Frome pet owners are especially worried during this coronavirus lockdown on the best way to look after their pet and how to keep them healthy, and happy.

The popular town veterinary surgery, Garston Vets, is unable to let clients actually into the building as a group due to social distancing, although their opening times remain the same, so it is very worrying especially if your pet is due a vaccination.

So we put some of the frequently asked pet questions to the local Garston vet and partner, John Gould MRCVS:

A total professional he offered up the following advice (with an extra dose of humour for cat owners).

1. The big one - can you catch coronavirus from your pets?

John replied : Not as far as anyone knows at present. Dogs and cats can be infected with their own, completely unrelated coronavirus species, but these are nothing to do with COVID-19- just viruses belonging to the same group.

1. I have a dog which needs vaccinations - I understand that you are closed to all but emergencies at the moment - how long is it safe to delay vaccinations?

J:For routine boosters 3 months. But the risk of your pet developing the infections we vaccinate against are currently quite low. If there is a prolonged period whereby we are not allowed to vaccinate animals the level of these diseases will increase, so hopefully, we will be able to restart doing vaccines in the near future. Keep checking in with your local practice and checking on e.g. their Facebook page- I'm sure more information will become available in time.

1. My cat has fleas can I leave her untreated for the next 12 weeks?

J: No. Ring your local practice and ask for some flea treatment for your cat. Practices will not, under current conditions, insist on seeing your cat in this scenario, but she should definitely be treated because, otherwise it may become a welfare issue for her.

1. My animal needs regular pills - can I just stop giving them ?

J:It entirely depends on the drug, but in most cases you should not just stop a medication and, in fact, it may be dangerous to do so. For example, with anti-epileptic medication, sudden ceasing of the drugs could cause seizuring. Contact your usual practice for advice.

1. My cat needs neutering, can I safely wait to have this operation done?

J: Yes, if you can keep the cat indoors. If you absolutely cannot, keep checking on your practice's website/Facebook page for the earliest opportunity to get her neutered once restrictions are relaxed. As times goes on it may be that vets will be allowed to start neutering animals again to reduce unwanted pregnancies.

1. How can I keep my dog exercised if I am stuck indoors?

J:If you are self-isolating ask a neighbour or friend to take your dog for daily walks. If you are not self-isolating you are allowed out once a day for 30 minutes to exercise yourself and can take your dog for a walk then. Remember to practice safe social distancing.

1. What can I do (extra) to keep my pet especially healthy at this present time?

J: Don't over feed him if he is not getting his usual amount of exercise. Many problems in dogs and cats are due to obesity and we might see an epidemic of this once the coronavirus pandemic has eased. Treat him regularly for parasites, especially worms and fleas, get these from your vet, if you are able to go outside. Now is a perfect opportunity to spend more time training your dog at home. He will love it and you may end up with an even more obedient dog than you had before and with a stronger attachment to him. Cats will probably wish you weren't around so much!

1. Apparently there is currently a large increase in the numbers of people wanting to adopt pets from animal shelters.(Animal charities, in Devon certainly are warning against this) What are your thoughts.

J: You would have to consider whether this was a necessary journey as per the government advice on not doing unnecessary journeys. However, I can see the benefit. With people at home more, you would be able to spend more time with them getting them settled into a new environment. A new owner should still think very carefully about the long term implications and responsibilities of pet ownership though, in particular their suitability once this nightmare is all over.

You can check out Garston vet site here for their latest guidance during coronavirus: web site