Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Have an eggcelent Easter!

As the Easter period approaches, the kids start getting excited, the spring flowers are in full bloom all around us and the days are a little bit brighter for longer. The dark days of winter begin to be a thing of the past, and soon enough the holiday period of chocolate, hot cross buns, egg hunts and arts and crafts is upon us. Don’t let an accidental chocolate or raisin ingestion ruin your break. Read on to identify why these foods can be so dangerous.

Chocolate

The Theobromine levels in chocolate can cause a number of side effects, ranging from mild to more severe:

  1. Agitation
  2. Tremors
  3. Vomiting and diarrhoea
  4. Drinking lots and urinating lots (polyuria/polydipsia)
  5. Increased heart rate
  6. Increased temperature (hyperthermia)
  7. Sometimes even seizures

So please make sure to keep those chocolate eggs out of reach.

Grapes/Raisins

Hot cross buns are delicious, and they are everywhere at the moment. However, the ingestion of grapes or raisins has been reported to cause acute kidney injury (AKI) in dogs. It can start off with gastrointestinal signs. It can also present with weakness and wobbliness (ataxia and vestibular) issues. However, the mechanism of renal injury from grapes and raisins remains unclear. What is clear is that the tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate salt (basic components of grapes) are the toxic agents. It is idiosyncratic, meaning that one grape may affect a Great Dane, whereas a dachshund may not be affected by 10 – but in addition, the levels of toxin in the grapes varies dramatically, so just because a dog has been fine before, doesn’t mean that they necessarily will be next time.

Craft items

Everyone loves a good craft, especially at Easter. It’s a great way to involve the whole family and can be such a mood booster, but just be aware of those items you’re using. Lollypop sticks and toothpicks are less likely to be snatched up by your furry friend, but it has been known to happen. Imagine it falls from a hand covered in chocolate; it would only take a swift lick for it to go down. The danger with these is that they can get stuck and form horrible foreign bodies in the intestines that often need surgery to remove. They can often get lodged on the way down to, proving tricky and sometimes lethally dangerous operations to remove.

Treatment

Following the ingestion, or suspected ingestion, of either raisins, grapes or chocolate, your veterinarian should be contacted immediately, as your pet is likely to require treatment.

Knowing the concentration of chocolate within whatever item has been eaten is important, so have the packaging to hand. Your vet may ask for details during the call or want you to bring the packaging to the practice.

The likelihood is that your vet will need to induce emesis (make them sick) to get rid of as much of the chocolate or as many of the raisins/grapes from the stomach as possible. DO NOT attempt to do this at home, as significant damage can be done to your dog’s oesophagus if it’s not done properly and by medically trained professionals.

The rest of the treatment will be evaluated and decided by your veterinary team.

If you suspect a stick or craft item has been accidentally swallowed, make sure there are no air flow restrictions and call your veterinarian immediately. Do not try and remove it as, again, it could do more damage than good.

Summary

  • Chocolate is dangerous and should be kept away from your pets.
  • Hot cross buns can make everyone hot and cross; Raisins and Grapes are dangerous.
  • Beware of your crafting items.
    Should you suspect your dog has eaten or ingested any of these, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Poison Prevention Awareness Month!

This time of year is glorious; buds are beginning to appear on trees, the odd crocus is starting to pop up from the ground, and the sun is beginning to show its face more. The days are longer, and everything is starting to feel a bit lighter after the darkness of the winter months.

It is also the time of year when we can start exploring again and venturing off the well-trodden track of our winter dog walks. But with new adventures can come new risks, and with that in mind, we announce that March is Poison Prevention Month.

Read on to identify some of the most common poisons you may encounter during this spring period.

Bulbs

Daffodils and hyacinths are among the most common. If ingested, they can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy, with some severe cases causing seizures.

Plants

Some spring plants can be toxic to our pets. Foxgloves, for example, contain naturally occurring poisons that can affect the heart. Ivy can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and sometimes blood in faeces or vomit. Bluebells are also toxic to dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. If enough of the toxin has been ingested, it can also increase the risk of developing an irregular heartbeat.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are more common in autumn, but the occasionally damp and dreary day can also be the perfect breeding ground for these fungi. The consequences of ingesting them can include vomiting and diarrhoea along with possible neurological symptoms.

Antihistamines

As the pollen count increases, humans may be taking more antihistamines themselves due to the time of year. If your dog were to eat them, it could lead to vomiting and lethargy, make them wobbly or even cause tremors.

Chocolate

Applicable to any time of the year, but particularly around holidays such as Easter, Chocolate is incredibly toxic to dogs. Theobromine contained within the chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, hyperactivity, increased heart rate and even seizures.

Cannabis

This type of poisoning is becoming more common. Signs include disorientation, dilated pupils, agitation, and vomiting. Your veterinary surgeon will only ever want the best thing for your pet, so please tell them if you suspect this might be the cause of your pet’s illness.

Rat poison

This can be via eating a rat that has been poisoned or consuming the poison directly. It can cause a potentially fatal haemorrhage as well as prevent the body from being able to clot properly.

Adder bites

The European Adder is the only venomous snake native to the UK, commonly found on dry heaths, sand dunes, rocky hillsides and woodland edges. If bitten, your dog can develop bruising, vomiting, diarrhoea and an inability to clot its blood. In severe cases, it can also lead to seizures, tissue death, and kidney failure.

What can you do to help?

This is not an exhaustive list, and we would strongly encourage you to contact your veterinarian for advice as soon as possible if you suspect your pet has ingested anything potentially poisonous. It is always beneficial for your vet if you can get as much information about the ingested item as possible.

  • The name of what’s been eaten
  • The packaging (where possible)
  • The amount ingested
  • When it was eaten.

Your veterinarian will have access to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, allowing them to call to discuss what was ingested and when. The service holds a national database about which medicines or antidotes to use. This information can help your vet decide the best way to treat your pet.

In Summary:

  • Be mindful of where your dog is if you are out on a walk and make sure that you can easily recall if they are off lead;
  • If they eat anything you are concerned about, please call your veterinarian immediately.
Cats, The Pet Professionals

Dental disease in cats

Did you know that February is Pet Dental Health Month?

Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by vets. Cats, in particular, are very stoical by nature, so they very rarely show symptoms of dental disease; however, researchers have found that over half of all cats over the age of three have some form of dental disease.

What is dental disease?

Dental disease starts with the accumulation of plaque, a film of bacteria that develops on the surface of a cat’s teeth. This happens to humans as well, but the build-up is normally interrupted when we brush our teeth. In cats, as it builds up, the plaque becomes thicker and eventually forms a soft yellow/grey substance that covers the tooth surface.

This formation causes gingivitis (an inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth) which, over time, affects the ligaments surrounding the teeth. This, in turn, will eventually lead to permanent tooth loss. It can also be extremely painful.

Signs of periodontal disease include pawing at the mouth, jaw chattering, head shaking, chewing with obvious discomfort, dropping food, excessive drooling, and smelly breath. If you notice any of those signs in your cat, please contact your vet.

How can we prevent dental disease?

The good thing is that periodontal disease can be prevented! Brushing your cat’s teeth can help remove plaque and prevent build up. We do appreciate that this is not always easy and can be difficult to start if not done from a young age. There are specifically formulated diets that can also help reduce the build-up of plaque.

Dental checks and treatment can help

Dental disease is another reason for your pet to visit the vet for annual check-ups. Your vet will examine their teeth and advise if treatment is needed. This can be in the form of a dental procedure under a general anaesthetic. Whilst this can sometimes seem scary, your vet will be able to descale and polish your cat’s teeth, identify any problems this uncovers, take X-rays to check parts of the teeth that can’t be seen with the naked eye, as well as removing any permanently damaged teeth. This will result in them feeling much better. Vets can also provide more advice for preventative care.

The important message, however, is that most dental conditions in cats are preventable, and treatment can result in your cat feeling happier and more comfortable.

In Summary:

  • Dental Disease is classed as the continued build-up of plaque until it causes gingivitis.
  • Gingivitis affects the ligaments surrounding the teeth.
  • This can lead to permanent tooth loss and be extremely painful.
  • It can be prevented with tooth brushing and specifically formulated diets.
  • Every dental condition can be treated.
Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Start 2025 with your pets in the best way!

With 2025 in full swing, it’s time to consider your pet’s preventative health! There are many things, like vaccines, flea and tick treatments or dewormers, that can help keep your furry friends in excellent health.

Routine appointments are also a cornerstone of preventative care, as they allow your vet to check for any problems that might be affecting your pet’s quality of life and start treating them as soon as possible.

Learn more about the essential preventative health needs of your pets below!

What will a vet check at a routine appointment?

Just like in human medicine, routine veterinary appointments are an excellent opportunity for you to discuss your concerns with your vet and for them to give your pet a thorough physical examination.

Here are some of the things your vet might do:

  • Go over any long-standing problems and also any issues you might have spotted since your last visit;
  • Weigh your pet and observe their body condition for anything concerning;
  • Examine how they walk and how they stand;
  • Perform a complete physical examination and check for any early signs of disease
  •  Keep a close eye on any possible painful responses, and then try to locate the source of any pain;
  • Listen to the heart and lungs, plus measure breathing and heart rate;
  • Ask questions about your pet’s health and how he or she has been at home.

In case something is wrong or needs to be examined further, your vet may want to carry out additional tests and, if appropriate, prescribe medication to treat any issues.

How regularly should your pet pay a visit to the vet? Most pets are recommended annual visits, but this can change depending on their age and health conditions! Ask your vet about the right frequency for your furry friend.

I’m not sure if my pet has their vaccines up to date, what should I do?

The best thing to do if you’re unsure about your pet’s vaccines is to call your vet and schedule an appointment for him or her.

Most species of companion animals (including exotic and farm animals) are susceptible to many diseases that can be prevented with vaccines, but that would otherwise be very difficult to treat successfully. These vaccinations ensure a protective immune response for problems like rabies, feline panleukopenia, canine hepatitis or distemper, to name a few.

However, most of these vaccines require boosters every once in a while, to keep his or her immunity in tip-top shape.

If your pet hasn’t been to see the vet for a while, now is the perfect time to schedule a visit to sort out his or her annual vaccines!

Are regular parasite treatments really needed?

Parasites are a fact of life for pets! Even indoor-only companion animals can easily find themselves with a flea infestation, as humans can carry these inside the house easily, so it’s not really a matter of “if”, it’s truly a matter of “when”.

Some of the most common types of parasites include fleas, ticks, mites and various species of worms.

That’s why regular treatments to help control internal and external parasites are powerful factors in the health of your pets as well as of you and your family. Many of these parasites can also infect humans and cause serious diseases – by protecting your pets, you are also protecting yourself.

The type and frequency of these treatments depend on his or her lifestyle, so don’t hesitate to ask the vet to create an annual plan!

In summary:

  • Vaccines protect companion animals against deadly diseases like rabies, parvovirus, feline panleukopenia or canine distemper;
  • Routine appointments (for instance, annually) can help your pets get treatment as early as possible, which, in turn, might improve disease outcomes;
  • Deworming and external parasite treatments ensure that you, your family and your pets are protected from any nasty bugs that might show up including tapeworms, fleas and ticks;
  • If your furry friend has a health condition or is older, he or she might need routine appointments that are more frequent to help with disease monitoring or early detection.
Cats, The Pet Professionals

Winter cat care

Winter is now definitely with us! With the colder days and dreary weather, it’s time to take a close look at our feline friends and the ways the lower temperatures might impact them at this time.

Cats are better suited to warmer days than cold, which means you need to remember a couple of things to ensure that your pets will be comfortable during the winter months.

Read our blog for the best tips on how to make your home into a cosy cat corner!

Will my cat feel the cold?

Just like us, cats can feel the cold and will be bothered by low temperatures. In fact, as warm-weather animals, our domestic felines are more at ease during a warm day than during the dreary season.

Barring some exceptions, most breeds don’t have thick coats and they take a long time to dry if they have been out in the rain or the snow, putting them at a significant risk of hypothermia and frostbite. This means that it’s best to provide a warm, dry place for your cats to rest that is always available to them.

This is especially important for pets that spend a lot of time outdoors, as they risk being stuck in dangerously low temperatures without shelter or losing access to their water supply if it freezes.

To help with this, always make sure that cat flaps are not blocked by snow, that there is a comfortable resting place waiting for him or her and that fresh, non-frozen water is always available.

My cat doesn’t go outside, do I need to do anything for him or her?

Many owners prefer to keep their furry friends exclusively indoors, with access to a fenced-in ‘catio’ or going out for walks with a harness. Even though they are less exposed to the elements, indoor-only cats can also suffer from the cold!

Help your cat spend a comfortable winter by:

  • Limiting the time that they have to spend in the rain, wind or snow;
  • If you go out with him or her, always make sure to dry off coat and paws;
  • Checking if his or her microchip is up to date, in case they escape and get lost;
  • Moving pet beds away from draughty rooms and providing warm covers or clothes, in particular if your cat is elderly or has thin fur.

I’ve heard about antifreeze, is it dangerous for my cat?

As the temperatures drop, it’s also critical to ensure vehicles have the right concentration of antifreeze in the radiator so you can avoid any mechanical failures.

Unfortunately, this might put dangerous fluids in contact with curious pets, either via spilt bottles or due to pipe leaks. Antifreeze is severely toxic, but it does not taste bad, which might tempt furry friends to try to drink it or accidentally ingest it via grooming.

Even small amounts of antifreeze can cause fatal kidney problems if not treated in time, so if you think your cat might have ingested it, talk to your veterinarian as soon as you can!

 

In summary, don’t forget to:

  • Make sure that outdoor cats have a safe place to rest when the temperatures drop as well as permanent access to fresh, non-frozen water;
  • Increase the comfort of your indoor-only cats with a warm bed away from cold draughts;
  • Keep an eye on any antifreeze spills and talk to your vet immediately if your pet might have ingested any.

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Preparing your pets for Christmas

Have you ever considered what the hustle and bustle of the holidays feels like for your pets? This is especially important during Christmas, when things at home are usually the most chaotic.

While Christmas might still seem a little time away, knowing how to prepare adequately can help spare your pets a lot of stress. The most important thing is to ensure the least stress possible for them, including managing safe resting spaces away from guests, preparing any stays in the boarding kennel or cattery ahead of time, or being careful to maintain their routines while everyone is on holiday.

Continue reading to know how to make the upcoming winter season even better for your furry friends!

Altering routines can be a source of stress for pets

As we’ve mentioned before, routines are essential for the well-being of companion animals, including feeding times, exercise, walks, and knowing who to expect at home.

For the most part, your pet will appreciate knowing what his or her days will be like and when we change that abruptly, it can cause a fair amount of stress. Putting up lots of decorations, having the kids in the house all day, or hosting many family members or friends during this season can all cause significant disruption.

To help manage that, consider:

  • Keeping food and exercise times as stable and predictable as possible;
  • Limiting the frequency and number of guests your pets are forced to be around;
  • Creating a quiet and comfortable room that is just for him or her to rest away from stressful parties or people.

Some animals are more sensitive than others and will demonstrate their stress in different ways. As such, if you notice your four-legged best friend is struggling during this time, don’t hesitate to contact your vet!

Finding a reputable boarding kennel, cattery or sitter can take time and research

While travelling with pets is becoming much more popular, with a wealth of pet-friendly destinations that let you have a great time without worries, many owners still prefer to arrange for their furry friends to stay at home or in a local boarding kennel or cattery.

However, finding the perfect solution can take time to research and many reputable places or sitters are usually booked up well in advance! As soon as you know you’ll be away for a while, start arranging for pet care, as this will enable you to choose somewhere that your pets will find as comfortable as possible.

If you’re unsure where to start, your vet will often have some good recommendations for you!

Pets with special needs are likely to need a bit more attention

There are many ways that pets may need a little more attention during the festive season!

Pets who are older, who are suffering from chronic pain, or who are not used to being around a lot of people are likely to feel stressed or uncomfortable more easily.

If you’re able, consider what you can do to better meet their needs during this busy time of the year and try to provide as many solutions as possible to ensure a great Christmas season!

 

In summary, you can prepare for a great winter season with your furry friends by:

  • Making an effort to keep feeding and exercise routines as stable as possible, plus creating comfortable resting spaces for them away from disruptions
  • Preparing ahead of time for when you will be absent, as good boarding kennels, catteries or sitters can get booked up quickly
  • Ensuring that your pet has all of their needs met, especially if they are older or have chronic conditions that need special attention
  • Speaking to your vet if you have any questions or concerns about preparing for the holidays

 

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

Canine courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Reducing feline stress after the holidays

Did you know that your cats love routines? They are animals that love stability, predictability, and home comforts, preferring to know more or less how each day will go rather than constantly changing their routines.

This is often an issue that comes up at the end of the holidays, when summer household rhythms are altered with everyone going back to work or school, leaving your cat with less certainty in his or her days. Fortunately, you can do many simple things to help your pets during this challenging time of the year!

Keep reading to learn all about how to prevent back-to-school blues for your feline friend!

Can my cat feel stressed when we go back to work or school?

As we’ve mentioned, routines are crucial for most pets but especially cats. After spending so much time at home, in particular when there are children in the house during most of the summer, going back to being left alone again can mean a significant adjustment for your cat.

This is likely to increase stress and anxiety, which might reduce quality of life and well-being. Of course, not all animals will deal with this in the same way, which means signs can range from a mild adjustment period to severe separation anxiety.

In particularly susceptible cats, this can show up as:

  • Excessive vocalisation;
  • Odd or unwanted behaviours such as destroying things or excessive pacing;
  • House soiling without any other apparent cause (for instance, due to kidney disease);
  • Loss of appetite;
  • Increased chances of problems that can be linked to stress, such as feline lower urinary tract disease.

Some of these can have a serious impact on your cat’s health and home life and may require veterinary intervention.

How can I make changing routines easy for my cat?

While we know that it can be difficult to avoid changing routines, there are many simple things you can do to minimise the impact going back to work or school will have on your furry family members.

We recommend, if possible, trying to implement any changes gradually and keeping feeding time with as little change as possible. Other important things include making an effort to spend more quality time with him or her, as you or your kids won’t be in the house quite so often during the day, and ensuring your cat has access to enough toys and enrichment to be able to spend time alone without being bored or stressed.

Don’t forget, you don’t need to manage this alone! Your vet can also help you find the best way to provide a stable home environment for your cat and create a treatment plan in case anxiety is deeply affecting his or her health and quality of life.

 

In summary:

  • The new microchipping law makes it mandatory for all cats over the age of 20 weeks in England to have a microchip implanted;
  • A microchip is a small transmitter that is easily implanted and won’t harm your cat;
  • It contains a number that can be matched to your contact details, enabling your furry friend to return to you;
  • Failure to comply with the microchipping requirement might mean a fine of up to £500.

 

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

Dogs

Heatstroke cases have increased!

Did you know that it’s not just pets in hot cars that can suffer from heatstroke?

According to a recent veterinary report, there has been a fivefold increase in heatstroke cases during June and August of 2022, with pets sadly passing away in one in four of these cases. Is this a result of global warming?

Keep reading to learn all about heatstroke, its most common signs, and how to prevent dangerous situations during warm weather.

Is heatstroke in pets common?

Heatstroke, also known as hyperthermia, occurs when the body is exposed to a high temperature for too long, and it can be dangerous for your pet’s internal organs.

Unfortunately, during warm days, there are many ways for your pet to find himself or herself in this situation. Owners often hear about dogs in hot cars and how it can be lethal in under 10 minutes, but long walks during warm weather, exposed kennels, and badly ventilated rooms can also cause a dangerous increase in body heat, even in cats or smaller mammals.

It’s critical that you be vigilant of situations where your pets might overheat, even if they seem comfortable or don’t seem to be in distress.

What are the signs of heatstroke in pets?

As we’ve mentioned, heatstroke can quickly become a serious problem and to ensure your pet has the best chance to find care in these situations, knowing the signs is essential.

Here is what you might spot:

  • Panting
  • Shallow, fast breathing
  • Excessive drooling
  • Refusing to move or collapsing
  • Gums that look very red and dry
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Seizures

If you see any of these signs, don’t ignore them! This is particularly important for pets who are old, overweight, have breathing difficulties, or suffer from certain problems like heart or kidney diseases, as they are more likely not to be able to regulate their temperature as well as other animals.

If my pet is suffering from heatstroke, what should I do?

When you suspect your pet might be suffering from heatstroke, move him or her to a shaded, cooler area and call your vet as soon as possible!

Based on your case, they will advise you on how to proceed but will most often tell you to try and run cool (but not cold) water over his or her body, which can help reduce temperature.

After that, your vet will want to see your pet at the practice to make sure his or her body temperature is going down in a safe way and that there are no further problems that need to be treated. 

 

In summary:

  • Recent studies show there has been a fivefold increase in the number of pet heatstroke cases;
  • Pets can suffer from heat problems by being trapped inside hot cars but also by being outside too long, going on long walks during the hottest hours of the day or being stuck inside a room with a high temperature;
  • The most common signs are collapsing, panting, drooling and fast breathing;
  • Knowing how to recognise these signs is essential to be able to help your pet before there are serious consequences!

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

Canine courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Cat microchipping is now compulsory in England

As of June 2024, cat microchipping has become compulsory for cats in England!

A microchip can be an invaluable tool to help your pet find his or her way back home and it is very simple and painless to implant. This way, someone with a chip reader (for instance, a vet or the local council) can quickly find your contact information and reunite your pet with you!

Has your cat been microchipped yet? Keep reading to learn about the new law and how to ensure your feline friend’s safety.

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a small transmitter that is about the size of a grain of rice and it can easily be implanted under your pet’s skin, where it will remain all of their life without bothering them.

It contains a special number that can be read with a scanner and this links back to your contact details in a database.

The price for a microchip is around £10 to £30, but some charities will offer it for free, making it an extremely cost-effective way to help protect your cat from getting lost.

How can microchipping help bring my cat home?

As we’ve mentioned, the microchip transmits a number that can be used to find your contact details in one of the microchip databases available in the UK.

This means that, should your cat escape or get lost, he or she can be brought to a vet, a pet charity, or the local council and be checked for a microchip. They will be able to match your cat with your contact details, significantly increasing the chances of you being reunited with your furry friend.

Unlike collars or other accessories, a microchip is unlikely to get lost (though rarely it might change location and be harder to find at times) or deactivated.

However, if you change your address or phone number, you must update this information on your microchip’s database every time that you do! Many pets have been found with microchips only for the details to be outdated, making it much harder to find their owners.

Can I get a fine if my cat isn’t microchipped?

With the new law in effect, non-compliance can cost you up to £500 in fines! From 10th June 2024, all cats older than 20 weeks must be microchipped, and owners have 21 days to resolve this situation before being issued a fine.

This law is only in effect in England but we recommend that you microchip your cat regardless of where you live – it’s a simple, cost-effective procedure that can be done by any vet and it might mean the difference between a reunion or your cat not being able to be tracked!

 

In summary:

  • The new microchipping law makes it mandatory for all cats over the age of 20 weeks in England to have a microchip implanted;
  • A microchip is a small transmitter that is easily implanted and won’t harm your cat;
  • It contains a number that can be matched to your contact details, enabling your furry friend to return to you;
  • Failure to comply with the microchipping requirement might mean a fine of up to £500.

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

Dogs

Make sure grass seeds are not a problem this summer

If you are yearning for some outdoor adventures with your dog this summer, our blog post is for you!

Walks in the countryside can be great fun, but it’s important to be mindful of grass seeds as these can lead to many problems!

Keep reading to learn more about grass seeds and how to keep your dog away from trouble.

What are grass seeds?

Grass seeds are small, arrow-shaped grass particles and are a common part of the woodland and meadow flora in the UK. As your dog passes by, these seeds can easily detach from the stem, and their bristles make it easy for them to get caught up in your dog’s fur.

 

Why are grass seeds a problem for dogs? How will I know if my dog is affected?

If grass seeds are entangled in your dog’s fur and stay put, you’re not likely to have problems. However, with your dog’s normal movement, these tend to migrate towards the skin, and their pointy end and arrow shape can easily pierce through.

As you can imagine, this will cause a lot of discomfort and pain, and you may notice your dog licking or nibbling at the affected area if they can reach it.

Other signs associated with grass seeds will vary depending on where they’re positioned. For instance, if the nose is affected, your dog may start sneezing a lot; if the problem area is a paw, you may notice limping. Other commonly affected areas are the ears, eyes, lips, and genitals.

 

What can I do to help my dog?

If you notice any of the signs mentioned, book an appointment at your vet practice for your dog to be seen. As these signs are common to a range of problems, it’s important for your vet to do a thorough physical exam to find out what is causing them.

If the grass seed is visible, the diagnosis is easy, but tests may be necessary if it is already embedded deep in the skin.

The treatment is aimed at removing the embedded seed and treating any secondary infections that might have developed. Some grass seeds can be removed with tweezers, but if they’ve travelled internally, a surgical technique may be needed.

 

What about prevention?

The only way you can guarantee grass seeds won’t be a problem is to avoid walking your dog in places where these can be found.

If you decide to go to a place where there are grass seeds, make sure to check your dog’s fur afterwards, paying special attention to the face and between the toes, and remove any seeds that you find. If you notice any soreness, redness and if the area is warm (signs of inflammation), talk to your vet.

If you have a long-haired dog, it may be worth clipping their fur during the summer months, which can also help them feel more comfortable with higher temperatures.

Being aware of these signs can help prevent a range of problems if you enjoy involving your dog in outdoor activities. Other than grass seeds, we’d like to remind you to make sure that your dog’s parasite treatments are up-to-date and to learn more about how to protect them from seasonal hazards such as heatstroke, drowning and adder bites! Stay tuned!

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

Canine courses

 

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