Tag Archives: summer

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Protect your dog from the sun

As the sunny days of high summer are getting closer, we would like to take some time to talk about the damage the sun can do to our dogs.

Sunburn and skin cancer are just as significant in our pets as in people! Even if you and your dogs aren’t often out on lengthy outdoors adventures, it’s vital to protect them during sunny days, even if just from the light coming in through the windows.

Keep reading to find out more about avoiding sun-related skin problems this summer.

Can dogs get sunburnt?

The answer is absolutely yes! The sun affects our pets’ skin and can cause burns of varying severity. These are quite bothersome and, in some cases, can be extensive enough to need a trip to the vet.

Dogs love to be outside for long periods or nap in sunny places, putting them at risk of getting burnt. It’s important to remember that they won’t necessarily move away from the sun before they are burnt, so you need to make sure that they do.

Red, tender and flaky skin are sure signs that your pet has a burn! Smaller burns can usually be treated at home with the proper ointments, but more extensive or severe burns require appropriate veterinary treatment.

What are the risks of skin cancer in pets?

Not only is the sun responsible for burns and other skin problems, it can also put your pet at risk of developing severe diseases like skin cancer (malignant melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas or mast cell tumours).

While there are many factors involved in the development of skin cancer, we know that UV damage from the sun plays a part, and too much exposure to this harmful radiation will definitely increase the risk of your dog developing cancer.

These types of cancer can be highly damaging and difficult to treat! The sooner they are spotted, the better the chances of treating them successfully, so always keep a keen eye on your dog’s skin.

If you spot areas with colours that weren’t there before (darker, lighter or red coloured skin), or you see bumps and/or ulcers developing for no reason, do not hesitate to contact your vet.

How can I prevent harm from UV rays?

The best way to reduce the risk of sunburns and skin cancers induced by harmful rays is to limit sun exposure and take the proper measures to avoid putting your dogs in a situation where they can’t escape being out in direct sunlight.

Here are some of the main ways to avoid sun damage:

  • Choose the best sunscreen for your dog – There are plenty of sunscreens out there but it’s important to choose one without zinc oxide or aminobenzoic acid as they are toxic if ingested. Consider one that is also waterproof and unscented if your pooch loves a good swim.
  • Protect your dogs while out on walks or hikes – If you’re fond of outdoor adventures, you might also want to consider protective clothing that’s made to be cool enough for a hot day but also protecting from the hot sun. This way you only need to apply sunscreen to the exposed areas.
  • Keep their home safe from overexposure to the sun – Make sure that your dog has the chance to be out of the sun in case he or she wants to, for instance, with shaded spots out in the garden or with permanent access indoors. If you notice that they have been out for too long, call them in before they suffer a burn.

Even with all of these precautions, it’s important that you avoid the hottest hours of the day to be outside. Not only are the UV rays at their most dangerous, but excessive heat can harm their sensitive paws and might cause heatstroke!

 

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Summer safety

Summer’s here! For most of us, this means that it’s time for a break and we can enjoy a few days of relaxing with the family.

If you’re planning to stay local this year, this is the perfect opportunity to organise activities that include your four-legged friends.

With this in mind, keep reading our advice to keep your dog safe this summer!

Dog theft

Many of us have decided to adopt or buy a pet during the pandemic. Unfortunately, there are people who are keen to take advantage of the current high demand for pets to make a profit, and these criminals are looking to steal dogs and sell them at inflated prices. 

If you have a dog, before leaving the house, make sure that:

  • Their microchip details are up to date, 
  • They are wearing a collar or harness with an id tag, 
  • You never leave them unattended outside of a shop, in a garden, etc.

If you are looking to buy a dog, please thoroughly research the seller before making any decision. So take up references and make sure that everything checks out.

Preventive care

If you are planning to take your dog to a pet-friendly park or outdoor space where they will be in contact with other dogs or animals, make sure that their parasite treatments and vaccinations are up to date.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease that can easily be caught if your dog spends time with an infected animal. Also, there have been recent reports of parvovirus outbreaks in some areas in the UK. Vaccinations are available for both of these diseases.

If your pet enjoys lying in the sun for a nap, don’t forget to apply pet-safe sunscreen to sensitive areas (such as the tip of the nose and ears) to avoid sunburn.

Heatstroke

Our pets do not have the same ability to cool down as we do, making it harder for them to cope with high temperatures.

If you are planning to include your dog on a hike or a trip to the beach, make sure to avoid the hottest hours of the day, take plenty of water (for both of you) and ensure that you can provide them with a shaded area to rest.

If you notice any breathing difficulties, excessive panting, agitation, or lethargy, and if your dog seems wobbly or collapses, they are likely to be suffering from heatstroke and will need to be seen by a vet immediately. Before you head out, make sure that you have the contact information of a nearby vet in case this or any other emergency happens.

Accidents and potential problems

Accidents can happen, so if possible, take a first aid kit with you when you’re out and about and, again, keep the contact details of a nearby vet at hand.

If your dog gets stung by a bee, they may develop an allergic reaction that can compromise their breathing. If this happens, they need to be seen without delay.

Also common during summer are grass seed-related incidents. Due to their arrow-like shape, grass seeds can get stuck on your pet’s hair and penetrate their skin, leading to nasty infections. They can also get into their eyes, nose and mouth, with a similar outcome.

After walks, make sure that you always check your dog’s hair for grass seeds and, while you’re at it, ticks as well.

Near water

If you find a stream or a pond and your dog is keen to go in for a swim, have a look around for any warning signs of blue-green algae. These are collections of bacteria that produce toxins that are very harmful to your pets, so do not let them in if you suspect the water may be contaminated.

Keep in mind that your dog may not know how to swim, so consider getting them a floating harness, and make sure that they are always within your reach and that you can safely get to them if you find them in distress.

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

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Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

The dangers of heatstroke

Sun, relaxation and plenty of adventures are the biggest draws of the season!

But with all the nice experiences we can enjoy during the warmer weather, there are some concerns that pet owners need to keep in mind.

One of the most important ones is heatstroke and how it can be dangerous, even deadly, to your pets!

Read on for an overview of how heatstroke can happen and what to look out for.

 

What is heatstroke? 

Simply put, heatstroke happens when a pet overheats without being able to regulate his or her body temperature back to safe levels.

Dogs and cats lose heat differently than humans do, as they produce very little sweat and mainly lose heat by panting. The evaporation of moisture in the oral cavity is critical for heat loss, but this can’t happen if the outside temperature is too high.

Common situations where overheating is likely to happen include:

  • Pets trapped in hot cars, regardless if they are in the direct sunlight or not or with windows open;
  • Days where it’s very damp and mildly hot, as humidity makes temperature regulation harder even when it doesn’t seem too warm;
  • Pets playing outside when the temperature is high and not having the chance to cool down;
  • Pets without access to any cool, shaded places or water.

 

How can you tell if your pet is suffering from heatstroke?

Incoordination, weakness, excessive panting and drooling are the first signs of heatstroke. These should never be ignored as they can quickly progress to sudden collapse, seizures and even death if the pet’s body temperature fails to normalise.

Please note that elderly pets and pets with certain health conditions like narrow airways, obesity or diabetes, are at a higher risk as they have more difficulty regulating their body temperature.

 

What to do when my pet is suffering from heatstroke? 

If it’s warm and you spot that your pet is in distress, move them to a shaded area immediately and cover them with towels soaked in cool (but not cold) water to help dissipate heat. Offer them sips of water to drink if they’re able to do so, and contact your vet as soon as possible.

Heatstroke is an emergency, and veterinary assistance should be sought without delay!

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Dog owners beware! Bloom of toxic blue-green algae

The summer sun brings serious summer fun! Our countryside walks are back in full swing, with all due distancing and safety precautions of course, and there is nothing better than taking our doggy friends for a day out near the lake or jog around the forest ponds.

However, before all of this awesome fun can start, it’s important to remember that there are several dangerous situations that lurk around lakes, ponds and any spots where water remains stagnated for a long time.

 

Not your friendly sea algae!

Blooming blue-green algae are a frequent presence on still water when the days start warming up, and this year is no exception. If you’ve ever noticed green or brown scum floating on the surface of the water, you were likely looking right at blue-green algae!

Their name is misleading though, as they are not in fact algae, but are instead a type of bacteria. They are cyanobacteria, and they produce toxins that can be fatal to pets if ingested, even in small quantities.

A recent report by the British Veterinary Association indicates that these bacteria are back in full force, with one lethal case this year already so it’s definitely something owners should be aware of!

 

Signs of intoxication

Dogs, in their boundless curiosity, usually contact the bacteria by drinking some contaminated water, licking them off their fur after a refreshing dip, or just because they found the pond scum absolutely impossible to resist consuming.

Signs can show up within minutes to hours after exposure, and they can include:

  • Vomiting,
  • Drooling,
  • Diarrhoea,
  • Trouble walking,
  • Difficulty breathing,
  • Seizures.

 

If you spot any of these after a great day out, don’t delay! Veterinary treatment must be administered promptly as toxins will target the liver, causing irreversible and possibly lethal damage.

 

Avoiding dangerous encounters

Fortunately, not all blue-green algae are toxic, but it’s not possible to tell just by looking at them on lakes or rivers.

The best way to make sure there are no accidents is to always keep your dogs on a lead near lakes, ponds or rivers that have been confirmed or are suspected of having toxic blooms. Warning signs from the local council or the Environment Agency will often let you know if the site is safe for a swim or you can check their online notices.

Dogs that have been swimming outside should be washed with clean water to make sure there is no residue on the coat or limbs.

 

If you think your dog might have contacted blue-green algae, this is an emergency situation and time is of the essence! Cyanobacteria intoxication has no specific antidote, and the sooner treatment starts, the better the chances of a full recovery.

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

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Horses, The Pet Professionals

Avoiding horse overheating during exercise

The heat is back on, summer is in full swing and horse owners are faced with a difficult challenge.

How do you keep up with exercise and work needs in this hot weather?

During this time, heat stress is a significant concern for all owners, and it’s vital to keep monitoring your horse’s hydration status and workload. There are several factors to consider when evaluating if and when you should ride out with your horses to avoid dehydration and overheating.

 

Temperature and humidity

High temperatures by themselves are already something to be cautious about, but when mixed in with high humidity, the combination can get truly dangerous, fast.

Damp heat makes it harder for a horse to regulate its body temperature by evaporating sweat, and so, this puts the animal at risk of heat stress.

 

Hydration 

If you’ve ever wondered why the phrase “sweat like a horse” exists, then this section will clear it right up.

Like us (and unlike dogs or cats), the primary method of losing heat is through sweating. Because of their size, they can lose around 10 to 12 litres of water every hour just by sweating. This means that dehydration through continued losses from sweat can and will happen if you’re not careful.

Something else that might happen is that, due to the chemical nature of their sweat, horses might not feel thirsty after sweating. In practical terms, your animals could be dehydrated, but they will not seek out water to drink.

 

So… back to our first issue!

How can I help my horses exercise without harmful heat stress?

  • Consider skipping a training day if the weather is overly hot or damp;
  • If work is necessary, try to ride during the cooler hours of the day;
  • Make sure that your horse is drinking and always has available water sources;
  • Running cool water over the body after exercising is a great way to help lose heat but make sure to keep a good flow so there’s always cooler water on them;
  • Avoid overly cold water as it might cause the blood vessels to constrict, making heat loss less efficient;
  • Shaded, well-ventilated areas are great spaces to help your animals cool down, especially if there are fans near them;
  • Check if your transportation unit is adequate for hot temperature travel and, if it’s not, travel during the cooler hours.

 

These are some of the quick, practical things you can implement during this time of the year but, if you need any help or feel there is something wrong, don’t hesitate to contact your vet.

Cats, Dogs, Horses, The Pet Professionals

Top 3 tips to enjoy Summer with your pets

With the beautiful weather we’ve been having lately, we feel this is the perfect opportunity to share with you our top three tips to help you enjoy Summer with your four-legged companions.

#1: Keep your pets protected from heatstroke

As usual, prevention always comes first!

Heatstroke occurs when your pets overheat in such a way that their physiologic cooling mechanisms are not sufficient to bring their body temperature back to normal. This can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening.

There are a number of precautions you can take to avoid heatstroke, the most important being:

  • Ensuring that your pets have access to well-ventilated, shaded areas at all times.
  • Avoiding taking your dogs for a walk or exercising your horses during the hottest hours of the day.
  • Making sure fresh, clean water is always available.

Dogs and cats are usually more easily and severely affected since they cannot sweat like horses. As such, signs of heatstroke also tend to be more evident in small animals than in horses, which may only show signs of some distress.

Signs of heatstroke in dogs include excessive panting, excessive salivation, restlessness, incoordination, confusion, weakness and collapse. In cats, the signs are the same, though they tend to be more subtle. However, if your cat is breathing with an open mouth, this is always indicative of a problem, so don’t hesitate to contact your vet for advice.

Keep in mind that some animals are more susceptible to heatstroke than others, and predisposing factors include:

  • Medical conditions
  • Obesity
  • Thick/dark coats
  • Flat faces – brachycephalic breeds
  • Age extremes
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Dehydration

Which brings us right into our next tip.

#2: Staying hydrated

Water is the major component of our pets’ body, which is the same as saying without water, there is no life.

As water takes part in so many vital functions in our pets’ metabolism, including temperature regulation, making sure our pets stay hydrated should be a priority to every owner.

So, what can you do to make sure your pet stays hydrated? There are basically two ways to do this:

  1. Increasing water intake
  2. Decreasing water loss

Increasing water intake can be tricky, especially for cats. If they’re not particularly fond of drinking (because there are cats that do love to drink!), you can ask your vet how to include wet food in their diet.

To encourage the drinking behaviour itself, it usually helps to have multiple sources of clean, fresh water scattered around the house. You can also try offering water in different containers as some cats may have preferences regarding the type of material of the container. Some cats will also prefer running water to still water, so keep trying different combinations.

Adding some ice cubes to your pets’ water will keep it cool longer, which some pets find refreshing, depending on their individual preferences.

Regarding horses, we need to keep in mind that, when they sweat, they’re losing water to regulate their temperature, but they’re losing electrolytes as well, particularly sodium. As such, an oral replacement electrolyte solution may be indicated. Make sure you check with your vet if this is needed, and which one is the most appropriate to give to your horse.

As for decreasing water loss, pets lose water with thermoregulation (keeping their body temperature stable when it’s too hot) and through elimination. There’s nothing we can do about the latter unless there’s an underlying medical condition increasing or decreasing its frequency, but we can help to reduce the energy and water our pets spend regulating their temperature. The way to do this is to keep them in a cool well-ventilated environment and avoid exercise when it’s too warm outside.

#3: Enjoy outdoor activities

Summer is fast approaching, the weather is fantastic, and this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities with your pets, such as hacking or going for a countryside walk.

Make sure you take all necessary safety precautions needed, including everything we have mentioned above, practice safe social distancing and have a wonderful time with your pets!

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Travelling abroad? Find out about canine leishmaniasis

If you’re travelling abroad with your dogs this summer, you will hopefully already have understood the latest requirements.

As the UK is still a part of the European Union, dogs can travel under the Pet Travel Scheme, which means as long as their microchip, parasite treatments, vaccinations and pet passport are up to date, you’ll be able to take them with you to visit other European countries.

However, travelling arrangements are likely to change after Brexit, so make sure you consult the government website before planning a future trip with your four-legged friend:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit

Besides the compulsory requirements you’ll need to comply with before you can enjoy your well-deserved break, you should be aware that there are diseases that your dog can encounter abroad that don’t naturally occur in the UK.

Have you ever heard of leishmaniasis?

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by a single-cell parasite that is transmitted through sandfly bites. This parasite can affect not only dogs but also humans, even though transmission does not occur directly from dogs to humans and vice versa.

Fortunately, the sandflies that carry the parasite are not currently found in the UK, as they usually need warmer conditions to thrive. However, they are common in southern European countries, which are commonly chosen as holiday destinations.

Once a dog is infected, their immune response will dictate the severity of clinical signs as well as how long it will take for the disease to develop, which can take months or even years.

At first, you may notice fever, lack of appetite, weight loss, other gastrointestinal signs, skin lesions and enlarged lymph nodes.

With time, your dog’s health will progressively deteriorate, and he or she is likely to suffer from multi-organ failure.

As there’s no cure for leishmaniasis, once they are infected, dogs will need lifelong monitoring and treatment.

The good news is that you can protect your dogs against this life-threatening illness! Talk to your vet so he or she can advise you correctly!

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

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Summer’s here – Keep your cats protected!

Now that summer is finally here and the weather is getting nice and warm, there are some extra precautions we need to take in order to make sure our friendly felines can enjoy it as much as we do.

If your cats are eager for a stroll outdoors, make sure their regular worming, flea and tick treatments are up to date as they’re bound to run into all sorts of parasites along the way!  Also, keep their vaccinations current to protect them against life-threatening diseases which are always present.

Most cats are very keen on having long, relaxing naps, and if they can do this while sunbathing at the same time, that would be their very definition of a ‘purrfect’ day!

However, just like for us, prolonged sun exposure can cause skin damage due to the ultraviolet radiation, that can result in redness, skin lesions and can also predispose our cats to a malignant type of cancer named cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

To protect your feline companions from sunburn and sun damage, you can limit their exposure to a period of the day when the sun is not as strong. You can also protect them by applying pet-safe sunscreen on the tip of their nose and ears, which are the most commonly affected areas, as they don’t have much fur covering them.

Prolonged sun exposure, especially in very hot days and in poorly ventilated areas, can also lead to heatstroke! Yes, cats can get heatstroke too and, just like in dogs, this can be fatal if their temperature is not quickly lowered to normal values. This is why it’s so important that you never leave your cat alone in the car, not even for a quick visit to the shop, and to check that your cat doesn’t become locked in confined, closed spaces, such as garden sheds.

And don’t forget hydration! During summer, water intake is usually higher to compensate for losses due to temperature regulation. You should always have multiple sources of clean, fresh water available, and keep in mind that some cats can have very peculiar preferences when it comes to drinking, from the material that the bowl is made of and whether the water is running or not!

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Horses, The Pet Professionals

Keep your horses hydrated this summer

As the principal constituent of a horse’s body, accounting for 70% of its composition, water is a fundamental part of life, participating in every physiological process from temperature regulation to digestion.

This is why water consumption is so important and why we should keep an eye on our horses’ drinking behaviour, especially during summer, as temperature is one of the major factors that influence daily water requirements.

When the water intake does not meet the daily requirements or when there is excessive water loss due to sweating, excessive urination or diarrhoea, your horses can quickly become dehydrated which can have a serious impact on their vital functions.

Early signs of dehydration can be recognised as alterations in gum colour and saliva consistency, an elevated heart rate, decreased skin elasticity and dullness in the eyes. As dehydration becomes more severe, horses can become lethargic, and their metabolism compromised, leading to impaction colic and organ failure, both of which can be fatal.

 

Here are 3 essential pointers to help you keep your horses hydrated:

#1: Accessibility

Making sure your horses have access to multiple sources of clean, fresh water at all times should be your number one priority. As trivial as this may seem, simple issues like having some dirt in the trough or extremes of water temperature can decrease or even stop your horses’ water intake. Check their water sources frequently, keep them filled and clean and don’t be afraid to try different receptacles, sources and temperatures to find out your horses’ preferences.

 

#2: Diet

Keep in mind that water consumption will vary according to what your horses are eating. Good-quality pastures can offer up to 80% water moisture in the grass, which will make water intake drop, as opposed to hay, which is drier, and will likely lead to drinking more water.

 

#3: Salt (sodium chloride)

Salt, in conjunction with water, helps in many physiological processes that keep the body functioning. One of these processes is the thirst mechanism, and correct sodium balance is essential for it to work properly.

Some horses, especially the ones that exercise and sweat regularly, might benefit from having their diet supplemented with salt.

Before supplementing, you should consult with your veterinarian so he or she can make tailored recommendations according to your horses’ lifestyle, routines, environment, body condition and health.

Salt supplementation can be achieved with salt blocks, salt licks and by offering loose salt with daily concentrate. However, salt consumption through any of these methods can be variable due to inconsistent intake and palatability issues.

 

Keep in mind that there is a number of factors not mentioned here that also affect your horses’ water balance and that when one changes, the others can be affected as well.

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