As Crufts, the annual international dog show, kicks off this weekend, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is highlighting the importance of taking simple and affordable preventive steps to keep dogs and other pets healthy, to help minimise medical problems from escalating.
The advice comes as BVA’s latest Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey reveals that almost all (99%) of vets across the UK have seen pets in the last 12 months who should have been brought to them for treatment earlier. This represents a significant increase of almost 20% since 2018 and equates to an estimated 1 in 5 pets not receiving timely treatment.
When asked about the main reasons for the delay, 91% vets reported financial reasons as a key factor. More than half of vets (52%) said the number of clients reporting difficulty covering the cost of preventative veterinary care for their animal had increased compared to 2021. This figure rose to 70% when it came to covering the cost of diagnostic care and treatment.
Responding to these findings, British Veterinary Association President Malcolm Morley said:“In a week when the national spotlight turns towards Crufts, it’s important to acknowledge that many pet owners are finding it difficult to meet the basic costs of caring for their animals.
“It’s particularly concerning that vets in practice are seeing increasing numbers of animals with issues that could have been prevented or minimised if treatment had been sought sooner.
“Regular vet check-ups and preventative care may seem costly for many families in the current financial climate, but taking steps now rather than later is the best way to catch any health issues early and keep medical costs to a minimum.
“We urge all pet owners to talk to their vet for advice on simple and affordable steps they can take to keep their animals healthy. These include neutering, keeping up to date on vaccinations, daily teeth cleaning, keeping weight in check, and plenty of exercise.
“The British Veterinary Association encourages pet owners to speak to their vet sooner rather than later if you’re struggling to cover the costs. Vets will always prioritise the welfare of your animal and work closely with clients to make treatment plans tailored to individual circumstances.”
With extreme heat warnings in place across the UK, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe in hot weather.
The advice follows concerns that cases of heat-related illness seen by vets this year could rival the significant numbers seen during the record-breaking summer of 2018, when almost two-thirds of vets reported treating animals affected by the hot weather.
BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey in 2018 found that half of the vets had treated animals for heat stroke (51%) while more than one in three (36%) had seen animals requiring treatment for other conditions relating to hot weather, like breathing difficulties, heart conditions, burnt paw pads and sunburn.
Compared to 2015, the average number of cases of heatstroke and other heat-related conditions seen per vet that year had doubled and trebled, respectively.
Dogs may particularly struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions since, unlike humans, they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating. Even a very short in the middle of the day or being locked in a car for a few minutes can prove to be fatal.
Flat-faced breeds such as English or French bulldogs and pugs are at even greater risk, as their short muzzles can make breathing difficult, and therefore they struggle to cool down through panting, which is a dog’s main way to cool its body temperature.
Overweight animals and densely coated animals are also at increased risk.
Like dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs cannot sweat or pant to regulate their body temperature and cool down, which is why it’s important that their hutch or run isn’t exposed to direct sunlight at any time of the day.
Flystrike is also a life-threatening risk for them in the warmer months, so daily inspection around their back end and under their tail is essential. Seek veterinary advice immediately if you see any maggots.
British Veterinary Association President Justine Shotton said:“While most of us look forward to warmer weather, our pets can suffer in high temperatures and humid conditions. Each year, vets across the country report seeing large numbers of cases involving pets who require treatment for heat-related conditions, and this saw a noticeable jump during the record-breaking heat of 2018.
“Vets know that dogs in particular won’t stop enjoying themselves and exercising because it is hot, so it’s up to owners to do all they can to prevent overheating happening in this heatwave. This includes making sure pets aren’t walked or exercised in the middle of a hot day or left inside a hot car or conservatory for even a little while, as ‘not long’ can prove fatal.
“If you’re concerned about your pet in the hot weather, we’d recommend contacting your vet immediately.”
Some breeds of cats and dogs, particularly those with lighter-coloured or finer fur, may also benefit from appropriate sun cream, especially on the ear tips, which are prone to sunburn. In the case of chronic exposure, it can even lead to potentially dangerous skin cancers.
Among dogs, breeds such as Dalmatians, Beagles, Whippets, white Boxers and white English Bull Terriers are among the most commonly affected.
Cats who like sunbathing on windowsills are also at risk of exposing themselves to a lot of sunlight through windows that are generally not UVA-protected.
Blue-eyed white cats are most susceptible, as well as the white-haired skin areas of short-haired cats.
Dr. Shotton added:“The best way to prevent sunburn is to avoid excessive sunlight exposure but, if that isn’t possible, you should apply pet-appropriate sunscreen 10-15 minutes before exposure.
“Products that are waterproof, with a high SPF (30 or higher) and containing titanium dioxide are suitable and should be applied as a thin smear.
“BVA recommends avoiding sunscreens with zinc oxide to avoid zinc toxicity. If pet-safe products are hard to find, hypoallergenic or baby human products may be suitable instead. It’s a good idea to consult a vet to make sure you are applying the right sunscreen correctly and in the right place.”
Vets’ top tips:
Make sure all pets always have access to fresh water to drink, adequate ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times. This includes birds in cages or aviaries and rabbits in hutches. Provide extra shade to guinea pigs by covering the top of wire mesh runs with damp towels.
Don’t exercise dogs in the hottest parts of the day: especially older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds or dogs that you know have heart or lung problems. Stick to early morning or late evening walks.
Do the five-second tarmac test before taking a dog out for a walk; if it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Never leave dogs in vehicles. If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car, call 999.
Watch out for early signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination. Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures.
If heatstroke or any other heat-related condition is suspected, take your pets to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down. Seek immediate advice from your vet.
Spare a thought for wild animals. Keep out bowls of water for wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs.
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:
Keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom – don’t let pets swim in it or drink from it.
If your dog has been swimming outside, wash its coat thoroughly with clean water afterwards.
Seek emergency veterinary treatment if you’re concerned your pet may have ingested toxic algae.
Report sightings of suspected blue-green algae with a photograph via the Bloomin’ Algae app. You can also set up notifications for confirmed sightings in your area.
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.
