Tag: PDSA

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.

PDSA: How to make dog-friendly gingerbread biscuits

World Biscuit Day – 29th May, 2023

From delicious cakes to yummy biscuits, homemade goodies always go down a treat. With the cost of living continuing to put households across the UK under more and more pressure, baking your own treats from scratch is a great way to keep the costs down – but it is important not to forget about your four-legged family members!

The vets at the UK’s largest veterinary charity PDSA have revealed the paw-fect dog-friendly recipe for easy-to-make gingerbread biscuits so dig out your mixer, pop on your apron and get your bake on.

Recipe from PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing

You will need:

  • 300g flour
  • 60g smooth dog safe peanut butter. Be extra careful to make sure your peanut butter doesn’t contain Xylitol (also called Birch sugar), as this is toxic to dogs. Check the ingredients before you start – the higher percentage of peanuts, the better!
  • 1 apple, peeled and grated (or very finely chopped if you don’t have a grater!)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tbsp blackstrap molasses (black treacle)
  • 120ml water
  • 5cm x 4cm gingerbread template or cookie cutters

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to gas mark 4 or 180°C (160°C for a fan oven) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  • Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and mix thoroughly. We recommend sifting the flour for a smoother mixture, although this isn’t necessary!
  • Once your mixture has formed a dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
  • Cut out your biscuits and place them on your lined baking tray.
  • Cook biscuits in the oven for 20 minutes or until they are golden.
  • Let the biscuits cool and voila – your pooch’s treats are ready to enjoy!

PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing said: “We’re sure your dog will enjoy this special treat but remember not to give them too many.

“At 5cm x 4cm these biscuits are a decent size and include molasses, so a bit of a sweet treat! We suggest feeding just one biscuit per day for smaller dogs (below 10kg) and two per day for your bigger dogs (above 10kg). These biscuits can be stored in a treat tin and enjoyed for the days following, so no need for your dog to scoff them all at once!

“Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily food intake, and you’ll need to reduce their normal daily food to account for their gingerbread biscuits – you don’t want your pup to pile on the pounds.

“This recipe does make quite a few, so if you’re planning to make these just for your pooch, we’d recommend reducing the ingredients by half. Or freeze the leftover mixture so it doesn’t go to waste!”

BBQ safety warning after dog needs emergency treatment

Vet charity PDSA issues warning ahead of National BBQ Day

PDSA vets are warning about the dangers barbecue leftovers can pose to pets this National BBQ Day (Tuesday 16 May) after a beloved dog needed emergency treatment to remove a chicken bone that had become wedged in his mouth.

Billy, a seven year old Jack Russell, got his paws on fragments of chicken bone – believed to have been scavenged from a local barbecue – and attempted to wolf them down.

His owner, Frank Menzies (58), noticed Billy’s distress when he spotted his beloeved rescue dog frantically pawing at his mouth and making a chewing motion.

Frank, who lives in Brighton, explained: “Billy was in the back garden and was rubbing his mouth with his paw as though trying to dislodge something.

“I went out to investigate and he looked me straight in the eyes before rolling onto his side on the ground. I immediately realised something was very wrong so I picked him up and took him to the PDSA Pet Hospital as quickly as I could.”

Despite Frank’s swift action, Billy was in a lot of pain and discomfort by the time the pair arrived. After examining Billy, PDSA vets discovered a chicken bone had become wedged behind his lower back teeth.

Frank added: “The PDSA team were excellent. They could see that Billy was in a lot of pain and told me that he needed an emergency procedure, which I agreed to without hesitation.

“The vet was extremely kind and said he would call me as soon as there was an update. I went home and paced up and down the garden for the next few hours, just waiting for news.”

Billy was sedated to allow the bone to be safely removed and x-rays were carried out, revealing additional bone fragments in his stomach. Thankfully, the procedure was a success and Billy returned home later that evening with pain relief and advice to rest.

PDSA Vet Claire Roberts said: “Billy was in a great deal of pain when he arrived at the Pet Hospital, his mouth was so sore that he couldn’t be properly examined. The team had to sedate him so that the bone could be successfully removed and, luckily, there was no damage to his mouth or throat.

“X-rays of Billy’s stomach identified tiny bone fragments so Frank was advised to feed him bulky food to encourage their safe passage through his digestive system.

“Billy was extremely lucky that the bone in his mouth and the ones in his stomach didn’t cause any serious damage. It is cases such as this that highlight the importance of clearing away any debris, including skewers, bones, and litter, after enjoying a barbecue. What may be some harmless fun in the sun for us can easily have disastrous consequences for pets and wild animals.”

PDSA is warning pet owners of many other potential hazards to think about when organising a barbecue this summer:

  1. Dangers of heatstroke

Pets can quickly overheat in warm weather, so it’s important to keep your furry friends cool while they’re enjoying time outside.

Signs of heatstroke can vary from excessive panting, confusion, bright red gums, foaming at the mouth, collapse or even seizures. It’s important to ensure your pet can easily head indoors or find some shade when they need to cool down. If your pet is a sun-worshipper, you may need to shut them indoors to prevent overheating.

If you’re planning to host a barbecue on a particularly hot day, consider scheduling an evening soirée instead, when the temperature should be cooler. You can also provide a pet paddling pool so your furry friend can hop in for a refreshing dip. It’s important that they also have access to fresh, clean water at all times, so they can stay hydrated.

  1. Create a safe space 

Having a house full of strangers can be unsettling for our pets, so make sure they can retreat to a comfortable, safe space to relax in peace. Set up a quiet area in a room or corner of the garden, making sure they have access to food, water and a couple of their favourite toys. 

  1. Paw-ping hot

Always keep pets a safe distance from a barbecue. Hot food, oils, coals, and ashes can cause severe burns if they come into contact with their skin, so ensure the grill is cooled down immediately once you finish cooking – being careful not to leave four-legged friends alone while there are still hot items in the area.”

Frank added: “I can’t thank PDSA enough for helping Billy – he means the world to me. My circumstances changed dramatically, and pretty much overnight, when I had two heart attacks and the doctor told me that I had to give up work.

“With the rising cost of living and everything going up, it is a weight off my mind to know that I can rely on PDSA to help Billy should anything go wrong with him. Everyone at Brighton PDSA Pet Hospital is so caring and professional – the team always puts the health and welfare of the pet they are treating first and I know Billy is in safe hands when he is there.”

In times of hardship pets like Billy will still fall ill or become injured and need emergency care. While Billy’s owner contributed what he could towards his treatment, the total cost of his care came to over £200. PDSA is appealing for donations so that the charity can continue to provide life-saving care to vulnerable pets, whose owners have nowhere else to turn.

To donate, visit pdsa.org.uk/donate.

Mental health matters – owning pets ‘a lifeline’ for many during the cost of living crisis, says PDSA

Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (15 – 21 May), a leading vet charity is advocating keeping pets and their owners together through the cost of living crisis.

Nearly all pet owners (94%) say that owning a pet makes them happy, according to new figures from the upcoming 2023 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report – and their support has been vital, especially as many people have been forced to make drastic cutbacks to stay afloat.

While worrying figures have shown that as many as 770,000 owners are going without necessities in order to keep caring for their pets, almost half of owners (44%) have also said that their four-legged friend has been a lifeline during the cost of living crisis.

Nearly all (90%) pet owners felt having a pet improved their lives, a comfort which is especially important as many feel the impact of the cost of living crisis. This figure is higher especially among dog (91%) and cat owners (89%).

The findings also highlight the benefits of having a pet on overall health, with 87% stating owning a pet makes them mentally healthier. While over two thirds (67%) feel it makes them physically healthier – a figure that is even higher among dog owners (86%).

Meanwhile, at a time where many people are having to juggle energy bills and soaring living costs, which can prove isolating, furry friends are essential when it comes to providing companionship. For example, the figures show that over four in five pet owners (85%) say that owning a pet makes them feel less lonely.

PDSA Veterinary Surgeon, Lynne James, said: “Pets are family, and we know that pet owners will go to great lengths to ensure they can continue to care for their beloved pets. It vitally important that with everything pets do for us, we make sure that they have everything they need to live healthy and happy lives.

“Our latest figures show pets are invaluable, especially when their owners are going through hardship. As the cost of living crisis worsens, the work of charities like ours becomes vital, not only to provide essential veterinary care, but also to keep pets and their owners together in their time of need.

“In 2022, we provided veterinary care for over 390,000 pets, whose owners would otherwise have struggled to afford the cost and may even have had to resort to other options such as rehoming – the mental health consequences of which are unimaginable.

“As Mental Health Awareness Week approaches, I’d like to encourage pet owners who are struggling due to rising costs, and who are concerned about being able to afford the cost of veterinary treatment to reach out to us. Our website includes a free eligibility checker to find out whether they’re able to access our services, which is a great place to start.

“We also have lots of free advice on how to reduce the cost of caring for pets, while ensuring they remain healthy and happy – something we hope will take a mental load off for many pet owners through the cost of living crisis.”

PDSA relies on donations to deliver life-saving treatment to hundreds of thousands of pets across its 48 Pet Hospitals in the UK. 

To help keep pets and people together, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support to prevent vulnerable people having to make a truly heart-breaking decision. 

To find out more about PDSA’s vital work during the cost of loving crisis, or to donate, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/costoflovingcrisis.

Five dog breeds loved by the royal family and everything you should know about them

The royal family’s love of dogs is no secret, with many of them having a loyal four-legged friend by their side while performing their duty – and King Charles is no exception.

Vet Nurse, Shauna Walsh, at PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, has compiled everything you need to know about some of the royal family’s favourite breeds – from exercise and grooming, to potential breed-related health concerns.

Shauna said: “If you’re thinking of bringing a new dog into your family, then it’s important to understand their breeding background; as even crossbreeds can have lifelong health conditions that can impact on your pets’ lives and yours, as their guardian. Some breeds are more high maintenance than others, so doing your research can help you to recognise the level of commitment that your pet will bring.”

  1. Jack Russell Terrier

With a new monarch comes new furry faces around the palace, as King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort, bring with them their two rescue Jack Russell Terriers, Bluebell and Beth.

Traditionally a working breed, these clever and lively little dogs love to run and chase, so require an active household where they can get plenty of exercise to prevent them from becoming bored. While they may be short in stature, these pooches can jump high, they’re also agile and adaptable and can also squeeze through tight spaces – a secure, high fence is therefore essential to prevent them from escaping.

As with all dogs, it is best to start positive, reward-based training as early as possible. Jack Russell Terriers are quick learners, and need to keep their sharp minds just as active as their paws. This will also help with excessive barking – Jack Russell Terriers can be known for having a persistent bark, despite their petite size!

The Jack Russell Terrier can be a short-coated breed that requires minimal grooming or wire-haired. A weekly brush is typically enough to keep their coats looking healthy, with more maintenance required in the summer when shedding. For those wire-haired terriers, they may need to visit the groomer a couple of times a year to hand strip the excess hair, to prevent matting.

It’s important to note that the breed can be prone to certain health conditions including primary lens luxation – a painful eye condition that can lead to blindness. They are also known to suffer from late onset ataxia – a brain condition that causes a loss of balance and co-ordination. Most commonly, the breed is prone to luxating patellas, meaning their kneecaps may slip temporarily out of place.

  1. Welsh Corgi

One of the most well-known royally-loved breeds, famously championed by Queen Elizabeth II, is the Welsh Corgi. During her reign, the Queen owned more than thirty of these friendly, happy, and fun-loving dogs.

With active roots, having historically been used as herding dogs on farms, Welsh Corgis do have naturally high energy levels despite their short legs so need plenty of exercise every day. Due to their herding background, they are also likely to try and herd their owners, which is why training and early socialisation is very important.

Common health conditions that are linked to Welsh Corgis include hip dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis. They are also prone to intervertebral disc disease due to their longer backs and short legs and their conformation puts added strain onto the vertebra in their spine, causing the disc to slip or rupture. They are also at risk of developing epilepsy and cataracts.

These outgoing pups require brushing two-three times per week to help remove any dead hair from their water-resistant coat.

  1. Cocker Spaniel

These happy pooches with very waggy tails are a known favourite of Prince and Princess of Wales. Originally bred as gun dogs, Cocker Spaniels have become a popular family pet as they are typically people-orientated and love company. Their sociable nature means that like all dogs, they crave company. They can be at risk of developing separation anxiety when left alone and therefore ideally need someone around to keep them company most of the time.

With the right early experiences, Cocker Spaniels are often patient, kind and gentle, which is why many families choose the breed. Remember, children and dogs should never be left together unsupervised.

Because of their history as working dogs, Cocker Spaniels need plenty of consistent exercise to keep them healthy both mentally and physically, and stop them from becoming bored. This can be made up of a combination of walks, playtime, games, and training sessions where they can burn off any extra energy.

Aside from removing stray twigs and leaves from their coat after a walk, Cocker Spaniels need a daily brush to keep on top of dead hair and prevent matting. Many owners choose to have their cocker spaniels clipped, to keep them neat and tidy.  Trimming ears and clipping the underside of the ears can help prevent matting and promotes air circulation around the ear.

Like any breed, Cocker Spaniels have a few health conditions they are prone to developing which include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and allergies that can cause itchy skin.

  1. Beagle

One of two breeds owned by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Beagles are loving and sociable dogs who enjoy nothing more than being involved in everything that is going on around them. The breed has historically been used as scent hounds for tracking, but due to their size and adaptability they have more recently become a popular family pet.

Due to their working history, Beagles are best suited to active households where they can get all the plentiful exercise they need each day.

As well as their regular walks, they will also need playtime, training, and free time in the garden to use their nose. They are however good escape artists and have been known to dig, climb, or wiggle free, especially if they catch the scent of something interesting, so it is important to make sure your garden is secure before bringing your furry friend home.

As a breed, the Beagle can be more prone to developing health conditions such as epilepsy, hypothyroidism and meningitis. There are also a number of genetic conditions that you should make sure the parents have been screened for before taking on a Beagle.

  1. Norfolk Terrier

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are both fond of these curious dogs, having owned many Norfolk Terriers over the years.

As members of the terrier group, these dogs were originally bred for hunting and therefore can be known to pursue foxes, badgers, and rats both above and below ground.

They are hardy and brave dogs who have a strong prey drive and instinct to explore, meaning they may need more encouragement during their training to make sure they have a firm recall. This means they have high energy levels and will require at least an hour of exercise a day.

Norfolk Terriers tend to have a wiry coat which needs brushing once a week and hand stripping three to four times a year to remove dead fur and keep them looking healthy. 

As a breed, the Norfolk Terrier is predisposed to hip dysplasia, skin problems, and glaucoma.

If you are considering one of these royal favourites, see our guide for choosing the right pet for you at: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/choosingapet

Cat narrowly avoids losing leg after mysterious accident

A young two-year-old Domestic Short Hair cat narrowly avoided losing her leg, thanks to PDSA, after an accident left her badly injured and unable to walk.

Nathalie Kassoul, from East Ham, arrived home one evening to find her beloved cat, Carrot Cake, injured and unable to walk on her back leg. She took Carrot Cake to her local vet, who examined her and found that she had serious injuries to her back leg, likely caused by a car accident or a fall. Carrot Cake was stabilised and given pain relief, but x-rays showed that she would need surgery in order to save her leg. 

Devastatingly, the ongoing cost of living crisis meant the family would have struggled to afford the surgery required, which could have reached thousands of pounds. Nathalie and her daughter sought help from PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, who confirmed that they were eligible for support.

Carrot Cake was transferred for treatment at PDSA Bow Pet Hospital on Barker’s Butts Lane, where further x-rays luckily confirmed there was no other damage. A few days later, once she was stable, she was taken to surgery where the team worked tirelessly to repair Carrot Cake’s leg.

Thanks to the dedication of the Bow vet team, the operation was a success and Carrot Cake was subsequently allowed to go home with strict instructions to rest. Carrot Cake is now happily on the road to recovery – and her family is completely overjoyed.

Nathalie said: “I have absolutely no idea what happened to Carrot Cake, and finding her like that was so horrible. When we got to the private veterinary practice, they explained that her leg was broken and it could cost as much as £5,000 to treat.

“I’d put my pet’s health before anything else, but we just couldn’t afford this. Due to the sheer impact the cost of living has had, we’re already trying to make cutbacks – we try not to use the heating, and we’ve even bought a microwave as it’s cheaper to run than using the gas oven to cook our meals.

“We faced a heart-breaking decision, as it we couldn’t afford the full cost of repair at the private practice. We’re so grateful PDSA were there in our hour of need to step in and treat Carrot Cake’s leg.”

PDSA Vet Claire Wood said: “When Carrot Cake arrived at the hospital, she had wounds and bruising around her pelvis and back legs. We took further x-rays to check there were no other injuries before she had surgery, and thankfully, these showed there was no more damage so we were able to operate using a pin and plate with screws to hold the bone together while it heals.  

“The surgery went well and Carrot Cake was able to go home later that day with pain relief and antibiotics to prevent any infection developing from her wounds.

“To make sure Carrot Cake had the best chance of healing and fully recovering, she needed strict rest – luckily after six weeks the fracture had healed, and we were able to remove the pin.”

Nathalie added: “Carrot Cake has recovered really well and is back to her loving and energetic self – up and about, jumping, and running to her hearts content.

“She’s such an active cat who loves exploring outside so we couldn’t be more grateful to PDSA for treating her and helping to avoid amputation. Whilst my daughter and I both work, I don’t know how we would have afforded to pay the cost of the veterinary care needed to treat her leg.

In our time of need, PDSA were able to save our beloved family pet, the work they do really does change lives.”

PDSA relies on donations to deliver life-saving treatment to hundreds of thousands of pets across its 48 Pet Hospitals in the UK. To keep families together, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support more than ever to prevent vulnerable people having to make a truly heartbreaking decision. 

To find out more about PDSA’s vital work during the cost-of-living crisis, or to donate, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/costoflovingcrisis.

Over 90% of owners have received no pet first aid training

Latest figures from leading vet charity, PDSA, reveal that more than nine out of 10 pet owners surveyed have never received any pet first aid training.

Three quarters of those surveyed (75%) wouldn’t know how to perform CPR on their pet, highlighting a worrying number of owners feeling unequipped to deal with an animal-related medical emergency, such as a seizure, heatstroke or road traffic accident.

PDSA, which provides vital treatment to pets in need, is encouraging owners to brush up on basic skills that could prove crucial. The charity’s expert vets have also created a free pet first aid guide to provide owners with vital knowledge that could help save their pet’s life.

A survey conducted by the charity also found that 80% of owners don’t own a pet first aid kit, and many feel uninformed when it comes to managing common illnesses or injuries affecting their furry family members.

For example, almost three quarters (74%) of those surveyed confessed they wouldn’t know or would be unsure what to do if their pet was having a seizure. While almost half (46%) didn’t know or weren’t sure how to help their pet if they were suffering from heatstroke. And over half (52%) would feel clueless or would be not sure what steps to take if their furry companion broke a bone.

However, it seems owners are keen to gain these necessary skills, with almost two thirds (67%) of those surveyed agreeing they should have a basic understanding of pet first aid.

PDSA’s handy first aid guide offers actionable tips around how to spot and provide first aid for injuries such as broken bones or bleeding wounds. It also suggests simple ways to prevent an emergency from happening, including keeping toxic human food and medications out of paws’ reach, as well as how to be prepared if your pet does become unwell or injured.

PDSA Vet, Lynne James, said: “The figures highlight the extent of the skills gap when it comes to basic pet first aid skills. However, owners often don’t realise how important first aid training is until they need it, which can sometimes be too late.

“As with humans, taking the right actions in the first few minutes following an emergency before seeking veterinary attention can make a huge difference on the outcome of the situation. The good news is that while it may seem like a big task, there are practical tips that owners can learn, which will help them treat and potentially save the lives of their pets.

“I’d encourage anyone who doesn’t feel confident providing treatment to their furry friend in an emergency to download our pet first aid guide, which includes a host of resources that could prove vital.

“Many of us may also be concerned about the cost of living at the moment, and the price of unexpected treatment will only add further strain to pet owner’s pockets. Aside from lifesaving tips on treating pets in an urgent situation, our guide also offers lots of simple advice that can help to avoid an incident happening in the first place, and requiring more costly treatment down the line.”

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

Helping hands needed at South Bridge charity shop

PDSA is calling on kind hearted people who want to make a difference in the local community

The UK’s leading vet charity, PDSA, is calling on kind hearted people who want to make a difference in the local community to support its life-saving work by offering a helping hand at its South Bridge shop in Edinburgh.

The shop, located at 88-89 South Bridge, helps to fund vital veterinary work across PDSA’s 48 Pet Hospitals – including Edinburghl Pet Hospital – which cares for thousands of pets every year. 

Shop Manager Ingrid Neill is urgently appealing for locals to volunteer some time at the store: “The success of PDSA charity shops is all down to our amazing team of volunteers,” Ingrid explains. “We urgently need help from more local people to continue the life-changing work we do every day in our Pet Hospitals.”

One of more than 100 PDSA shops in the UK, the South Bridge team plays a pivotal role in helping to fund the charity’s 48 Pet Hospitals, including the Edinburgh Pet Hospital, which provides a lifeline to local pet owners who would otherwise struggle to afford veterinary treatment if their pet unexpectedly becomes ill or gets injured.

In 2022, the Edinburgh Pet Hospital carried out more than 18,000 consultations, 13,000 of which were face-to-face. The hospital costs more than £1.3 million a year to run. 

“Volunteering for PDSA is not only rewarding, knowing you’ll be helping a brilliant cause, but it is also fun – you’ll get to meet new people and make some friends along the way in a warm and supportive environment” Ingrid adds.

““It also looks great on your CV and you’ll receive full training so no previous retail experience is required and we’ll reimburse your travel expenses so you’re not out of pocket.

“If you are an animal-lover who is aged 18 or over and would like to play a part in helping pets in need, we’d love to hear from you!”

There is a network of more than 3,000 devoted PDSA volunteers across the UK who save the charity over £4 million a year by dedicating their time to helping out. 

Volunteers can choose to spend as much or as little of their spare time to helping out as there is no minimum time commitment. 

To find out more please contact Ingrid on 0131 2264925 or pop into the shop. 

To apply online, please visit the Volunteering with PDSA – PDSA page.

Money saving advice for pet owners

PDSA shares top five tips to cut pet care costs

New research reveals almost half (47%) of pet owners are worried about how they’d afford to pay for vet bills if their pet fell ill or became injured – increasing by 17% since 2022. The data comes from a report by leading vet charity PDSA, which is providing frontline support for desperate owners, as more struggle with the cost of living crisis.

The charity’s 2022 PAW Report also highlighted that a worrying 61% of cats and 39% of dogs were uninsured, meaning thousands of owners could find themselves in financial trouble with an unexpected vet bill should the worst happen.

With the cost of living not set to ease any time soon, PDSA Vet, Claire Roberts, shares her expert tips to save money when caring for your pet.

Claire said: “The cost of living continues to rise, with daily essentials out of budget for millions of people. Our latest PAW report found many people are already reducing their energy consumption to ensure they can care for their pets. 

“We know there are certain expenses associated with pet ownership that can’t be avoided, including food and treatment costs if they should fall ill or become injured. However, there are still ways to reduce your pet-related outgoings while maintaining your furry family member’s health and happiness.

Prevention is better than cure

“One of the best ways to safeguard your beloved pet and avoid unplanned costs for medical care is to keep on top of their preventive healthcare.

“Cutting back on pets’ annual booster vaccinations or regular flea and worming treatments may appear to save money in the short-term, but avoiding these measures puts their overall health at risk. Not only this, but if they do become ill as a result, the subsequent treatment is likely to cost substantially more than the preventive options. 

“Likewise, neutering your pet prevents unwanted pregnancies, reduces the likelihood of them developing some serious illnesses and can lessen certain behaviours like spraying, aggression and roaming.  

Don’t ignore insurance

“If your pet does become ill or injured, insurance can ensure any treatment they need will have less of an impact on your finances. The monthly cost of insurance will depend on a range of factors, including the level of cover as well as your pet’s breed and age.

“Cheaper policies are often ‘accident only’ and may not cover anything illness-related, while more expensive lifetime policies tend to provide cover for any accidents or illnesses (though they don’t usually cover vaccinations or other preventive treatments) as long as the policy is continued, without a break. So make sure you read the small print carefully.

“When considering insurance, we always recommend researching any breed-related illnesses your pet may be prone to, that way you can review which policies cover those, for extra security.

Watch the pounds

“It’s important to monitor your pet’s weight and take action if they are gaining extra pounds – this will help avoid weight-related health problems which can require costly lifelong medication. The best way to help furry friends maintain a healthy weight is by incorporating daily exercise into their routine and ensuring they eat a complete, well-balanced, nutritious diet. Treats should also only make up 10% of your pet’s daily food allowance, which is also a great way to cut back and save, if you are over-indulging your pet with snacks!

Buy in bulk

“Pet food is typically more cost-effective when bought in larger quantities, with bargains to be had by shopping around.

“If your financial situation means that you are considering switching to a cheaper food, make sure you choose one labelled ‘complete’ – a nutritionally balanced diet is vital in supporting pets’ overall health and helps to avoid potentially costly medical treatment in the long term.

Learn to groom your pet at home

“Grooming costs soon add up, especially for long-haired pets or those with tightly-curled coat types, such as Poodles and their crosses. Brushing regularly can also help you spot any skin problems before they develop into anything more serious.

“There are lots of free resources that offer cost-saving tips and advice on maintaining your pet’s health available on the PDSA website. Personal circumstances can change at any time and if you do find yourself struggling to afford your pet’s veterinary care, see if you are eligible for free or low-cost support by using the charity’s eligibility checker.”

PDSA relies on donations to deliver life-saving treatment to hundreds of thousands of pets across its 48 Pet Hospitals in the UK.

To help keep families together, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support more than ever to prevent vulnerable people having to make a truly heartbreaking decision.

To find out more about PDSA’s vital work during the cost-of-living crisis, or to donate, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/costoflovingcrisis