Q. My boxer has arthritis of the hips. What is the best long term drug or herbal treatment with the least side-effects? I feel he needs pain relief only on occasions. Is there something we can give him, like paracetamol?

B Corfield, Wantage.

A. First choice is glucosamine+ chondroitin (Nutraquin)which is classed as a neutraceutical – this helps provide the building blocks for joint cartilage repair.

All arthritic dogs should have this supplement but please note it is not a pain killer.

However, by protecting cartilage it slows the onset of pain. Your vet could prescribe a monthly injection, which also slows the degeneration of the joint (cartrophen).

Eventually your dog will need pain relief but please don’t use paracetamol.

Remember to keep him slim and active and consider hydrotherapy (swimming), though I am aware Boxer dogs are not keen on water.

Q. My friend lives in Bahrain with her two cats. She is returning to UK and is hoping to bring the cats with her. Is it possible and what is the procedure?

Teresa Smith, Oxford.

A. The definitive advice on this one should be obtained from Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

Bahrain is now a non-European Union member of the pet passport scheme and she could go through the process and obtain a passport for the cats.

There would be a six-month delay from the time of passport issue before the cats could travel to UK.

It may be possible to obtain a travel permit for the cats without a passport but this would mean six months in a quarantine cattery on entering the UK.

Please advise your friend to contact Defra direct at ww2.defra.gov.uk.

Q. I am planning on moving to Turkey or a different sunny country and want of course to take my dog with me. He’s six years old and in hot or even warm weather he gets too hot and starts panting. I want to know if taking him to such country will make him uncomfortable due to the climate?

M Stevens, Cowley.

A. Many small/medium sized dogs adapt to warm climates very well, some of the giant breeds tend to struggle a little more. The short nosed, flat face breeds (braycephalic) are the most susceptible to over- heating and great care must be taken with their welfare in hot climates.

Heavy coated dogs will clearly struggle to keep cool and many will have to be clipped to keep them comfortable. To help keep your dog cool, walk him during the cooler times of the day, always provide a shaded area, always have cold water available, don’t allow them to get overweight, and never, ever leave them in cars in the sun.

Have your dog checked by your vet to make sure there are no other reasons for his panting before you go.