them you can reduce the load.

Keep it in mind, said Dr. O’Donnell, that your overall diet is more important than any one ingredient. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, he added, and it prioritizes plenty of foods that are rich in potassium and don’t contain too much sodium.

HE is on a mission to help our pets. . . and is here to answer YOUR questions.

Sean, head veterinarian at custom pet food company tails.com, has been helping owners with questions for a decade.

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He says, “If your pet is acting strange or sick, or you want to know more about diet or exercise, just ask. I can help keep pets happy and healthy.”

Question: MY dog Marley has a foot fetish.

He sniffs the feet of everyone who comes to the house.

He will also occasionally give a foot lick.

How can I get rid of his unwanted obsession?

Jade Todd, Cambridge

Sean says: Dogs experience the world in stinkyvision!

So Marley is completely normal, I guess.

Should you leave this obsession behind and ruin his fun?

You have your hobbies, he has his.

If you must, I suggest a technique called response substitution, where he is rewarded for behavior other than sniffing or licking feet when he gets the chance.

Q: WHEN I am cooking dinner, my six-year-old cat, Marmalade, jumps onto the work surface in an attempt to collect something.

I put him back on the ground, but he is persistent.

He is well fed, but he likes treats.

What do you recommend to stop surfing his dresser?

I thought only dogs did that, but he’s an opportunist.

Shelly Brown, Brighton

Sean says: This is a common problem.

The trick is to make it unpleasant by changing what’s on the counter.

It’s a bit complicated – and you may have to do it repeatedly, which can be annoying – but covering the counters with aluminum foil or loose plastic sheeting for a while is a good deterrent.

Cats hate stepping on this.

Marmalade may then learn not to pop up, or may simply start over once the lining is removed.

Don’t reward the behavior and keep him out of the kitchen while cooking. This can also help.

Question: WOULD a bearded dragon be a good pet for my children?

My sons Ethan and Kyle, aged seven and eight respectively, are passionate about reptiles and I want to encourage their passion.

They asked for it, but would it be kind?

Is it a specialized pet?

Mike Castle, Barnsley

Sean says: They may still be a little young.

A responsible adult in the home will need to take control.

Lizards that are active during the day, such as bearded dragons, have sensitive needs.

They should be properly supplemented with calcium and multivitamins, fed a varied diet of live insects, a variety of vegetables and occasionally fruit.

They also need expensive UVB lamps and heat lamps to produce vitamin D to absorb calcium and maintain a healthy metabolism and skeletal system.

If all these needs are not met, they can become very ill.

And they can live more than 15 years, so it’s a long-term commitment.

When put on a lizard, a leopard or a crested gecko requires a little less maintenance, but reptiles are still a specialized pet.

They need the best possible start, not the bare minimum of housing and equipment that is sometimes sold with them.

A lot of research is needed!

Question: OUR two-year-old female poodle Misty sleeps on our bed at night.

But she has to pee two or three times a night and that disrupts our sleep.

Is that normal? And will she grow out of it as she gets older?

Terry Taylor, Sheffield

Sean says: Normally she should have outgrown that in two years.

Are you sure she needs to pee and doesn’t really just want late night walks and fun time with you?

My suggestion is to do a lot more walking and stimulation during the day, and finally a good long walk in the evening to make sure she has had enough time to do her business, both types.

Then crate training in the bedroom, or outside of it, might help you get a good night’s sleep.

Also pick up her water bowl after dinner and put it down first thing in the morning.

Hello to yellow for anxious dogs

OWNERS can now help anxious dogs show their true colors – with a range of yellow accessories.

According to the Royal Veterinary College, a third of puppies have suffered from mental health problems since lockdown.

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Sarah Jones, founder of accessories company My Anxious Dog, owns an anxious cocker spaniel, Bella, 12, who she always outfits with yellow items that say ‘keep dogs away’, ‘anxious’ and ‘don’t touch’.

She said: “Yellow is a way of telling other owners that your dog is not friendly, that it doesn’t want to play and that it should stay away.

“If you had a child who needed space, you wouldn’t think twice about letting people know, right?”

Sarah, 57, from Mortimer, Berks, informs owners about her national #DogsInYellow Day, on March 20, when she explains why puppies wear the color yellow.

A recent PDSA survey found that 45 percent of owners are concerned about walking their pets.

Sarah said: “If your dog is anxious, don’t label him by wearing yellow, show him that you love him.”

For more information, see myanxiousdog.co.uk.

Star of the week

BENTLEY was born with severe hip dysplasia, but now he keeps owner Joe Cameron and his colleagues fit by walking.

Joe, owner of holiday rental company Debbie’s Villas in Paddock Wood, Kent, said: “The vet said we could give Bentley a false hip or see if intensive physio and walks could help – and it worked.”

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The 11-year-old Labrador Rottweiler now leads a normal life.

Joe, 59, added: “I take him to work where everyone loves him and there is always friendly rivalry among the staff over who takes him.

“He is fitter than ever and a much-loved member of our team.”

A LUCKY player who bagged a life-changing £500.00 could have walked away without a cent if he answered even one question wrong.

Marius Preda, from Tamworth, Staffordshire, was stunned to discover he had bagged the huge windfall in a BOTB match.

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The pizza delivery boy entered the Midweek Lifestyle draw, with tickets starting from 50p, and had to answer one question to qualify for the competition.

And despite the eye-watering amount coming in, the humble Papa Johns employee has not left his job.

The 28-year-old plans to use the money to buy a house with his wife Alina and treat their family to a luxury holiday.

He said, ‘I’m going to think about it.

“But we would love to buy a new house and go on holiday.”

Marius has worked for the popular pizza chain since coming to Britain from Romania five years ago.

The average salary of a Papa Johns delivery driver is around £12 per hour, which means a weekly income of £480 based on a 40 hour working week.

This amounts to a salary of € 24,960 per year.

“I am absolutely happy to have won and full of emotions,” Marius added:

“Winning this amount of money will change your life and it will take some time to sink in.”

A BOTB spokesperson said: “Marius, who has been working as a pizza delivery boy for about four years and was back at work the next day.

“He also planned to spend the money on a new home for him and his family.”

BOTB presenter Christian Williams said: “A huge congratulations to Marius on winning this amazing cash prize in our biggest ever competition giveaway.

“We’re always looking for new ways to give people the chance to win fantastic prizes, and it was great to be able to surprise Marius the way we did.

“I know how difficult things are for many people at the moment and £500,000 is a life-changing amount of money.

“It has to be the best tip a delivery person has ever received.”

BOTB sees winners win prizes every week, from holidays and Rolex watches to cars and motorcycles.

The company, founded by William Hindmarch, was launched in 1999 and has since given away £53 million worth of luxury motorbikes.

Fellow gambler Saleem Chaudhary, from Birminghamsaid he believed his late mother “looked down on him” and helped him win a BOTB mega-prize.

Saleem received a Mercedes Brabus GLE-700 Coupé as part of the Best of the Best (BOTB) dream car competition.

Plus, lucky winner Ian Bulley, who won an Audi RSQ3 and £30,000 cash, said: “Wow!! What a great feeling to win this match. Never in a million years did I expect Christian to surprise me with a video call.”

Meanwhile, another successful player, Ryan Cheah, won a Mercedes G63 AMG and £70,000 in cash.

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HE is on a mission to help our pets. . . and is here to answer YOUR questions.

Sean, head veterinarian at custom pet food company tails.com, has been helping owners with questions for a decade.

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He says, “If your pet is acting strange or sick, or you want to know more about diet or exercise, just ask. I can help keep pets happy and healthy.”

Q) HOW MUCH can hamsters cram into their cheeks?

Should I worry about my hamster Libby’s cheek pouches bursting?

Sometimes she looks ready to burst.

Kate Adams, Barnsley

A) They are quite impressive little hoarders, and I know what you mean when you say she looks ready to burst.

Realistically, there is nothing we can do to stop them from filling their cheek pouches and storing food.

That is of course hoarding behavior.

So just keep an eye on Libby and make sure she can empty them again.

Signs of constipation include rubbing her face, scratching it, or gagging as if she is vomiting, which is really nothing more than squeezing the cheek pouches to try to empty them.

If she seems to have a blockage for more than a few hours, I recommend taking her to the vet, but rest assured, this is rare.

Q) WHY do some dogs tense their legs to pee and others don’t?

My three-year-old miniature poodle Mikey doesn’t peck and occasionally he even does a handstand.

Is there something wrong with him? He’s always been like that.

Kate Brown, Middlesbrough

A) Did you know that some men sit on the toilet to urinate? I know – shock horror.

We all have our quirks and preferences, and dogs are exactly the same. Every dog ​​is different.

Maybe Mikey is a splash and wants to keep his coat clean and dry, maybe his hormones don’t cause stereotypical male behavior when it comes to marking territory.

You don’t mention whether he has been neutered, which could affect this.

Or maybe he falls firmly into the “my dog ​​is a weirdo” camp and we don’t have to explain it.

Just embrace him for who he is, a beautiful little eccentric.

Q) CAN I give my guinea pigs Mae and Marilyn fruit as a treat?

They absolutely love kiwi, blueberries and strawberries.

But is there too much of a good thing?

How much should they have?

Sam Black, Windsor, Berks

A) A small amount of fruit every now and then is the best approach because fruit is high in sugar and guinea pigs can become obese from excess calories and even develop diabetes from too much sugar in their diet.

The fruits you mentioned are good options because they are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which guinea pigs need in their diet.

Just like humans, they cannot produce this vitamin in their bodies.

The majority of their diet should consist of hay and fresh vegetables, in addition to a high-quality pellet food formulated specifically for guinea pigs.

Q) ARE some dog breeds more gassy than others?

My Staffie Mikey has an unpleasant habit of blowing wind and then looking accusingly at my husband.

Should I Consider Probiotics?

Julie King, Peterborough, Cambs

A) Yes, it is and it’s something we looked at at tails.com in our huge database of British dogs.

Unfortunately, Julie, bull breeds were high on the leaderboard for flatulence.

There are many factors, including genetics, but also diet and perhaps owner propensity in certain breeds.

It’s just a hunch, but I have a theory that Staffie owners may feed their pups a little more human food than other dog owners, because let’s face it, who can resist a Staffie smile.

If it’s really a problem and Mikey cleans the room regularly, you may be able to follow a hypoallergenic diet with digestive support like pre- and probiotics.

Sometimes nutritional intolerances can also play a role.

Star of the week

FAITH the cat has been viewed more than 50 million times online after her miraculous recovery from paralysis.

Amber Rose Beck, 27, from the Saaving Lives charity in Greece, took the moggie to her home in York after being found unable to move.

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Amber Rose and her team fed and cared for Faith, documenting her slow progress in short videos that quickly went viral.

She said, “Faith was completely lifeless.

‘Now she plays and jumps. If you saw her, you would have no idea what she has accomplished.”

See instagram.com/savinglives.

Don’t suffer the pain of losing a pet alone

ALMOST 50 percent of British owners felt they had to suffer in silence after losing a pet, a poll by national animal charity Blue Cross found.

It found that while half were able to discuss their anxiety with loved ones, less than 40 percent were able to talk about it with their boss.

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Most (81 percent) said they could not request leave to grieve, while 67 percent thought it was important for employers to provide support after the death of an animal, the survey of 2,000 owners found.

Blue Cross’ Pet Loss Support (PLS) team is celebrating 30 years of comforting owners.

By 2023, they helped more than 20,000 people through their free helpline, email and web chat, which is available 365 days a year.

Michelle Weller, 48, from Wilts, lost Springer Spaniel Bailey, who collapsed during a walk in 2022.

The 48-year-old nurse said: “Nothing prepares you. PLS took me out of that dark place and just listened. It was a hug during a phone call.”

Diane James, head of PLS, said: “No one should have to go through the pain of losing a pet alone and PLS is here to hold people’s hands when they need it.”

Blue Cross Pet Loss Support is at bluecross. org.uk/pet-loss.

HE is on a mission to help our pets. . . and is here to answer YOUR questions.

Sean, head veterinarian at custom pet food company tails.com, has been helping owners with questions for a decade.

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He says, “If your pet is acting strange or sick, or you want to know more about diet or exercise, just ask. I can help keep pets happy and healthy.”

Q) I have rehomed four rescue chickens and they currently don’t have all their feathers.

What can I do to return Emma, ​​Beatrice, Vera and Ida to their full glory as quickly as possible?

Lizzie Keys, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

A) I have taken in rescue hens several times and they can look quite frightening upon arrival.

I’m sure you’re doing everything right, but nutrition is probably the biggest factor in returning them to full health.

Make sure they get high quality pellets as a staple food, a handful of mixed corn once a day and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

They will be fine after their next molt.

It takes time depending on what part of the molting cycle they are in.

This time next year you won’t recognize them from their first photos.

Enjoy their antics, they make great pets.

Q) MY 12-year-old pet cat, Sophie, recently had tummy troubles.

Our vet took three days’ worth of stool samples and everything was fine again.

Sophie has access to water 24/7.

Before she got sick she would drink it from her bowl or from the tap, but now she doesn’t go near it anymore.

I have read that it can be a sign of diabetes or hypothyroidism.

If she has this, would she be showing any other signs?

She eats two bowls of wet food a day.

Sarah Hamilton, Stockton-on-Tees

A) If it was a one-off event, it could very well fall into the category of, “Who knows why that happened?”.

But it’s better to know the cause and clarify it than for it to be something more sinister.

With diabetes or hyperthyroidism (cats become hyper- or overactive, dogs become hypo- or underactive) you would expect Sophie to drink more, not less.

The wet food will provide much of the moisture she needs, while cats fed dry food usually drink more to compensate.

The best advice is to monitor for now and if you are still concerned, have your vet check her again.

Q) IS a tarantula a good pet for an eight year old?

My son Kieron begs me for it because he has a great interest in nature.

But what do you think?

Kylie Evans, Swansea

A) I’d say probably not, because they’re usually not that good to be around, but more of a “look and see” kind of pet.

They can become stressed and lose irritating hair, and they are very fragile creatures.

I once had to glue one back together when it fell to the floor and its belly burst. In the end all was well.

There are more suitable pets for an eight-year-old, such as spiny stick insects, hermit crabs or giant African land snails.

If Kieron still has the bug after trying this, then a Chilean Rose Tarantula would be a good starter species when he is a bit older.

Q) CHARLIE, my four-year-old black cat, seems to have lost her mojo.

She has gone from lively, social, playful and boisterous to a semi-recluse who rarely leaves her basket.

She eats normally and goes to her litter box well.

Our vet did blood tests and examined her, but nothing was found.

Any advice?

Dave Buckland, Hull

A) I’m glad your vet didn’t find anything wrong.

Perhaps she has just grown out of her exuberant kitten phase and is moving into a more sedentary era for adult cats.

This happens a lot in dogs who can calm down after being crazy maniacs for two to three years.

The other possibility is that something in the house or outside is upsetting Charlie and causing her to hide more.

Are there new cats in the neighborhood visiting your garden?

Or are there new pets or people in the house?

If not, keep an eye on it and if it gets much worse, go back to the vet.

Sometimes it only takes a few months in our pets’ lives for something to change health-wise, so a blood test may be different a few months later.

Star of the week

TOTO was found sleeping in a shed and now he’s parading his stuff at Crufts.

The nine-year-old crossbred dog will compete in the Golden Oldie class in the Scruffts semi-final at the famous dog show which starts on Thursday.

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Jaylee Prince, 23, from Sittingbourne, Kent, found Toto in their shed seven years ago and he required surgery on an injured leg.

Jaylee said: “He loved always being by my side and we built such a strong bond. I couldn’t be without him.

“I am beyond proud of Toto and cannot believe how resilient he is after everything he has been through.”

Owners spend £69 million on pet toys

Last year we spent £69 million on toys to keep our four-legged friends happy, says Pets At Home.

Signs that a pet may be bored include destructive behavior, restlessness, and excessive grooming.

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But playing games with them can be the perfect solution.

Fetching is the top game for pups and 13 million dog balls were sold last year.

Cats love food-themed toys, including rubber donuts and hamburgers, plus small stuffed animals.

Dr. Karlien Heyrman from Pets At Home said it is also essential that small pets such as hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits are given the chance to exercise and play to stimulate their minds.

She said: “One-to-one, reward-based training can keep intelligent animals such as rats stimulated and can strengthen the bond between pet and owner.

“It’s worth providing rabbits with lots of interesting toys, such as tunnels, platforms and willow toys, to keep them from nibbling on things they shouldn’t.

“Chew textured chew toys are perfect for play and satisfy small pets’ urges to chew because their teeth never stop growing. So by gnawing they keep their teeth healthy.”

HE is on a mission to help our pets. . . and is here to answer YOUR questions.

Sean, head veterinarian at custom pet food company tails.com, has been helping owners with questions for a decade.

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He says, “If your pet is acting strange or sick, or you want to know more about diet or exercise, just ask. I can help keep pets happy and healthy.”

Q) SHOULD I let my African gray parrot, Penelope, fly free?

I trained her in a large aviary after seeing some amazing footage of birds going for walks on TikTok.

But do you think it’s too risky to bring her out?

I’ve had her for ten years and I would be devastated if I lost her.

Kylie Brown, Plymouth, Devon

A) It’s very risky, and I’m not going to recommend it to anyone because the chances of things going wrong are so high.

No doubt, free flying is great for the mental stimulation, exercise, behavioral enrichment and more natural living of parrots in captivity, but you really need to understand your bird well and have an incredibly strong bond.

Unfortunately, there is traffic, predators, or even other birds that would bother Penelope to contend with if you did start.

So it’s up to you, but you should be fully prepared for her to get lost and possibly not get her back.

­­Q) MY four-year-old French bulldog sometimes has trouble breathing.

Pepi looks no different from other bulldogs, but when he gets hot it gets worse.

That’s why I don’t put coats on him.

Would you consider surgery?

Cath Edwards, Leeds

A) Before recommending surgery, I would recommend having him assessed and scored for a condition called BOAS: brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome.

This is a genetic condition common in French/English bulldogs, but also in pugs, due to our history of breeding with flat faces that we think look cute.

The sad reality is that we have created serious welfare problems as a result.

The fact that Pepi visibly struggles to breathe, especially when it’s hot, suggests that he has some or all of BOAS’s anatomical problems: narrow nostrils, a short snout, a narrowed airway, and excess tissue in his throat.

The good news is that surgery can help tremendously, so I would check with your vet.

Q) IS it fair to keep a cat only as a house cat?

I have a Burmese kitten and she looks out the window with great interest.

Should I let her roam free?

Obviously I’m worried about wildlife and her going missing.

Spencer Shute, Exmouth, Devon

A) I’m starting to seriously entertain the idea of ​​cats living indoors only, provided that efforts are made to enrich their environment and meet all their behavioral needs.

It is standard practice in many countries and not only protects your cat from fights with others, from getting lost, traffic accidents and diseases, but also helps the local wildlife.

You can allow outdoor access with an enclosed ‘catio’, much like a giant aviary, or you can even cat-proof your garden boundaries to keep your cat on your property.

V) OUR rescue greyhound Mist is very afraid of loud noises.

We think it must be from the time he was racing.

He broke away from his lead a few times and ran home.

What can we do if we’re worried while we’re away, in case he runs away?

Ken Broomfield, Ealing, Middx

A) It appears that Mist could benefit from a noise desensitization program, which is used to tackle phobias, for example during fireworks.

It is a gradual process and requires dedication. The idea is that through slow exposure to sounds that get louder over time, your dog becomes accustomed to them and becomes less triggered because he learns that nothing bad happens with sudden loud noises.

You need recordings of the kind of sound that scares Mist, for example a backfiring car engine or a metallic bang.

The other thing you can do in the meantime is attach a second long leash to his harness, just in case he slips his collar. Safety first.

Star of the week

GRACIE, the retired racing greyhound, has completed Brintha Mahalingam’s new home.

The three-year-old pup was rescued from Battersea Dogs Home and is now learning to overcome fear with Brintha and her son Manesh, 31, an IT manager in Hastings, East Sussex.

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Financial accounts manager Brintha said: “When we completed the renovation of our house, we knew one thing was missing: a four-legged friend.

“She is calm, loving and so well behaved. She is Manesh’s first dog and she doesn’t leave him alone.

“Gracie is the perfect roommate.”

Pet-friendly is a top priority for holiday swaps

BUMPER A large number of pet owners around the world are swapping homes to save money on holiday, Paws And Claw can reveal.

Holiday company HomeExchange says there has been a 42 per cent increase in pet-friendly home exchanges for getaways.

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And this year, there are 371 percent more homes that welcome pets in Britain.
Jessica Poillucci, of homeexchange.com, said: “Home exchanges take some of the financial stress out of holiday planning.

“If you have pets, you can probably find another dog or cat lover to swap with and either have built-in pet care or take your fur baby with you on the trip.”

Cat owner Anna Bundock, 46, from Crystal Palace, South London, has been using Home Exchange since 2016 and her exchangers are happy to care for her cat Pica.

Anna, who is married to Pete, said: “We have visited Gran Canaria, Belgium, France, Spain, Germany and many beautiful villages in the UK.

“We often exchange with families who have pets with them. They are mainly cats, but we have also looked after chickens.

“And at our house, guests say they loved having Pica greet them.”

HE is on a mission to help our pets. . . and is here to answer YOUR questions.

Sean, head veterinarian at custom pet food company tails.com, has been helping owners with questions for a decade.

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He says, “If your pet is acting strange or sick, or you want to know more about diet or exercise, just ask. I can help keep pets happy and healthy.”

Q: WHEN I tell my dog ​​Oreo he's naughty, he runs straight to my husband Peter and then ignores me for the rest of the day.

Are dogs intelligent enough to play their owners against each other?

I have a feeling that's happening.

Steph Carlisle, Edinburgh

Sean says: Maybe not, but dogs develop individual relationships and rules of interaction with members of their pack, whether human or canine.

If you are the bad cop, then it is more pleasant and better to spend time with the good cop.

This is likely an avoidance on Oreo's part rather than pitting you against each other directly.

But indirectly, if it means Oreo gets more hugs and attention from your husband, you may feel like Peter and Oreo have betrayed you and the feeling of distance is increased because it's two against one.

The most important thing in any dog-human household is that people treat their pet consistently, with agreed-upon routines and rules that they apply together.

Dogs thrive when they know what is expected of them.

If one owner applies the rules and the other breaks them or makes exceptions, it can cause problems and confusion.

Question: MY Norwegian Forest Cat Sasha has beautiful long hair, but she hates being brushed.

What can I do to make this a better experience for her – and me?

Mary Morgan, Cardiff

Sean says: Use reward-based training and patient, gradual desensitization to the grooming process.

Sounds simple, right?

But there's really nothing wrong with cats, especially those who have made up their minds about something.

Start slowly and in a calm, stress-free environment.

You won't get a full grooming session in one go, so start with small brushing movements around Sasha's head and neck, where she likes to be petted.

Slowly build up more time to brush, including other parts of the body, with rewards for her favorite foods and lots of praise.

Let her get used to the brush that is there and ask her to come for quick sessions in exchange for treats.

If her coat is already dull and you need to pull the hair or make her feel uncomfortable, it is best to have her professionally groomed first and then continue with the maintenance at home.

Question: SHOULD you feed corn snakes outside their enclosure?

I'm going to buy one for my eight year old son, Ethan.

I read everything so that we do things right.

But there seems to be a big debate online about where to feed them.

What do you recommend?

Mark Thomas, Herne Bay, Kent

Sean says: As far as I can tell, there is no need or reason to put them in another container for feeding.

It makes something simple too complicated.

I had corn snakes as pets when I was younger and used to feed them in their enclosures.

Snakes don't like to be moved or handled in the few days after a big meal, and it can cause reflux, so that's a good reason to start.

You can also use feeding as behavioral enrichment, by hiding the food item in different parts of the room for them to find.

The best advice I have for any reptile owner is to simulate the life they would have in the wild, with a large, complex, enriched enclosure, allowing them to explore new items and furnishings, and a natural temperature gradient to choose where they want to go. be every day.

Feeding should also be part of that stimulation, so be creative.

In the wild its food would be found in its habitat and in captivity this should be no different.

Star of the week

TYSON the Maine Coon is a two-stone cat who thinks he's a DOG.

Owner Karen Murray, from Royston, Herts, said: “Tyson is lead trained and goes for half an hour walks every day.

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“He also does some tricks, including 'paw.' He is a real character.”

Karen, 48, a member of breeder and trainer group Dollzuki Maine Coons, added: “Tyson and our other four Maine Coons have appeared in adverts for Lexus and John Lewis and work with animal talent agency Urban Paws.

“They also visit a local retirement home to cheer up residents.”

• See Dollzuki_Maine_Coons on Insta.

Retrievers go for gold at Crufts

GOLDEN Retrievers are the most popular competitors at this year's Crufts, the Kennel Club has revealed.

The show, which runs from March 7 to 10, is expected to attract 24,000 dog lovers, with 538 retrievers hoping to take home a title.

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This is just ahead of the Labrador with 519 participants and the Cocker Spaniel with 421.

In contrast, only three Belgian Shepherds, three Foxhounds and two Turkish Kangals will compete for the honor.

Fifty countries will have dogs competing in the event at The NEC, Birmingham.

The Netherlands is the top dog in terms of numbers, with 382 in the race for glory.

Show manager Helen Kerfoot said: “Crufts is an iconic British event with a truly international appeal.

“It's a great celebration for dogs, whether it's seeing which breed wins the Best in Show title, watching quick agility, hearing the stories of our Hero Dog Award finalists, seeing Britain's best pets in the Scruffts final, or meet your match in the Discover Dogs area – there's something for everyone.”

The Cocker Spaniel has won the most Best in Shows, with seven titles, followed by the Irish Setter, Poodle and Welsh Terrier who have triumphed four times each.

The disappearance of Samantha Murphy has gripped the nation with many left baffled as to what has happened to the missing mother-of-three.

The 51-year-old hasn’t been seen since the morning of February 4 when she vanished while going on an early morning run in the Woowookarung Regional Park, around two hours northwest of Melbourne.

She’d left her house in Ballarat East to go for a jog as she did everyday, but when she failed to show up for an 11am brunch, her family raised the alarm.

A major search operation was launched with several police units involved along with SES volunteers, friends and family and members of the local community.

With Ms Murphy now missing for eight days, Daily Mail Australia takes a look at some of the key questions about the case.

What happened to Samantha Murphy? 

The night before she disappeared, during dinner with her husband Mick and friends, Ms Murphy mentioned she was going for a 14-km run the next day before it got too hot. 

Ms Murphy left her home on Eureka Street in Ballarat East to go for a jog just after 7am last Sunday at a pine forest at the end of her street.

This area, referred to as the Woowookarung Regional Park, features over 120km of roads, tracks, and trails winding through dense scrub. 

It is littered with abandoned mines and treacherous mineshafts where the unwitting could easily fall into. 

CCTV captured Ms Murphy running past a neighbour’s house at about 7.16am on the Sunday she went missing.

It’s understood she was running in a north-easterly direction. She’d told her husband she was heading out on a run but she never returned.

Her disappearance has sparked various theories on what happened:

• Foul play, including false allegations Samantha’s husband was behind her disappearance 
• Potential dangers from drug users and homeless encampments in the forest
• The possibility of a hit-and-run incident occurring along her usual running route 
• Samantha potentially getting lost in the forest due to health problems 
• There are concerns that Samantha might have accidentally fallen into an abandoned mine or mine shaft in the vicinity 
• Some speculate abduction or intentional disappearance

Was Samantha Murphy the victim of foul play?

Victoria Police Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt said on Friday police had not identified any ‘suspicious or sinister circumstances’, but held concerns for her welfare.

Respected criminal psychologist, Tim Watson-Munro, said nothing could be ruled out and raised the possibility Ms Murphy may have had a stalker if her disappearance is found to be a result of foul play.

‘Who’s responsible I don’t think we could say. As I understand it was a happy home life,’ he earlier told Daily Mail Australia.  

‘It could be that she was being stalked, if you have a regular pattern, stalkers love that and she had a regular pattern of running through that area.’

Mr Watson-Munro also said misadventure could be a possibility and noted locals in the area had raised concerns about unnoticeable mineshafts in the state forest.

He also said that if any crime has occurred, it’s also possible it may be opportunistic, in that someone has seen Ms Murphy out and decided to act on that. 

Superintendent Hatt said detectives would also look into Ms Murphy’s movements and interactions with others in the days before she vanished, including her friends and family.

One wild claim alleges Ms Murphy was involved in an ongoing dispute with a local who took their revenge while she was out on her regular run.

There is no suggestion Ms Murphy had any ongoing dispute with any neighbours or locals.

Detectives will also trawl through Ms Murphy’s computers and devices in the hope of finding clues. 

Why has the search been scaled back?

The official search was scaled back on Saturday with those wanting to help told there would be no co-ordinated effort and that they could carry out their own searches alone. 

Crews from the Country Fire Authority and State Emergency Service volunteers have been told to withdraw from the search, which has been ‘scaled back’ but not abandoned.

‘The current phase of the active search for missing woman Samantha Murphy has been scaled back over the weekend,’ a police spokesperson said earlier.

‘An extensive 6-day search has been conducted involving local police, along with personnel from the Search and Rescue Squad, Mounted Branch and Dog Squad, plus significant assistance from members of the SES and CFA.

‘Police continue to be in regular contact with Samantha’s family regarding the developments of the search and the status of the investigation.

‘The investigative stage of the investigation continues and as any new information comes to hand identifying areas of interest, the search will be scaled up.’

The Missing Persons Unit has taken charge of the investigation.   

What significance do the discovered items hold?

Early on in the investigation an item of interest was found in the bushland near where Ms Murphy disappeared.

However, Victoria Police later confirmed it was not relevant to her disappearance.

Last Wednesday, police released CCTV of what was believed to be Ms Murphy running along Eureka Street.

Another runner later came forward to say it was them in the footage and not Ms Murphy.

Ms Murphy was also wearing an Apple watch at the time of her disappearance, and her phone had pinged in the nearby suburb of Buninyong. 

Victoria Police Inspector Bob Heaney said they were investigating the devices but the area they were able to track from them was ‘limited’.

Police have been relying on the public to report any information into Ms Murphy’s whereabouts, with the state forest she was running in having no CCTV. 

Over the weekend, a team of volunteers found a black bra that had been chopped in half and hung on a post in nearby bushland, which was also reported to police. 

What were the strange encounters in the forest before the incident?

Locals say the area is notorious for drug users, while search parties have also found evidence of homeless encampments deep within the bush.

Greens senator candidate Sissy Austin was savagely attacked a year ago while on a run just 20km away from where Ms Murphy vanished, sparking fears of a similar attack.

Ms Austin was running along a similar track when she was smashed in the face by a random stranger wielding a rock tied to the end of a stick.

The blow knocked her unconscious and left her face bloodied and bruised when she finally came to, but had to stagger 4km before she could raise the alarm.

Her white male attacker had vanished when she woke up, and no-one was ever caught in connection with the attack.

Meanwhile, Rebecca Agheli was camping with her boyfriend in the Woowookarung Regional Park on the weekend Ms Murphy went missing.

Ms Agheli said they’d travelled to Ballarat on a gold hunting trip and arrived on February 1.

They’d gone to an area about 15 minutes from the state forest to look for gold when they had a frightening encounter.

Ms Agheli said while she was still getting ready, her partner Michael had already set off to look for gold when he suddenly returned to their car.

‘He’s a big guy, he’s not usually scared of anything, but he told me he’d seen a strange, dishevelled man pop out of the bush talking to himself with the crotch on his pants ripped,’ she told Daily Mail Australia. 

The couple decided to pack up and go to another area, which Ms Agheli guesses was about a seven-minute drive away.

She said her partner had warned her of mine shafts in the area and suggested they go elsewhere, but Ms Agheli wanted to have a quick look and wandered a short distance away from the car.

‘Then I saw the same guy again even after we’d just driven about seven minutes,’ she said.

‘His whole face lit up when he saw a woman on his own.

‘I was thinking, “how did this guy get here so fast, he must know a shortcut”. He had both of his hands behind his back and started walking towards me really fast.’

Ms Agheli said she then called out to the man to ask if there was any gold in the area, loud enough so her partner could hear.

Michael immediately ran over to Ms Agheli. She said the man quickly put his hands in his pockets and fled into the bush.

The couple then camped overnight in the state forest on Friday and Saturday.

On Saturday morning they saw Ms Murphy run past their campsite. She wished them a good morning as she went on her way.

Who is Samantha Murphy’s husband Michael Murphy?

Ms Murphy and her husband both own a car repair business called Inland Motor Body Works.

Mr Murphy has 23 years of experience in the industry while his wife handles the books and administration of the office, along with ‘keeping Mick in line’.

The business describes itself as Ballarat’s ‘leading smash repairs specialist’.

On the third day of his wife’s disappearance, Mr Murphy said he was feeling ‘not too bad under the circumstances’.

‘It’s just up in the air, we don’t know,’ he told the Herald Sun.

‘It’s just a whole time thing, at the end of the day.’

Mr Murphy had also told Nine News he would not be joining the search as he preferred to keep his mind occupied with other matters while he waited for an update.

Last week, Ms Murphy’s family attacked the online trolls who have been falsely alleging Ms Murphy’s husband Mick was behind her disappearance.

‘For those questioning Samantha’s husband, you need not worry,’ said a statement to the Facebook group set up to help in the hunt and believed to be from a family member.

‘He is in more pain than anyone and would be the last person to suspect in any of this.’

How are Samantha Murphy’s family coping? 

Ms Murphy’s eldest daughter Jess and husband issued an emotional plea for their loved one to come home on the fifth day of her disappearance.

‘Mum’s a really strong woman, and she’s far too determined to give up this fight,’ Jess tearfully told reporters. 

‘Mum, we love you so much, and we miss you. We need you at home with us. Please come home soon. I can’t wait to see you and to give you the biggest hug when I do.

‘And to tell you off for giving us so much stress. I love you.’

Moments earlier, her father made an impassioned plea for information from the public that may assist in finding his wife.

‘People just don’t vanish into thin air. Someone’s got to know something,’ he said.

‘Whether it be any little thing that you might think is relevant, just call the police and let them know. It’ll give us a bit of peace of mind, some hope’.

Following commentary online about why he was being so quiet about his wife’s disappearance, Mr Murphy said on Wednesday he had been advised to do so. 

‘I’ve been speaking with the police and I’ve been advised not to say anything,’ Mr Murphy told the Herald Sun. 

He added he was doing ‘ok’ and was not worried about the various theories of what lay behind his wife’s disappearance; saying he doesn’t ‘even look online’. 

HE is on a mission to help our pets. . . and is here to answer YOUR questions.

Sean, head veterinarian at custom pet food company tails.com, has been helping owners with questions for a decade.

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He says, “If your pet is acting strange or sick, or you want to know more about diet or exercise, just ask. I can help keep pets happy and healthy.”

Question: MY hamster Fluffy whizzes himself on his toy wheel so fast that he often flies away – and then gets back on.

He has a four-story house and he comes out every day to play with our children. He is nine months old.

He seems happy, but should I give him more exercise or do more things?

Estelle Evans, Sevenoaks, Kent

Sean says: Ideally, yes. Wheels are addictive and fun, but they also remind us how active hamsters need to be.

In the wild, hamsters roam long distances every night in search of food, territory and sometimes a mate.

So even the largest commercially available hamster cages do not allow for that natural wandering.

It's a good idea to create a hamster-proof cage with sturdy sides using furniture or objects around the house, or even let Fluffy outside in a room to explore under supervision.

However, first lie on your stomach to make sure there are no hamster-sized holes through which he could disappear, never to be seen again.

Question: BOB, my 18-month-old Labrador, humps other dogs and even the occasional human leg.

Should I give him the cut now because he's a little embarrassed?

Sarah Roberts, Callington, Cornwall

Sean says: With Labradors I would be inclined to wait a little longer, because they are prone to skeletal disorders.

Evidence now shows that there is a benefit to allowing dogs to fully mature with their sex hormones – in Bob's case testosterone – on board.

If you can keep it up to 24 months, it could serve you both well for his future health, while all it will cost you is the occasional embarrassing shrug and apology.

For more serious behavioral problems, earlier castration can help.

It can have a negative effect on anxious dogs, because testosterone gives young dogs confidence.

If you are confused, your vet will be happy to weigh the pros and cons as they know you and Bob best.

Question: Do cats get jealous? Mine hates my new boyfriend.

Spotty spits at my friend even though he did nothing wrong. What can I do to make them friends?

Cara Barnes, York

Sean says: You can't force friendship on cats. It has to be on their terms.

But I think you should dump your boyfriend. Spotty must be on to something.

Just kidding. Encourage your friend to ignore Spotty, don't lean over him or try to make contact, not even eye contact.

Don't disturb him where he rests, and act as if he isn't there most of the time.

Then start dropping or throwing treats. Keep it casual and casual, like they're not even for Spotty.

This way he will create a positive association and perhaps even make contact himself soon.

Slow and steady wins this race.

Question: I'm concerned about overfeeding my guinea pigs Pinky and Perky.

They are 18 months old. I give them each 50 g of mix, hay and a handful of greens. They also get something tasty.

They look a little chunky. Am I giving them too much?

Emma Holick, Emmer Green, Berks

Sean says: It's hard to say without judging them “in hand”.

It may help to book a welfare check with your vet or perhaps one of the vet nurses at your local practice who has a soft spot for small coats. There is always at least one!

Veterinary nurses are the unsung heroes of the veterinary world and one of the areas in which they excel is nutrition and weight management.

If you feel like Pinky and Perky are a little fat, reduce the more caloric dry mix from their diet.

And choose a granular formula instead of muesli, which allows selective feeding of only the sweetest, tastiest and high-calorie pieces.

Star of the week

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SNOWDON the corgi is a dog with a large fan base.

The pup is one of the most beloved clients of talent agency Urban Paws and has done campaigns with Zara, Next, Boden and Madame Tussauds.

Together with her mother Jam and sister Honey, she also filmed for Netflix to promote The Crown.

The trio, who live in Eton, Berks, with owner Sam Cader, 42, are also therapy dogs at Poplars Care Home in Ruislip, North West London.

Sam said: “Whether Snowdon is working with dementia patients or campaigning, she steals everyone's heart.”

CAN A NICE CAT STEAL YOUR HEART?

THIS Valentine's Day Cats Protection has revealed there are almost 1,000 unlucky cost-of-living cat victims looking for a love match.

The charity is “stretched to breaking point” and is caring for more than 4,000 unwanted cats.

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One in three owners (34 percent) are significantly affected by the increase in the cost of living.

Just over a fifth have been abandoned because owners can no longer afford the costs or have moved to rental properties that do not allow pets.

The charity is also waiting for 2,700 cats and kittens to arrive at their adoption centers across the UK – an increase of 33 per cent in a year.

In addition, the charity's many volunteer-run branches care for hundreds more.

Peter Shergold, head of field operations, said: “This is one of the worst situations we have seen in terms of the financial pressure on cat owners.

“They struggle to put food on the table or pay bills.

“Unfortunately, this means that the poor house cat is one of the first things to be given up to balance the books.

“We would really appreciate it if Paws And Claws readers could contact us to see if we have their perfect match.”

To see cats.org.uk/adopt-a-cat.

It was confirmed on Monday that King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and is currently undergoing 'regular' outpatient treatment.

In an unusual announcement from the palace, which traditionally keeps a close eye on the health data of all members of the royal family, it was revealed that doctors first noticed something wrong when the monarch was in hospital due to an enlarged prostate.

Members of his family are rallying around Charles as Prince Harry reportedly travels to Britain this week.

It is the latest royal health crisis after the Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital for a planned abdominal operation, from which she could need up to three months to recover.

As the world rushes to wish Charles well, MailOnline has rounded up everything we know so far about the King's diagnosis – and what happens next.

What is King Charles' diagnosis?

Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, but Buckingham Palace has ensured the details of his case have been kept private.

The palace has not confirmed what type of cancer the king has or what stage it is at, but it is clear that it is not prostate cancer and was detected early.

No details have been released about the type of treatment the king will receive.

How was the king diagnosed with cancer?

Charles had been admitted to hospital on January 26 for surgery to treat a benign enlarged prostate.

He stayed at the London Clinic for three nights before being discharged and returning home.

But during the operation, doctors noticed 'a separate area of ​​concern', probably in another part of the king's body. It has since been confirmed to be cancer, and Charles was informed early last week.

Will King Charles still fulfill his royal duties?

The king is known as a workaholic who takes after his late mother and is very involved in the affairs of the monarchy.

But in a move that is sure to frustrate him, Buckingham Palace confirmed last night that his team of doctors has suggested he suspend all personal royal duties.

It is likely that Charles will continue to conduct 'red box' state business and meet with the Prime Minister, which could take place via telephone or video call.

However, it is likely that the public will see the monarch less in public in the near future, to protect it during treatment and prevent it from contracting other diseases.

Will Prince Harry return to Britain?

King Charles personally told his two sons, Prince Harry and Prince William, and his siblings about his cancer diagnosis before any official announcement was made.

Prince Harry will return to Britain and could arrive on British soil as early as lunchtime on Tuesday.

A luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying the British Royal Family was spotted arriving at LAX's VIP terminal last night and it is claimed it had boarded the earliest flight and could be in London by lunchtime.

It is understood the Duke of Sussex cleared his schedule after speaking to his father on the phone and immediately prepared to travel to London. Currently, his wife Meghan Markle and the couple's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are staying at their home in Montecito.

The last time the Prince flew to Britain was in September for the Well Child Awards, where he stayed in a hotel.

Announcing that Prince Harry will visit his father, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's office said: 'The Duke has spoken to his father about his diagnosis. In the coming days he will travel to Britain to meet His Majesty.”

Will Prince Harry reconcile with Prince William?

It is unknown whether Prince Harry and his brother will meet while the Duke of Sussex is in Britain.

The couple's relationship deteriorated significantly after the release of Harry and Meghan's Netflix documentary and Harry's memoir Spare.

Experts have urged the Duke of Sussex to put the past behind him and stand by his family in their time of need.

Prince William is heading into a particularly busy period as he takes on more duties for his father, while also caring for the Princess of Wales, who is recovering from her own health problems.

Who's in charge?

The nation will be relieved to know that King Charles will continue to remain in charge of the Royal Family and constitutionally represent the United Kingdom around the world.

Should the monarch become too ill to rule at any point, the State Advisors would take over on his behalf, but this is not expected at this stage.

As long as the monarch remains in post, many of the day-to-day public duties will instead be carried out by other members of the royal family.

Who are the state advisors?

Provision for State Advisors was made under the Regency Acts from 1937 to 1953 and those who could currently replace Charles include Queen Camilla and the four eldest adults in the line of succession over 21 years of age: the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York and Princess Beatrice.

In 2022, the King asked Parliament to add his youngest brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, and his sister, the Princess Royal, as additional State Advisors so they could replace him if necessary, and the addition was quickly passed into law.

The legislation added Anne and Edward to the list, but did not remove Andrew and Harry. However, the House of Lords heard that only 'working members' of the royal family would be called upon to act as state advisers.

Which members of the royal family will take on Charles' duties?

It is likely that other members of the royal family will take on a greater number of visits and public duties while King Charles receives regular outpatient treatment.

Heir to the throne Prince William is likely to return to public duties after previously temporarily stepping back to care for his wife, who is recovering from abdominal surgery.

Other working royals, including Princess Anne, Prince Edward and the younger working royals, are also expected to make appearances in the king's absence.

What happens now?

There is little precedent to show what will happen now that King Charles has taken the extraordinary step of publicly announcing his cancer diagnosis.

His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was extremely private when it came to her health and would undoubtedly not have shared such news with the country.

As always, the palace has stressed that it will not provide any ongoing commentary on the king's health, meaning it is unlikely that many more official announcements will be made.

The king is expected to continue his royal duties until further notice, with experts saying he could stay out of the spotlight until at least March.