I have a four-year-old German Shepherd Dog who has started to sweat under his shoulders (forelimbs). I have tried various homeopathic remedies such as neem oil, tea tree, apple cider vinegar, and they have improved it, but I wonder whether you could give me any advice (short of taking him to the vet). M Whellan, Kidlington

Dogs do not sweat. I suspect you are seeing sebum (skin oil) oozing from inflamed glands or maybe a superficial infection which would also look ‘wet’. Either way you should take him to your vet.

The remedies you mention are not homoeopathic. Homoeopathy is based on the theory that a condition can be treated by a minute dose of a substance, which, if given at a more substantial dose would reproduce the signs and symptoms of the disease under treatment.

Though the substances you use are safe, they will act as mild anti-inflammmatories and antiseptic. I suspect this condition requires more aggressive treatment.

My hamster is unwell. Her ears are scabby and her arms and legs don’t have fur, they’re red and a bit swollen. One of her eyes is always closed tightly shut. She’s getting weaker and she’s not exercising as much. What could be wrong with her? Is there anything I can do to help? She is young, about one-year-old but she’s eating fine. Susie Smith, Bicester

Your hamster is not young. One year is old for a hamster.

Your hamster may have an allergic disease, skin cancer (epitheliotropic lymphoma), mange (mites in the skin) or possibly a fungal skin infection like ringworm.

Both of these conditions can cause hair loss, skin thickening and pain. You really do need to take her to a vet as she sounds quite poorly and the condition is possibly treatable.

I have a beautiful female Westie who will be three this year. The problem is she frantically cleans herself down below. I know that most dogs do this, but I think her little problem maybe a little more serious. She will constantly clean herself in quite a worrying manner, to the point where she will circle herself and get quite breathless. She has never been spayed, could this be the problem? Please help. This may be a trait of this breed, all I can say is I am baffled!W Lawrence, Oxfordshire

This is not a breed trait. Excessive licking in this area could be because of irritation from her vulva or her backside.

She may be leaking urine, blood or pus (from an infected womb or vagina) or she may have blocked anal glands. Any of these problems can cause frantic licking. You do not need to tolerate this as a vet examination could help to resolve this behaviour.

Take a urine sample with you as this will help with the diagnosis.

Most of the possible problems are relatively simple to treat, though this may involve having her spayed.