Tag: PDSA

Pet first aid becomes lifesaver for seriously injured dog

Two-year-old Labrador Reggie was out enjoying a Sunday evening walk with his loving owner when disaster struck, and PDSA’s pet first aid advice had to be put into practice.

While running through the woods with his canine brother, Ronnie; Reggie sliced his paw open on some broken glass that had been discarded on the ground.

With blood pouring from his cut paw, over a mile from the car and unfortunately no supplies on hand, Reggie’s owner, Jess, utilised her recently learnt pet first aid knowledge to wrap the serious wound with a makeshift bandage.

To help stem the bleeding, Jess ripped off a piece of her clothing and applied pressure to the cut. She then covered it with a poo bag, tied loosely round Reggie’s ankle, to keep it clean while they made their way back to the car.

Once home, Jess unwrapped the bandage to clean Reggie’s paw and realised it was still bleeding heavily. She immediately called the vet, who directed them to head straight to their out of hours service.

After being examined, the vet informed Jess that the deep cut had damaged a major blood vessel and would need stitches under general anaesthetic. Luckily the procedure went smoothly and just a few hours later, Reggie was discharged and able to go home for some well-needed rest and recuperation, while his paw heeled.

PDSA Vet Lynne James said: “It can be extremely worrying when your pet has an accident or gets injured, especially if you’re far from home and you haven’t got your pet first aid kit with you.

“In Reggie’s case, his owner did exactly the right thing and helped stem a potentially life-threatening bleed, preventing further contamination and infection to the wound – thanks to the lifesaving advice learnt from our pet first aid leaflet.

“Our guide covers everything from what to do if your pet is having a seizure, to how to cool your pet down safely if they develop life-threatening heatstroke.

You never know when disaster might strike so it’s very useful to be clued up on pet first aid – it could save a life in an emergency.”

Jess said: “After reading through all of PDSA’s pet first aid advice in the guide, we made sure we had a complete pet first aid kit for the dogs, but I didn’t have it with me on our walk. Despite that, the advice in the guide ended up really being a ‘lifesaver’ when Reggie cut his paw.”

PDSA’s pet first aid guide is available for FREE, you can download your own copy from PDSA’s website: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-first-aid  

PDSA relies on donations to deliver life-saving treatment to hundreds of thousands of pets through its 48 Pet Hospitals across the UK. To help keep people and their pets together in times of need, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support.

To find out more about PDSA’s vital work, or to donate, visit www.pdsa.org.uk

Walk for pets in need this October

48 miles for PDSA’s 48 Pet Hospitals

The vet charity for pets in need is calling on dogs and their owners across Edinburgh to get their walking gear on this month and take part in its virtual walkathon.

Taking place throughout the whole of October, PDSA is asking dog owners to walk their pooches 48 miles to raise vital funds for the charity’s 48 Pet Hospitals across the country – including its Edinburgh PDSA Pet Hospital.

Anna and Bella

All dogs who join #TeamPDSA and take part in the challenge will receive a limited-edition dog bandana and those who raise over £100 will receive a well-earned medal for completing the Walkathon.

“Whether it’s 1.5 miles a day or a longer walk once a week, this is a great chance to set yourself and your furry family member a challenge,” explains PDSA Fundraising Manager Anna Hawkins.

“We all know the importance of walking our dogs, and autumn is a beautiful time to appreciate the great outdoors with your four-legged friends!

“Not only that, but every step you take, and every mile you tick off, you’ll be helping PDSA treat hundreds of thousands of pets in need whose owners who have nowhere else to turn.”

The team at Edinburgh PDSA Pet Hospital saw more than 8,600 pets in 2022, carrying out over 900 surgical operations, 2,300+ x-rays and 1,000+ ultrasounds.

This is the charity’s second annual October Walkathon. Last year, participants raised more than £20,000 for PDSA.

“If you are looking for more of a challenge for your fit, healthy and energetic pooch, you can always test yourself and walk 100 miles for PDSA,” adds Anna.

“And you don’t need to be a dog owner to get involved. Whether you are an animal-lover, pet owner or want to do something in memory of your pet, all ages and abilities are encouraged to get involved!”

Registrations close Sunday 8 October. 

To find out more and secure your place, visit pdsa.org.uk/oct-walkathon 

Expert dog welfare group shares advice for helping to keep flat-faced dogs safer in the heat

‘WHEN IN DOUBT DON’T GO OUT’

During summer last year, when the UK faced record-breaking high temperatures of over 40C in July, over 50% of dogs treated for ‘heatstroke’ by PDSA* were those with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds) such as Pugs, British & French Bulldogs and Shih Tzus.

With the summer season underway, a group of UK dog welfare experts is urging owners of flat-faced dog breeds to take extra care to protect these dogs in the warm weather. 

The poor ability of these types of dogs to keep themselves cool by panting because of their abnormally flattened faces means that they are at huge risk of heatstroke in hot weather.

A survey by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) showed that over half of vets surveyed had treated flat-faced dogs for heatstroke in the past year.

In a separate BVA survey, following last year’s record-breaking heatwave, many vets also reported being especially concerned about the impact of hot weather on flat-faced dogs, with some vets worried that owners often did not recognise visible or audible signs of heat stress in their dogs.

The Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG), a national group of the UK’s leading dog health and welfare organisations and vets, has issued advice specifically aimed at owners of flat-faced breeds, to help protect these dogs in the hotter temperatures and summer sunshine:

  • Help them stay cool in hot weather – Dogs don’t sweat like humans do; instead the main way they cool themselves down is by panting. The limited breathing abilities of some flat-faced dogs means they often struggle to cool themselves down and ineffective panting in these dogs only further exacerbates their breathing difficulties.

Encourage your dog to stay in shaded areas, avoid exertion (such as outdoor walks or a game of fetch) and stay indoors through the heat of the day. Never leave flat-faced dogs in a car or conservatory, where they can overheat rapidly even on a relatively mild or overcast day.

  • Plan your walks – Always avoid the warmest parts of the day to head out with your dog. Plan your walks for dawn and dusk. If this isn’t possible, it’s far better to skip a walk rather than risk a flat-faced dog going outside – a dog can develop heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes in warm conditions.
  • Keep cool with fresh drinks – Ensure your dog stays well hydrated by placing bowls of fresh water around the house. And for an extra cool drink, you can add in some ice-cubes.
  • Spot the early signs your dog is struggling with the heat – Being aware of physical changes to your dog from over-heating can enable owners to intervene earlier, hopefully before heatstroke sets in. Look out for the following changes in your dog: breathing more heavily than usual, having less energy, less playful than normal, panting more, stumbling or laying down.
  • Recognising the signs of heatstroke – Being able to spot the signs of heatstroke and knowing when to act can save your pet’s life. Signs can vary from excessive panting, confusion, bright red gums, foaming at the mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse or even seizures.
  • Cool your dog down quickly – if your dog shows any of the above signs, it’s essential to cool them down as quickly as possible. Move them into a cool area, pour cool water from the cold tap and offer them small amounts of water to drink. Be sure to contact your vet as soon as possible so they can offer the best advice for your situation. Always remember to ‘cool first, transport second’1 when taking your dog for veterinary care for heatstroke.
  • Knowing Pet First Aid could save your pet’s life – Being comfortable and able to perform Pet First Aid before you get to a vet could be vital for your dog in an emergency, especially in cases of heatstroke. PDSA has a free Pet First Aid guide, full of tips and tricks for pet owners, should the worst happen.

Due to their flattened skull shapes, flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs do not have the naturally longer nose that helps other types of dogs to lose heat during panting, meaning flat-faced breeds often struggle more than other types of dogs to lose heat effectively.

These problems are exacerbated in hot weather and especially if the dogs are exercised. Owners of flat-faced breeds should be extra vigilant in the summer months when it’s likely to be warmer than usual. Warm weather can be fatal for all breeds of dogs, so it is important all owners are aware of the severe dangers.

Dr Dan O’Neill, Chair of the BWG, said: “Flat-faced dogs are currently hugely popular in the UK but owners of these breeds need to especially vigilant to protect their dogs from heatstroke.

“Avoid exercise during hot parts of the day and wet these dogs liberally as soon as they show are any signs of overheating.

“If you are concerned, contact your vet as soon as possible. The core message is ‘when in doubt, don’t go out – Dogs Die on Hot Walks’.”

The BWG, which is made up of veterinary associations, welfare organisations, universities, the government, breeders and dog owners, has more information about heat-related illness in brachycephalic dogs, and an infographic with advice, on the Group’s website.

Cat found with 10cm blade of grass up his nose

A cat from Nottingham, who transformed his owner’s life after she was diagnosed with cancer, has been saved by vet charity PDSA who removed a 10cm blade of grass from his nose.   

Ginge, (6), was taken to Nottingham PDSA Pet Hospital after his owner Laura Mellors, (52), said he was struggling to breathe and sneezing blood. 

“It was very scary,” she explained. “Ginge was having sneezing fits and coughing, and then all of a sudden he started bringing up blood. I didn’t know what to do.”  

Laura, who was eligible for the charity’s services after having to give up work when she was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, took him to her local PDSA Pet Hospital straightaway.  

“PDSA were amazing,” she added. “The team sedated Ginge and pulled out a huge 10cm blade of grass, I couldn’t believe it. 

“You couldn’t see anything stuck in his nose or in his mouth so it must have been pretty far back. After the vets got it out Ginge was back to his normal self almost instantly. I can’t thank them enough!”   

Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer at the start of the pandemic and had to give up her job in Tesco.

Because of her Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), it meant she was eligible for the charity’s veterinary services.  

“From my diagnosis, to the pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis, it’s been a hard few years and I’m so thankful to PDSA for being there for Ginge and for me,” she shared. 

Laura lives in Bestwood with her partner Sam, (62). She said Ginge is a big part of the family after ‘choosing her’ when he appeared in her garden as a stray cat. 

“Ginge came into our lives around the same time I was diagnosed with cancer,” she explained.  

“I feel like he chose us to be honest. He was a stray cat who used to come and sit in our garden. One day he came in through the back door, and then he never left. We tried to see if he was owned by anyone – we asked our neighbours, and took him to be scanned for a microchip but nothing came of it. 

“We wouldn’t be without him for the world though – he’s an amazing cat! He’s slow and chilled out, he plods around the garden and sits in the sun. 

“He’s always eating bits of grass and even though I tell him to stop, I didn’t think it would cause much harm. But I’ll definitely be a lot more mindful of this from now on.”  

PDSA Vet Catherine Burke explained that this is common amongst cats and can be tricky to diagnose and treat. “When a cat gets a blade of grass lodged in the back of their nose or throat, it can be very uncomfortable and irritating for them, and could cause an infection, 

“It can cause severe bouts of sneezing or coughing, and in some cases such as Ginge’s, the cat can start sneezing or coughing up blood which can be very distressing for both cat and owner. 

“It can be really difficult to prevent this from happening, as cats will often wander where we can’t keep an eye on them. If your cat eats grass in your own garden, keep it cut short to reduce the risk of the longer grass blades getting stuck. 

“Sneezing from time to time is nothing to worry about, but you should contact your vet if your cat can’t stop sneezing, sneezes blood or seems to be in pain.”  

In times of hardship, pets like Ginge will still fall ill or become injured and need emergency care. PDSA is appealing for donations so that the charity can continue to support owners who have nowhere else to turn by providing life-saving care to vulnerable pets.

To donate, visit pdsa.org.uk.  

PDSA saved life of cat caught in snare

Leading vet charity PDSA has saved the life of a three-year-old cat who became trapped in a rabbit snare, leaving her with serious injuries.

CupCake, fondly known as C.C, was missing from her home in Canterbury for five days, leaving her loving owner, Karen Gunn, very concerned. When she came home, it was clear by how lethargic she was, there was something severely wrong.

Karen could see something caught on C.C. and immediately took her to PDSA’s out of hours provider, Vets Now in Herne Bay.

Once there, the vets made the horrific discovery that C.C was in fact, caught in a rabbit snare. A snare is a thin wire noose used as a method of wildlife management. When an animal steps into the trap, the noose tightens around them, trapping them in place.

The snare had wrapped so tightly around her waist it was hard to see buried underneath her fur. As C.C had struggled to get herself free, the snare cut deeper into her, causing deep and painful wounds – it was a miracle C.C was able to move, let alone struggle all the way home.

Luckily, thanks to Karen’s quick thinking and the treatment, which was funded by PDSA, the vets were able to save C.C’s life. The snare was very carefully removed and the wounds were cleaned, dressed and treated with antibiotics.

Karen said: “If C.C hadn’t managed to get herself home, I don’t bear to think about what would have happened to her – it’s possible she spent five whole days trapped in that snare, trying to wiggle herself free.

“We can’t thank PDSA enough for ensuring C.C got the treatment she needed for a full recovery.”

C.C needed regular check-ups at Margate PDSA Pet Clinic to monitor her wounds, to ensure they were clean and free from infection.

Karen added: “C.C’s wounds are now fully healed and she’s back on her paws again – she has a big scar and her fur is yet to fully grow back, but she’s a real fighter.”

PDSA Veterinary Surgeon, Lynne James, said: “We’re extremely pleased that Wales has committed to a full ban on all snares, as this is a great step for animal welfare in Wales, due to the suffering these devices cause to wild, farmed and companion animals.

“PDSA supports a ban on the manufacture, sale, possession and use of all snares not just in Wales, but across the whole of the UK, and is now looking to England and Scotland to follow suit and join Wales with a complete ban on snares.”

Lynne added: “Unfortunately we do see cases like C.C’s across our 48 Pet Hospitals, and we firmly believe there needs to be a ban on snares.

“Snares are inhumane; catching a range of wild and domestic animals, including protected species and beloved family pets, often resulting in severe injury or death.

“Animals caught in snares naturally panic and struggle to break free, this causes the snare to cut deeper into the skin and flesh, seriously harming the animal. Unless found, animals suffer horrendously, possibly for many hours, before they die.”

PDSA saves tennis-loving dog who swallowed two balls

Charity vets urge owners to trade tennis balls for safer toys following Wimbledon final

A tennis ball-obsessed dog from Wolverhampton got himself into a spot of bother after taking his hobby too far and swallowing two balls whole; leaving him needing life-saving surgery from vet charity PDSA.

Loki, a five-year-old crossbreed, landed himself in trouble after a game of fetch with his loving owner Amy, ended in disaster and an emergency trip to Wolverhampton PDSA Pet Hospital.

Amy explained: “Loki is a high-energy dog and he loves nothing more than a game of fetch. Most of his toys are the ‘super strong’ ones – he’s a gentle giant, but his toys don’t last long if they aren’t tough ones. But his favourites are tennis balls, he’s obsessed.

“It was only when Loki refused to eat, and started being sick, we realised something was wrong. He was still active and playful, but it’s not like Loki to pass up some food! When the sickness didn’t stop we called PDSA, and they told us to bring him straight in for an appointment.”

Luckily for Loki, the charity’s Wolverhampton team acted fast and an x-ray revealed the problem: two whole balls inside his stomach.

PDSA Vet Catherine Burke said: “Our vet teams treat ball related injuries every year, which can quickly turn into a life threatening situation. Loki’s situation was a case of life-or-death – without surgery, he would likely have died. One of the balls was lodged in his stomach, preventing him from keeping food down.

Loki was taken into theatre and his emergency operation was a success; PDSA’s vets managed to remove both balls intact.

But the charity is using Loki’s story to warn other owners that a bit of innocent fun with a tennis ball can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation. It’s best all round to trade out the tennis balls for safer toys.

Catherine added: “If your dog loves to chew, there is also the risk they could swallow chewed up parts of the tennis ball; which can still cause the same issues with gut blockage like in Loki’s case.”

Following the surgery, Loki is recovering well and, according to Amy, he is back to his fun, playful self.

It’s not unusual to see dogs running after and catching tennis balls. In particular at this time of year, with Wimbledon in full swing, tennis lovers may wish to play a game of fetch with their four-legged friends.

Catherine shares some of the dangers associated with tennis balls: “If your dog is a tennis ball enthusiast, they may not wish to part with their beloved toy, however there are a few important reasons they are not the best option for dogs, quite apart from the fact that they won’t last long under most dog’s jaws.

“The size of tennis balls, and the way they bounce, means that there is a risk the ball can get stuck at the back of your dog’s throat, causing them to choke. It can become wedged in position too far in for you to remove it, blocking your dog’s airway, which sadly can be fatal if the ball can’t be removed quickly.

“If this does happen, try to keep calm and if safe to do so, you can attempt to remove it from the back of the mouth. However it can be very slippery and difficult to remove. If you can’t remove it, contact your vet immediately for an emergency appointment.

“Tennis balls are covered in a felt layer; which has the appearance of yellow-green fuzz and is abrasive which means it has a sandpaper-like effect. Over time it can wear down your dog’s teeth and cause pain and difficulty chewing.”

Instead of tennis balls, PDSA recommends toys and balls specifically designed for dogs, as these are less likely to fall apart when chewed.

Make sure any ball you choose is the right size for your dog, to avoid potentially fatal choking incidents or intestinal blockage – they should be big enough to be grabbed with the teeth and carried, but not fit perfectly in the mouth.

Depending on the kind of activity your dog enjoys doing, here’s a guide to the best toy to match:

  • Tugging: rope toys and rubber rings are great for tugging games.
  • Retrieving: Balls of a safe size that they can’t choke on.
  • Searching: hide their kibble or treats in snuffle mats.

PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity, through its 48 Pet Hospitals across the UK, the charity saves the lives of poorly pets whose owners would otherwise struggle to afford treatment.

In times of hardship pets like Loki will still fall ill or become injured and need emergency care. PDSA is appealing for donations so that the charity can continue to support owners who have nowhere else to turn by providing life-saving care to vulnerable pets.

To donate, visit www.pdsa.org.uk

PDSA: Vet’s top three things you need to know when taking your dog swimming this summer

PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh says: “As we approach the summer months, many of us may consider taking our dogs with us to the beach or letting them cool off in lakes and ponds. Swimming can be great exercise for dogs, but there are a few water safety tips every pet owner should be aware of.

“Before you think about heading out, make sure to check how hot it’s going to be. Even with the opportunity to swim, days out in the sun could put your dog at risk of heatstroke, so consider whether it might be safer to leave them at home.

“Remember that if it is too hot, even getting your dog to the water might be a problem as hot sand or tarmac can burn their paws. Once you and your dog are by the water, there are many things to keep in mind to help keep them safe.”

  1. Make sure they can swim

“First, it’s essential to remember that not every dog is a natural swimmer. Dogs with shorter legs such as Corgis and dogs with flat faces such as Pugs may find swimming hard work. Some dogs won’t enjoy being in the water at all, so don’t force them. Watch out for signs that your dog is getting tired and encourage them back to you to rest.

“If your dog seems keen to enter the water, it is important to make sure they know how to swim first. If there is dog friendly or hydrotherapy pool nearby, they are great, safe places for them to practice swimming and get the hang of things.

“Taking it slowly and splashing in the shallows can help build their confidence before they venture deeper in. Use your arms to support them under their stomach as they get the hang of kicking with all four legs. Encourage them back to shore frequently, so they know where the exit point is and can return to dry land if they feel tired.

  1. Choosing the right spot

“Picking the right swimming spot is a big step in ensuring your pet’s safety. If swimming in nature, make sure your pet is up to date with their vaccinations, and carefully select the location.

“Lakes are often calm and have plenty of shallow spots for your dog to rest. Make sure to scan the area for any hazards, such as fallen branches, boats, windsurfers, or fishermen as they could potentially present a danger to your dog.

“Also be on the lookout for blue-green algae – this grows in stagnant water and is toxic to dogs even in small amounts. Dog friendly beaches can also make perfect spots for a dip – but remember to check the tide times, look out for warning flags, and make sure the waves are small.

“It is important you never let your dog enter the canals as the water is often stagnant, which can be a health hazard as they may catch an infection and there’s increased chance of blue-green algae growth. There are also often dangers under the water and not many places for your pooch to climb out. Fast flowing rivers or flood waters are also unsuitable as the currents can quickly cause your dog to struggle and get into trouble.

  1. What to do in an emergency

“Never leave your dog unattended around water, even if they are a strong swimmer. If your or someone else’s dog gets in trouble in the water, it’s best to avoid going in after them as this can put you in danger as well. If you can, remain on the shore, calling your dog to give them a target to swim towards. If there is an inflatable ring available, you can throw this into the water to help keep your dog afloat.

On a beach, lifeguards may be able to assist helping your dog to shore, otherwise ring 999 and ask for the coastguard to get help from professionals.

“If a pet becomes unresponsive after swimming or has drowned, it is important to know how to perform CPR to give them the best chance. While you begin CPR, have a second person ring your vet who will be able to offer support.

“If you do not feel confident in performing CPR or dealing with emergency situations with your pets, PDSA has a free pet first aid guide which offers both lifesaving and practical tips.”

For more information on water safety, you can visit https:\\www.pdsa.org.uk\\pet-help-and-advice\\looking-after-your-pet\\puppies-dogs\\water-safety

National Picnic Week: Here’s how to have a paw-some picnic with your pet

With the weather warming up, most of us would rather spend time outdoors – keeping our furry friends involved where safe and possible. For those of us with nosey or curious dogs, however, organising a picnic with a pet can be a slightly daunting prospect.  

That’s why, this National Picnic Week (17-25 June 2023), leading vet charity PDSA has shared its top tips for a re-bark-ably peaceful picnic with a dog.

The key, according to PDSA Vet Lynne James, is just a bit of forward planning:

  1. Stay cool

“While it’s tempting to choose a sunny day to take advantage of the warmer weather, be mindful of the temperature,” she explains. “Pets are at risk of life-threatening heatstroke and also sunburn, so avoid going out when it’s warm, and always choose a spot with plenty of shade. You can also bring a pop-up sun shelter to keep them protected. 

Pets and toys

“Make sure your pet has access to plenty of clean, fresh water while you’re out to keep them hydrated. Collapsible bowls are a great space saving item to take with you when you’re out and about – including at picnics.

“There are also plenty of tools you can use to keep your pet cool, including cooling collars, mats for them to lie on, and toys. But remember, if in doubt, don’t go out – your dog will be cooler and safer staying at home.

“If you are worried about the weather, consider having a garden picnic instead. Your dog will be able to go inside if they get too warm, and you don’t have to worry about car travel or walking them to a picnic destination.”

  1. Keep your food safe

“Dogs are curious by nature and can often be food-motivated– so it’s only natural that they should want to investigate your food (and perhaps even take a bite or two). Yet some human foods are toxic or dangerous for dogs, and you wouldn’t want your pet eating your entire lunch!  

“First, think about what you’ll be taking the food in. A basket or bag that can be closed and secured are ideal to keep a potential food thief at bay. You can also try zip bags and lunchboxes.

“Second, keep your dog busy while you’re eating. They’re likely to be intrigued by your own food, so why not bring them a snack to distract them? You can even make your own cooling treats at home.

“Finally, be mindful of the food you’ll be bringing. Accidents do happen, and dogs can be quick to jump on food that is dropped on the floor. That’s why we always recommend avoiding bringing foods that are harmful to dogs altogether – including chocolates, grapes, food on skewers, and meat on the bone.”

  1. Leave room for playtime

“If the weather is cool enough to play, factor in some time for this before you settle to eat. This way, your dog can burn off any extra energy and which will help them to be more relaxed when it’s time for you to eat.

“Bringing toys to keep your pets entertained is always a great idea, and tools such as puzzle feeders are a great way to keep your dog engaged away from your snacks.”

  1. Beware of natural hazards

“Watch out for insect or bee stings, which are very common over the spring and summer season. These can be treated at home, providing they’re not severe and haven’t triggered an allergic reaction.

“Common signs of an allergic reaction include rapid swelling – often of the lips, eyes, ears and face – vomiting or diarrhoea, as well as breathing difficulties. Rarely, it could also cause your pet to collapse or faint.

“If the swelling is located around your pet’s face, neck or throat, or if they have difficulties breathing, call your vet immediately and take your pet there, keeping them as cool as possible.”

  1. Make sure your dog is on a lead

“You likely won’t be the only picnickers out and about, so make sure everyone can enjoy their day by keeping your dog on a lead. This will ensure your dog isn’t tempted by other people’s lunch! You could use a sturdy ground tether in a shady spot to attach their lead to.”

For more advice on how to care for your pet over the summer, visit: pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/caring-for-your-pet-in-the-summer

For more pet care advice visit pdsa.org.uk

Summer dangers: Vet lists three things that could put your pet at risk

“Summer is an exciting time of the year, and often means more time spent outdoors. However, while many of us can’t wait to bask in the warmer weather, it’s crucial for pet owners to keep in mind that a new season means new risks for four-legged friends”, says PDSA Vet, Lynne James:

  1. Beware of the BBQ

“While we may enjoy the sunshine and take delight in an opportunity to cook up a storm outdoors, there are lots of things pet owners should be aware of when organising a summer barbecue. One thing to be wary of is furry family members getting hold of things they shouldn’t – eating things like kebab skewers or the core from corn-on-the-cob can cause serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.

“Make sure any leftovers and rubbish are thrown away in a bin that your furry friend can’t raid – food smells can be irresistible for pets, so make sure everything is paw-proof! Though it can be tempting to share tasty barbecue treats with your furry friend, undercooked and fatty foods can upset their stomach and cause sickness or diarrhoea. Bones are also a nasty choking hazard for dogs and risk causing dangerous blockages or damage to their insides.

“All pets should be kept at a safe distance from the barbecue as hot food, coals, and ashes can cause serious burns. Coal barbecues can take a while to heat up, so it is best to block off the area or keep your pet inside to stop them getting dangerously close. Whilst you’re grilling, keep an eye on where your pet is as the tasty smells may entice them to jump up and burn their paws.

  1. Watch out for algae

“When out on walks, it is important to look out for blue-green algae, which is most prevalent in still or stagnant water during summer and autumn. Despite its name, this is actually a type of bacteria which is highly poisonous to animals and can sadly be fatal, or result in long-term health problems for those that survive. Dogs are particularly at risk, as they are more likely to drink from ponds while out on a walk, or swim in affected water.

“Before letting your pooch dive in, make sure to check for blue-green algae. It often appears as a green or blueish scum, but sometimes has a brown tinge that can be seen on the water’s surface. It can also clump up and the blooms can create foam on the shoreline. However, it can be tricky to spot – look out for warning signs or dead fish in the water.

“Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning can occur very quickly (within 15 minutes to one hour of exposure) and even a small amount can be lethal to a pup, so it’s important to act quickly and contact your vet immediately if you are concerned. Signs to look out for include vomiting, twitching, seizures, diarrhoea, increased thirst, drooling, breathing difficulties, or collapse.  

  1. Keep cool

“Pets can quickly overheat in warm weather, so it’s important to keep your furry friends cool while they’re enjoying time outside. Heatstroke is a serious situation that without swift treatment, can develop quickly, with sometimes fatal consequences.

“Signs of heatstroke can vary from excessive panting, confusion, bright red gums, foaming at the mouth, collapsing or even seizures. It’s important to ensure your four-legged friend always has access to fresh water and can easily get out of the heat to a cooler area when they need to – if they’re a sun worshipper, you might need to convince them to take regular breaks indoors!

“To help prevent dogs from overheating you can encourage supervised water play and keep them indoors or in cooler, shaded spots. Make sure to only take them out for a walk in the cooler evenings and mornings – and only if the ground temperature has cooled down! To help protect any neighborhood cats, including your own, regularly check greenhouses, sheds, and garages and encourage any of your own feline friends to hang out in well-ventilated rooms.

“For animals that live outside such as rabbits and guinea pigs, signs of heatstroke can include drooling, short and quick breaths, confusion, lack of energy, unconsciousness or even seizures.

“For these outdoor furry friends, it’s vitally important to keep their enclosures out of direct sunlight. If your garden doesn’t provide much shade, you can make your own by draping a tarpaulin or towel over part of your furry family member’s run – just make sure there’s a nice through-draught of cool air so it doesn’t get too hot inside.

“Remove any plastic houses, dens, and tunnels as they can become humid – instead opt for ceramic or cardboard alternatives. To provide some extra comfort you can also place a frozen water bottle on the outside of your small furry friend’s enclosure for them to lie against, or even buy some cool mats or blocks – but check these regularly for any damage.

“All of these situations can be preventable, but if the worst does happen then it’s important that owners are prepared to deal with the situation. I’d encourage anyone who doesn’t feel confident in providing emergency treatment to their pet to download PDSA’s free pet first aid guide, which has a host of resources that range from lifesaving tips to treating small cuts and scrapes.”

To download PDSA’s free pet first aid guide, visit pdsa.org.uk/pr-free-first-aid-guide.

PDSA charity shop damaged in fire: calls to visit nearby store on Nicolson Street

Following the tragic news that a fire broke out in the building above the South Bridge PDSA charity shop on Saturday 3 June, the vet charity is calling on local supporters to visit their neighbouring charity shop, located on Nicolson Street.

The charity is pleased to confirm that all South Bridge staff and volunteers are safe following the fire. But with the South Bridge shop closed for the foreseeable future the charity needs local support more than ever before.

Fiona Lawrie, Cluster Shop Manager at PDSA said: “Our South Bridge shop only opened last October but it’s quickly become home to a wonderful team of staff and volunteers, as well as many local supporters, and we are very thankful that no one was hurt in the fire.

“We’re waiting to assess the damage, which means we don’t know when we’ll be able to re-open. But we’re hoping the local community will continue to support us by visiting the nearby Nicolson Street shop to help raise funds for local poorly pets.”

PDSA Nicolson Street is located at: 85 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9BZ. All donations to PDSA Nicolson Street are very appreciated during this time.

As the UK’s largest veterinary charity, PDSA strives to improve pets’ lives. In 2022, PDSA provided 2 million veterinary treatments, and saved the lives of 141,000 pets with life-threatening conditions.

PDSA prevents the suffering of animals and relieves the effects of poverty on families and communities nationwide, with 48 pet hospitals across the UK.

For more information, please visit PDSA’s website.