The Galway Independent in conjunction with the Galway SPCA has launched an educational programme in an effort to reduce cruelty to animals. Each week we will put together questions from the public on animal welfare. These questions will cover all animals.

This week we celebrate world animal week, so let's all make a little effort to improve the lives of the animals around us. It is the little things that make the big difference in our pet's life, including vaccinations, worming, de-fleaing, neutering, proper diet and exercise.

This week we will look at the thyroid, which can be a problem for cats and dogs. In dogs, the problem is most often an under-active gland, while in cats it is usually an overactive gland. The thyroid glands are found at the base of the neck where the windpipe goes into the chest. They are shaped like butterflies. The thyroid secretes and regulates hormones and is responsible for the metabolism and organ function.

Signs to look out for in dogs are weight gain, bad coat and hair loss, poor body and muscle tone, lethargy, always looking for heat and slow heart rate. Medication from your vet will usually be in pill form. This will replace the thyroid hormones and your dog should have a normal life span and a normal life.

Signs to look for in your cat, and usually it is the older cat it shows in, are weight loss with increased appetite, over active, vomiting and diarrhoea, thirst and urination. Your cat will be hot and always looking to cool down and its heart will have a fast heart rate. However, some cats may not show any of the signs, so as your cat gets older it is advisable to have check ups. Treatment can be pills or sometimes surgery to remove the gland as well as others. Your vet will discuss all options with you. As with the dog, your cat with proper meds can have a good life as well.

Hallowe'en is still a few weeks away but we would ask you to keep your pet in until it is over. Already bangers can be heard going off, so for your pet's safety, do not leave them out unattended and make sure your dog has a identity disk on his collar with just a telephone number, not his name. Thieves will spot the name and call the dog to them. We will look at Hallowe'en nearer the time and advise you what to do.

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