Tag: animal welfare

2 in 5 drivers break the rules while travelling with their furry friends

CarStore and Battersea announce partnership to empower dog-owning customers to find the right car for them

With many set to take their pooches away with them this summer, new research of 2,000 dog owners has revealed more than two thirds of drivers (68%)* aren’t aware of the current rules surrounding car travel with dogs.

To mark the launch of CarStore’s partnership with leading animal welfare charity, Battersea, a new study suggests that over half (52%) of us are happiest while out driving with our dogs – yappy days! What’s more, 42% proclaim to treasure them as part of the family, so it’s troubling to find that despite this, 2 in 5 drivers are unknowingly breaking the rules when out travelling with their dogs.

While 1 in 5 (20%) don’t have a designated zone for their pooch, only half (54%) keep their dog restrained while out travelling and just 5% are aware of the severity of the repercussions of driving without due care and attention can entail (up to £5,000 and nine points on your driving licence), it’s clear there is a lot of confusion surrounding the rules of the road when out driving with our four-legged friends.

As one of the first used car brands in the UK to partner with a national animal charity, CarStore is delivering on its commitment to flex to the needs of contemporary car-seekers via the partnership.

Battersea will be hosting training sessions for CarStore Personal Advisors, educating them on how to manage experience centre visits from dog-owning customers and create a more dog friendly environment.

Personal Advisors will also be informed about the legal requirements surrounding car travel with dogs, and the equipment available to meet these requirements. Alongside this training, CarStore and Battersea will co-create useful advice and content to help improve customer understanding of the rules and requirements for travelling with their furry friends.

Kim Costello, Chief Marketing Officer at CarStore, said: “We know there has been a huge surge in pet ownership over the past 12-18 months and as a result, a likely need for individuals and families to purchase a new car to accommodate their new furry friends.

“This new alliance between CarStore and Battersea aims to help as many of the nation’s dog owners as possible find the right car for them.

“Specially trained by Battersea experts, our Personal Advisors will be equipped to support dog-owning customers with the car-buying process. Whether they’re looking for a car to accommodate a large German Shepherd, or something smaller to seat a Cockapoo and a small carrier, our Personal Advisors will be on hand to support and help customers find their perfect car.”

The survey suggested that many do not believe their car is currently practical for travelling with a dog, with almost half (49%) wishing they could do more to dog proof it. However, 10% confirmed they do not know where to source correct and accurate guidance, with many admitting to checking social media (18%) or forums online (18%) rather than reputable sources.

Rob Bays, Canine Behaviour and Training Manager at Battersea, said: “We’re excited to be partnering with CarStore to further help dog owners travel safely and wisely with their pets.

“With the good weather returning, many families may be looking to travel with their dogs during their staycations and Battersea wants to ensure dog owners have the right knowledge before embarking on a car journey with their pets. 

“When in the car with your dog, it’s important that they are comfortable in their environment to reduce stress and anxiety, so familiarising your pet with your vehicle before embarking on a long journey will help them get used to travelling. 

“It’s also important to ensure they are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you’re driving or injure you, or themselves, if you need to stop suddenly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, pet crate or guard are all suitable ways to travel safely with your pet.”

CarStore offers customers a combined approach when it comes to buying, selling, and purchasing a used vehicle, blending digital and physical locations to give customers the flexibility and freedom to approach the process in a way that works best for their lifestyle. CarStore’s impartial Personal Advisors provide expert advice and empower customers to make informed decisions that are right for them.

Visit the website to find out more about the partnership and access the content hub: 

https://www.carstore.com/about/battersea/

For tips on how to get your dog used to travelling in a vehicle, visit Battersea’s website for useful advice, videos and downloadable guides: 

https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-advice/getting-your-dog-used-car-travel

For more information on the rules around travelling with pets in a vehicle visit:

https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/rules-about-animals-other-animals.html

HOW TO KEEP DOGS COOL WHEN TRAVELLING DURING THE NEXT HEATWAVE

  • Parts of the UK are set for a second heatwave in the coming weeks, with temperatures set to reach 28C
  • Dogs are at increased risk of developing heat-related illnesses and start to suffer in just a few minutes
  • Battersea and CarStore have shared the key watchouts and guidance for looking after your dog in these hot temperatures 

With temperatures set to soar again next week, reaching 28C or higher in some areas, it’s important for pet owners to know exactly what to do to keep their dogs safe when travelling in these balmy temperatures.

Looking after beloved pooches is all about planning ahead and being prepared. The aim is to keep them healthy, happy, and hydrated, to reduce the risk of the dog suffering from heatstroke – a genuine threat on a hot summer’s day.

To help drivers stay on top of things whilst out travelling this summer, CarStore have joined forces with Battersea to share their top tips for dog-owning drivers:

  1. KEEP THE CAR COOL

If possible, put the air conditioning on for a few minutes before you set off on your travels, to allow the car to cool down before your dog gets in. Once on the move, make sure you have the windows open for ventilation and use sunshades on the windows, so your dog isn’t in direct sunlight.

You should also make sure your dog has access to water during the journey. The amount of time it takes for a dog to overheat in a car is much shorter than many people think, especially if your dog is long-haired or has a short snout – in some cases, it could be minutes or less. Many of these dogs have difficulty breathing and these problems are exacerbated in hot weather, even from 20°C.

  1. TAKE CARE ON HOT SURFACES

Lots of surfaces heat up in the sun, such as leather car seats or the tarmac in a car park, and this can be painful for your dog’s paws, causing injuries such as blisters. If in doubt, check for yourself using the palm of your hand. If it feels too hot for you, the chances are your dog will feel the same. Use a towel or dog bed in your car to ensure your dog is not sat directly on a hot seat whilst on the move.

  1. PLAN STOPS ON YOUR JOURNEY

If you’re travelling for any kind of significant distance, make sure you take a route that has enough places to stop, so not only can the human passengers take a break, but your dog/s can stretch their legs, go to the toilet, rehydrate, and have a cooling treat too. We would recommend setting off earlier in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler and there is less traffic, if possible.

  1. NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE IN THE CAR

Cars can get very warm, very quickly, and this can be deadly for your dog.  Even if your car is parked in the shade with the windows open, dogs can become distressed and uncomfortable, and develop heatstroke very quickly. Make sure you always have a plan so your dog isn’t left alone in the car or any other enclosed spaces. If you see a dog in a hot car, dial 999.

  1. LOOK OUT FOR HEATSTROKE

When your dog gets too hot and can’t reduce their body temperature they are at risk of developing heatstroke, which can be fatal. The signs to look out for include: 

  • Heavy panting
  • Glazed eyes
  • A rapid pulse
  • Excessive drooling
  • Lack of coordination, or confusion
  • Vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Loss of consciousness

If you notice any of these signs in your dog, you need to act fast. Immediately take them to a cool, shaded area and ring your nearest vet clinic.

Once in the shade, lay them down on a towel soaked in cold water and let them drink small amounts of cool water. Never place them directly into ice cold water or give them too much to drink as they may go into shock. Try to keep cooling them down while you take them to the vets.

Wherever you’re heading, we wish you and your dog a summer full of safe and cool car journeys.

For more tips on how to keep your dog cool in summer, visit the CarStore site, or for pet advice, the Pet Advice section on the Battersea Cats and Dogs Home website is full of expert information.

‘Keep dogs on a lead around rivers and ponds’- Vets issue seasonal warning about deadly blue-green algae risks

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued its annual warning to pet owners to take extra precautions when walking dogs around freshwater bodies, as warm weather conditions spark concerns about an increased risk of toxic blue green algae growth over the coming months.

The warning follows on the heels of confirmed algal bloom sightings in lakes, ponds or rivers in around 50 locations across the UK, including Millarochy Bay, Pullar’s Loch and several other locations in Scotland, as identified by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s (UKCEH) Bloomin’ Algae app. In late April, a cocker spaniel died of suspected blue green algae poisoning after a swim in Anton Lakes, Hampshire.

Blue green algae, or cyanobacteria, are a group of bacteria that can contain dangerous toxins which can be harmful and potentially fatal to pets, livestock and birds if ingested even in small quantities.

The algae may appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of water. Dogs can swallow it by drinking water from an affected lake, river or pond or while licking their fur after going for a swim. It’s possible for dogs to come into contact with the bacteria even if they don’t go into water for a paddle, as toxic blooms are often blown to the edges of water bodies.

According to trend data supplied by Professor Alan Radford and his team at SAVSNET, University of Liverpool, suspected or confirmed cases reported by veterinary practices peak in July and August, at the height of the summer season, and aren’t restricted to any one part of the UK.

British Veterinary Association President Justine Shotton said: “Many dogs love nothing more than a paddle in a lake to cool off in this weather, but we’d urge pet owners to keep them on a lead during walks near water bodies confirmed to have algal blooms this summer. The majority of blooms are toxic and it is impossible to tell the difference visually, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

“It is also important to be aware of the symptoms of exposure. These commonly include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, disorientation, trouble breathing, seizures, and blood in faeces. They can appear within a few minutes or hours of exposure, depending on the type of toxin ingested, and can cause liver damage and ultimately be rapidly fatal if left untreated.

“There is currently no known antidote for the toxins, so dog owners should seek prompt veterinary treatment to tackle their effects and ensure a good chance of recovery for their pet.”

Dr Linda May, a freshwater ecologist at UKCEH, explained: “All reports of suspected blue-green algae are rapidly available to view via the Bloomin’ Algae app, so by submitting records, people are providing a useful early warning to pet owners and watersports enthusiasts.

“A photograph must be included with all reports so we can quickly check if the bloom is blue-green algae or something harmless.”

BVA has issued the following advice for pet owners:

MSPs join Cats Protection to find out more about cat welfare priorities

Twenty five MSPs joined Cats Protection at a parliamentary reception in Holyrood to discuss the charity’s work across Scotland to improve feline welfare including through its campaigning work.

The event, on 16 June, was sponsored by Mark Ruskell MSP and held to highlight ways that politicians can help support Scotland’s 685,000 pet cats and their owners.

Among the work discussed was Cats Protection’s campaign to encourage more landlords to allow tenants to keep pet cats, and its calls for compulsory microchipping of pet cats in Scotland.

Cats Protection’s Advocacy & Government Relations Officer for Scotland Alice Palombo said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many MSPs who were keen to find out how they can support cats and the people who care about them.

“Scotland is a nation of cat lovers, with 20% of households owning one, so their welfare is important to a huge number of people. While Scotland already has some strong legislation in place to protect cats, there is always more that can be done, such as banning snares and introducing fireworks licensing. We were pleased to discuss these priorities with so many MSPs as part of our work to help cats in Scotland.”

Cats Protection, the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, has a Scottish network of 24 volunteer-run branches, four adoption centres, and nine charity shops which also offer advice on cat care. In 2021, the charity rehomed 2,500 cats in Scotland and helped neuter 10,500 cats and microchip 1,600 cats.

To find out more about the charity’s campaigning work, please visit:

 www.cats.org.uk/speakingupforcats

Keep cats cool as temperatures soar, charity warns

Extreme temperatures and unprotected exposure to the sun can be dangerous to pets, the UK’s leading cat charity has warned as the country experiences scorching hot weather.

Cats Protection is keen to remind cat owners of the health risks of sun exposure, such as dehydration, exhaustion and sunburn. In the worst cases, sun-related cancer can be a problem for cats, especially on their ears and noses.

The charity has issued warm weather advice for cat owners:

  • Keep pet cats indoors when the sun is at its hottest, typically between 10am and 3pm.
  • Speak to a vet about suitable sunscreen for pet cats.
  • Provide opportunities for shade outdoors, such as cat hides, large cardboard boxes, or plant plots placed close together.
  • There is a risk of your cat becoming dehydrated in the heat, so always provide an outdoor water source.
  • To stop cats feeling overheated, place a plastic bottle with frozen water inside a towel and place it in an area that the cat frequently visits.

Sarah Elliott, Central Veterinary Officer for Cats Protection, said: “White and pale-coloured cats don’t have a pigment called melanin in their skin, which is what protects humans from sunlight. This can leave them vulnerable to sun damage – usually around the ears.

“Over time, the damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of developing skin damage and cancer. Cats with unpigmented noses or ears are also much more susceptible to sun damage and require additional sun protection.”

For advice to avoid sunburn, download Cats Protection’s guidance: https://www.cats.org.uk/media/10837/vet_7701-sunburn-information-sheet-web.pdf 

Dehydration is a particular risk during warm weather. Cats need to remain well hydrated to maintain a normal body temperature, remove waste products and maintain proper circulation, and it is important to ensure that fresh water is always available.

To check if your cat is at risk of dehydration, try some of these tips:

  • Look at their gums. If they are tacky, this may be a first sign of dehydration.
  • Check their eyes. Severely sunken, dry eyes could indicate significant dehydration.
  • Feel their paws. If the paws feel cool or cold, this could be a sign of dehydration
  • Test skin elasticity. In a well-hydrated cat, the skin should snap back into place immediately. If it doesn’t, it could well be dehydrated.

Cats Protection’s tips on keeping cats safe in warm weather can be found at www.cats.org.uk/cats-and-warm-weather

Letters: Life-saving X-ray Appeal

Dear Editor,

With household budgets facing increased pressures due to the rise in the cost of living, at vet charity PDSA, we’re issuing a life-saving X-ray appeal to help us continue providing essential care for sick and injured pets whose owners struggle to pay for their treatments.

X-rays sit at the heart of our emergency treatments and help us to diagnose why a pet is in pain. Amazingly, PDSA carries out one X-ray every two minutes across our 48 Pet Hospitals but, at £135 per procedure, they are a costly yet critical part of our work to get our beloved pets back on their paws.

Our devoted veterinary teams provide free and low cost care for thousands of UK pets every day, offering them a fighting chance of survival and the ability to return home to their loving families.

Please help us so we can continue to provide urgent care to vulnerable pets by visiting www.pdsa.org.uk/x-rays-at-pdsa.

Any donation you can give will help give a poorly pet the life-saving X-ray and care they so desperately need. 

Thank you,

Lynne James

PDSA Vet

#SavedByXray

Trade in ivory to be illegal from today

UK Ivory Act enforces a ‘near total’ ban on elephant ivory sales

  • UK’s Ivory Act comes into force to ensure protection for world’s elephants
  • The near total ban on elephant ivory sales is one of the toughest of its kind
  • Key manifesto commitment as part of a wider UK drive on international conservation

A near total ban on the import, export and dealing of items containing elephant ivory comes into force today (6th June), putting the UK at the forefront of global conservation efforts.

Elephants are commonly targeted for their ivory tusks and the demand for ivory is known to contribute to poaching, driving a decline in elephant populations. The ban will ensure vital protection for the world’s elephants by putting a stop to the UK trade in ivory.

The ban covers ivory items of all ages, not only those produced after a certain date, allowing only a narrowly defined set of exemptions. As a result, it will now be illegal to deal in ivory items unless they have been registered or have an exemption certificate.

The number of elephants free in the wild has declined by almost a third, with the savanna elephant population plummeting by around 30 percent – equal to 144,000 elephants – across 15 African countries between 2007 and 2014. It’s estimated around 20,000 are also still being slaughtered annually because of the global demand for ivory.

The UK’s world-leading Ivory Act is one of the toughest bans on elephant ivory sales in the world, with some of the strongest enforcement measures. Those found guilty of breaching the ban will face tough new penalties including an unlimited fine or up to five years in jail.

Animal Welfare Minister Lord Goldsmith said: “The world-leading Ivory Act coming into force represents a landmark moment in securing the survival of elephants across the globe for future generations.

“Thousands of elephants are unnecessarily and cruelly targeted for their ivory every year for financial gain. As one of the toughest bans of its kind, we are sending a clear message the commercial trade of elephant ivory is totally unacceptable.

“The UK has long led the way in conservation and our ban shows continued global leadership in doing all we can to protect the world’s most endangered species.”

Dr Mark Jones, Head of Policy at Born Free: “Born Free has long campaigned for an end to all trade in ivory, so we are pleased to finally welcome the UK’s Ivory Act.

“Its implementation must now be sufficiently robust to ensure only items that genuinely meet the exemption criteria can be traded in future, and that any transgressions are dealt with promptly and severely”.

International Fund for Animal Welfare UK director James Sawyer said: “Today is a good day for elephants. With as many as 20,000 elephants a year poached for ivory, this ban could not have come a moment too soon. IFAW believes ivory should only be valued on a live elephant and the overwhelming public support for banning the trade shows the majority of people feel the same.

“Legal ivory markets have long provided a smokescreen for illegal trade, putting endangered elephants in further jeopardy. Ivory trading in the UK has now rightly been consigned to the history books and everyone who has played a part in this important conservation victory should be proud.”

The ban coming into force will now close domestic ivory markets, representing a step forward in leading global efforts to protect the elephants after delays due unsuccessful legal challenges.

The UK Government is pushing for a global species abundance target to be agreed at this year’s Conference on Biological Diversity and has contributed £3.98 million through the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund to projects around the world that protect elephants from poaching and illegal trade to benefit wildlife, local communities, the economy and protect global security.

The Government launched the digital ivory service earlier this year allowing those who own ivory to register or apply for an exemption certificate. People will only need to register or certify items for the purposes of dealing in exempt items containing ivory. Those who own but are not planning to sell their ivory items do not need to register or certify them.

The Government is also considering extending the Ivory Act to other ivory-bearing species and will publish the response to the consultation later this year.

BVA President praises Scottish vets for sterling efforts to keep animals healthy in difficult times

British Veterinary Association (BVA) President Justine Shotton last night (Tuesday 17 May) celebrated the work of veterinary teams across Scotland to make animal health and welfare a top priority despite contending with multiple pressures in recent times.

In her speech to around 70 guests at BVA’s Annual Scottish Dinner at the Scottish Parliament, Dr Shotton said that Scottish vets had worked incredibly hard to keep animals healthy, protect public health and keep the food chain moving against a backdrop of Covid, Brexit and a recent surge in pet ownership. 

However, she cautioned that this has been an incredibly challenging time, saying: “But we also need to acknowledge that this has come at a significant – and ultimately unsustainable – cost to the profession’s capacity and wellbeing. 

“If we are going to cope with ongoing and new or unforeseen challenges ahead, we need action now to improve recruitment, retention and rates of return to veterinary work, to ensure that all existing vets can feel supported, safe and rewarded in their careers, and to encourage future vets from all walks of life to follow in our footsteps.”

Addressing guests including Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, MSPs, key representatives from animal health and welfare organisations and colleagues from across the veterinary profession, BVA’s President called on Scottish and UK governments, animal owners, the profession itself and vets of the future to take a range of actions to help create a “flexible, resilient and future-proofed workforce”. 

These ranged from ensuring that new vet schools such as the site proposed by the SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) are adequately funded, to reminding animal owners to “Respect Your Vet” and the difficult decisions that they have had to make to keep colleagues and clients safe during the pandemic. 

Dr Shotton also praised the recent “Vetastic Adventures” project, where BVA teamed up with the Scottish SPCA to showcase veterinary careers in a fun and accessible way for both primary and secondary school pupils in Scotland. 

Reflecting on recent months, Dr Shotton said that the profession’s “resilience and dedication” had really shone through in how vets had responded to and mitigated against recent disease outbreaks in Scotland and across the UK, including the Avian Influenza outbreak. 

She said that with disease control sitting within the scope of the proposed new Scottish Veterinary Service it was important to make sure that systems collaborated closely with the rest of the UK and beyond, cautioning:

“I don’t have to tell any of you around the room tonight that diseases and animal welfare problems don’t respect borders.  It will therefore be critical that the new service has systems that collaborate and liaise with the rest of the UK, and beyond, on disease surveillance, data collection, and information sharing.  We’re engaging closely to ensure that veterinary expertise is at the heart of these new proposals.” 

Turning to animal welfare legislation, Dr Shotton said that BVA was really pleased by the Scottish Government’s commitment to banning the sale and use of glue traps, describing them as “inhumane devices, which subject trapped animals to prolonged pain and suffering and can often accidentally trap non-target species including cats and birds.”  She called for similar action against snares, as they can also cause significant and needless harm to animals, including pets and protected wildlife.

On pet welfare, Dr Shotton acknowledged some significant campaign wins in the past year, including BVA successfully lobbying alongside others for the UK Government to take action against the “barbaric and purely cosmetic practice” of cropping dogs’ ears. 

She said that BVA will now be turning its attention to the rise of canine fertility clinics in Scotland and the rest of the UK, saying: “We are building a picture of the scale and severity of this worrying trend, and already seeing multiple red flags in the clinics, which may be operating with no regulation or veterinary oversight. 

“The recent action taken against a clinic owner in Lanarkshire following a joint investigation exemplifies what can be achieved when we come together to clamp down on unregulated and dangerous practices.”

The BVA President ended her speech by thanking BVA Scottish Branch colleagues for all their support, and welcoming Gareth Hateley, who was formally elected as the new Branch Junior Vice President at the AGM on Tuesday afternoon.

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, responded to the speech as BVA’s Guest of Honour.

West Calder Rehoming Centre welcomes Christine Jardine MP

Local MP Christine Jardine MP was welcomed to Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre this month where she was greeted by a wagging tail reception.  

As well as a behind the scenes tour of the West Lothian centre, the MP for Edinburgh West chatted with Rehoming Centre Manager Susan Tonner about the charity’s work in Scotland and in particular the recent expansion of the Home from Home fostering scheme into Dundee and the surrounding counties of Angus, Perthshire and Fife.

The charity has recently employed its first Home from Home Co-ordinator in Dundee and has just placing its first dogs into foster homes in the Dundee area, with the aim of rehoming over 100 dogs locally every year.

Ms Jardine met some of the centre’s handsome hounds patiently waiting on their forever homes including loveable Shih Tzu, Tilly, who is looking to be rehomed with her best pal, Angel, a friendly border collie. 

Following her visit, Christine Jardine MP, said: “It was a pleasure to visit West Calder Rehoming Centre and to meet not only their dogs but also the excellent team who take care of them and work hard to find them their forever homes.

“The charity goes above and beyond for each individual dog, with some better suited to a foster home while they await their new families. One of the best parts of a great visit was hearing about the foster scheme and how people can get involved.  I would encourage anyone who is willing and able to look after a dog on a temporary basis to get in touch with Dogs Trust to find out more.”

Susan Tonner said: “It is clear Ms Jardine is a real dog lover, so it was lovely to meet her and show her around our Rehoming Centre, introducing her to some of our wonderful pooches.

“It was also a great opportunity for us to discuss the benefits of foster caring which is such an important part of our work. Ms Jardine was a real supporter of our Home from Home foster scheme and its continued growth within Scotland.”

Dogs Trust is currently looking for Home from Home fosterers in Dundee, Tayside, Perth and Kinross, Fife, Angus and Kincardine. Anyone interested can call Megan on 01506 873459 or email HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.uk

Anyone interested in rehoming Tilly, Angel or a four-legged friend can click here:

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/

Be a good egg and hide Easter chocs from your pets, vets warn

Vets are calling on pet owners to put all their chocolate eggs in a safely secured basket well out of reach of inquisitive pets to avoid chocolate poisoning and an emergency trip to the vets over the Easter weekend.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued the warning along with a handy guide to recognising symptoms of chocolate poisoning, as Google searches in the UK for questions like ‘how much chocolate can a dog eat’, ‘signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs’ and ‘how much chocolate will kill a dog’ all show a steep annual spike at this time of the year.

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can be dangerous for all pets even in the smallest quantity. However, dogs are particularly susceptible to poisoning due to a chemical called theobromine, which is found naturally in cocoa beans.

Theobromine takes a long time to be broken down inside a dog’s digestive system, which means that even a tiny amount of chocolate can result in toxic levels, especially for smaller dogs and puppies. For this reason, white chocolate is usually safe for dogs if ingested accidentally but the effects with milk chocolate can vary, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and keep all types of chocolate away.

Vets often see a spike in chocolate toxicity cases over celebratory periods such as Easter and Christmas. BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession surveys from 2016 to 2018 revealed that six in ten vets (60%) had treated cases of chocolate poisoning over Easter each year.

Raisins and sultanas, found in hot cross buns and simnel cakes, and xylitol (found in sugar-free treats) can also be dangerous for dogs and cats if ingested.

BVA President Justine Shotton said: “We all look forward to indulging in sweet treats over Easter but it’s important to take precautions to keep curious pets out of trouble.

“Human foods such as hot cross buns with sultanas or chocolate bunnies are a strict no-no, with chocolate being particularly toxic for dogs, who have a hard time metabolising some of the components and can get very sick from even a small amount.

“As a vet, I’ve seen many cases of chocolate ingestion over Easter and Christmas, but luckily the vast majority of pets were brought to the practice quickly and we were able to treat the patients successfully. 

“Dogs will usually start showing signs of chocolate toxicity within 12 hours, but symptoms can last for up to three days. If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate, don’t delay in calling your vet first for advice. Prompt veterinary treatment within the first six hours of eating chocolate can often be critical to a positive outcome. Your vet will want to know how much chocolate your pet has eaten and what type. If possible, keep any labels and wrappers and have the weight of your pet to hand.”

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last for up to three days. Initially, pets are likely to experience excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and restlessness.

These can develop into symptoms of hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rate, hyperthermia and rapid breathing. Severe cases may result in fits and heartbeat irregularities, and even coma and death. If you notice these symptoms in your dog and suspect chocolate ingestion, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

For more information on pets and toxic substances, download the free Animal Welfare Foundation ‘Pets and Poisons’ leaflet.

Pets-and-Poisons-1Download

Dogs Trust extends Home from Home Scheme

Dogs Trust has extended its successful Home from Home Scheme into Dundee and the surrounding counties of Angus, Perthshire and Fife and is calling on locals to get in touch.

Megan Wilkinson has just been employed as Dogs Trust’s first Home from Home Co-ordinator in Dundee and is hoping to hear from dog loving locals who are willing to become foster carers, opening their hearts and homes to dogs that await their forever home. 

Megan said: ““Our Home from Home foster scheme is a very important part of Dog Trusts work finding new homes for every dog that comes into our care.  Some dogs are more suited to a home environment than kennels and these are the dogs that we look to place into a foster home.

“The long-lasting impact of the pandemic means some dog owners are finding themselves having to make very difficult decisions which may include giving up their pets. We need to be there for as many people and dogs as possible so increasing the number of foster carers we have is a positive way to increase our support during this challenging time.

“Expanding Home from Home into Dundee and the surrounding areas will allow us to provide more support in Scotland. I’m excited to be working within the local community to find forever homes for more dogs within Tayside, Perthshire, Fife and Angus and am keen to hear from locals who want to help us.”

Susan Tonner, West Calder Rehoming Centre Manager said: “Having the option of foster homes locally in and around the Dundee area is fantastic. It allows us to help local dogs more readily and also offers local people the opportunity to adopt a dog closer to home.

“Since the Home from Home scheme started at West Calder at the end of 2016, we have rehomed over 500 dogs through fostering. Last year we found new homes for 130 dogs through the scheme thanks to the wonderful help of 20 fosterers.  We are about to place our first dogs into foster in the Dundee area with our aim being to rehome over 100 every year.

“A lot of our current fosterers don’t want the long-term commitment of owning a dog but miss having a four-legged friend in their life. Fostering can be a perfect solution where you care for a rescue dog on a temporary basis. Thanks to our fosterers, we really get to know our dogs and how they are in a home environment, which enables us to match each individual dog with their perfect new home.

“To foster you must have the time and patience to help the dog adjust to their new surroundings and also be prepared to say goodbye when their forever home is found. As a fosterer you can be assured you have played a pivotal role in the successful happy future life of the dog and your next foster dog could be patiently waiting for your help.  We couldn’t do our vital work without our fosterers and we are so incredibly grateful to have their loyal support.”

Fosterers must have a love of dogs, a secure garden area, be at home most of the day and preferably not have young children.

Dogs Trust will support you every step of the way providing food, bedding and any other practical things you need to make your new canine friend feel at home.

The charity also covers the costs of all veterinary treatment and is working in partnership with Parkside Veterinary Group in Dundee. The length of time a dog is in foster care differs in each individual case.

Dogs Trust is currently looking for Home from Home fosterers in Dundee, Tayside, Perth and Kinross, Fife, Angus and Kincardine.

Anyone interested can call Megan on 01506 873459 or email:

HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.uk