Tag Archives: pet health

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:

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Dogs

What do you know about canine heart disease?

How much do you know about canine heart disease? One of the most common forms of heart disease in dogs is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This means that the heart chambers are enlarged, making it harder for the heart to work properly and send blood to where it needs to be.

As a progressive disease, as soon as you see the signs something might be wrong (for instance, shortness of breath, difficulty doing physical activities or fainting), it’s essential that you take your dog to the vet so he or she can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Read our blog post and learn all about supporting your dog with DCM!

Heart disease in dogs

Many heart conditions in canine patients can cause problems, but the two main ones are diseases that affect the heart’s muscles or the valves of the heart chambers. In this blog, we will focus on the most common heart muscle disease: Dilated cardiomyopathy.

DCM affects mainly large and giant-sized dogs, though medium and, more rarely, smaller breeds can also be affected. This disease develops because the muscle responsible for pumping blood gets progressively thinner, showing up as an enlarged chamber in the heart.

Due to this, the muscle gets weaker and less capable of handling blood circulation. For a while, your dog’s body will be able to compensate for the loss of heart function, and you might not see any worrying signs.

However, at some point, the capacity to compensate for a faulty heart muscle is exhausted, and you might spot the following:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Unusual tiredness and refusal to play or run
  • Coughing
  • Swollen belly
  • Fainting without any other explanation

Early detection is key when it comes to DCM. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to consult your vet promptly. While there is no cure for DCM, the disease can often be effectively managed with timely intervention and regular vet visits, enhancing your dog’s quality of life.

Diagnosing canine cardiomyopathy and heart failure

The most important thing about an early diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy is that it gives your pet the best chance to start treatment as soon as possible.

When you bring your furry friend in, your vet will perform several types of tests, such as a special heart ultrasound to measure the heart’s electrical activity and blood tests to determine the health of organs like the kidneys or liver.

It’s important for your vet to be able to assess your dog’s degree of heart failure, which happens when his or her body cannot compensate for the lack of muscle capacity of the heart and clinical signs appear. Determining the degree of heart failure allows him or her to have a treatment that is perfectly tailored to their condition.

Helping your dog with dilated cardiomyopathy

As we’ve mentioned, it’s essential that you pay attention to the signs of heart failure and, take your dog to be properly diagnosed and have a good treatment plan put in place to help him or her live with a stable heart function and the least amount of clinical signs possible.

Each dog will have his or her personalised treatment plan, which can change over time as DCM progresses.

Because of this, an attentive owner can make all of the difference! If you notice any change in energy levels, food intake, coughing or an increase in his or her breathing rate, it’s worth checking in with your vet to see if an appointment is needed.

In summary:

  • Heart disease in dogs is very common, and it will often show up as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), especially in large or giant dogs;
  • If you spot any of the signs of heart disease in your pet, like fatigue, difficulty breathing, or a swollen abdomen, talk to your vet as soon as possible;
  • Treatment of DCM is tailored to your dog’s clinical issues, and it can be adjusted as needed;
  • Breathing rate, energy levels and coughing are important things to look out for if your dog is suffering from DCM;
  • When you see any changes, don’t hesitate to ask for help!

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

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Cats

Should I bathe my cat?

If this is your first time owning a cat, especially if you’ve been a dog owner of a breed with considerable grooming needs, you might be asking yourself: “Does my cat need to be bathed regularly?”.

Domestic felines descend from wild cats of dry, warm climates and are not known for appreciating water very much. While some feline friends might adore water, generally this is a distressing experience for most cats and, because they are great at keeping themselves clean, it’s not likely you will need to put them in the tub frequently.

Keep reading to learn all about the dos and don’ts of feline grooming and hygiene!

Do cats really clean themselves?

Cats spend a huge amount of time during the day grooming their fur and, if they live with other cats, they might also groom each other. Because of this, our feline friends tend to keep themselves far cleaner and tidier than dogs. This means that, for the most part, you won’t need to worry about bathing them regularly.

In fact, as we mentioned above, they are not likely to appreciate being in contact with a lot of water and might react badly to any attempts to do so. If you include having to be washed with shampoo and then doused with water again, it can be a very stressful experience for them!

Most breeds also have fur that feels rather uncomfortable when wet, meaning that they might not like to have damp fur whilst it is drying.

While bathing is often not a concern for your cats, a good regular brushing (especially for breeds with long or dense hair) and ear or eye cleaning as needed can do wonders for their overall hygiene. Even more particular cats will likely appreciate your help removing loose fur, skin particles, or eye secretions.

When does my cat need bathing?

Even though grooming and cleaning is a big part of your cat’s life, he or she might get into situations that could lead to you having to intervene directly on his or her hygiene.

Here are some of the most common reasons why bathing your cat might be needed:

  • He or she is very dirty or has something on his or her coat (like grease, paint or anything else that might be dangerous) that needs to be removed;
  • Your vet has recommended regular bathing for a health condition (often with a medicated shampoo) such as infections or allergies;
  • He or she is no longer capable of doing his or her grooming, for instance, due to old age or difficulty moving.

If you’re unsure if you need to clean your cat or don’t know how, it’s best to contact your vet for advice. In case you suspect your cat might have got into something toxic or dangerous, don’t delay—talk to your vet as soon as you can so you know what to do next!

What’s the best way to clean my cat?

In case your pet does need a little help cleaning his or her body and he or she is not a big fan of water, it might be better to start with pet-safe wet wipes or a damp cloth.

If you need a full soak, it’s best to find a cat-friendly shampoo that won’t irritate sensitive feline skin, use the least amount of warm water possible, and have a nice, cosy spot without draughts where he or she can rest while drying completely.

Some animals might require regular bathing for the rest of their lives and, in these cases, you can try to get them used to the process by starting gently and rewarding them every step of the way while you work to get them used to and happy being in the water.

In summary:

  • Cats are very thorough at cleaning themselves and won’t generally appreciate being dunked in water;
  • If he or she is unable to groom adequately, has certain health issues and your vet has suggested medicated baths, or has got dirty with something difficult to clean, you might need to bathe him or her;
  • While it’s very rare for your cat to need a bath, he or she will need regular brushing and, every once in a while, might need his or her ears and eyes cleaned.

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:cons-feline.jpg” width=”100%” />

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Are you considering adopting a dog from abroad?

Adopting a dog from abroad seems to be a rising trend in the UK, with 6% of owners asked by the PDSA in 2022 and 2023 reporting that their pet was imported compared to 4% in 2021 and 3% in August 2020.

If you’ve fallen in love with a dog from overseas and are considering bringing it back into the UK, keep reading to find out some important things that you should be mindful of before making a decision!

 

Can an imported pet have unusual diseases?

There are a range of exotic diseases that we don’t commonly see or have in the UK that can be imported along with your new dog if you don’t test for them beforehand. These include:

Rabies

Rabies is a viral neurological disease that mostly targets a mammal’s brain and nerves (including humans, dogs and cats), leading to a range of symptoms that ultimately lead to death. Though there is no cure for rabies, the disease can be prevented through vaccination.

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is another infectious disease, this time caused by the bacteria Brucella canis. Vets can use antibiotics to try to treat it, but, in most cases, treatment is not effective with dogs often having to be euthanised.

Heartworm

Unlike rabies and brucellosis which can be transmitted from dog to dog (or dog to human!), heartworm is transmitted via mosquito bites. As the name indicates, the disease is characterised by an infection of the heart and lungs by a parasite. The disease is fatal if not treated, and treatment itself poses a number of risks, which is why parasite prevention treatments are key.

Leishmaniasis

This is also a parasitic disease transmitted by sandfly bites. Once infection has been established, there’s no cure for leishmaniasis, but in some animals, the disease can be successfully managed.

Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis brings us back to bacterial diseases, this one caused by Ehrlichia canis. The disease is also vector-borne, meaning a dog cannot be infected directly, only via a tick bite (the tick being the vector). Diagnosis is often challenging as symptoms are not specific, and, since there is no ehrlichiosis in the UK, vets will only suspect the disease if they are aware that a dog has been living out of the country.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is another tick-borne parasite disease. It mostly affects young and middle-aged dogs and treatment can be challenging, with its effectiveness dictated by the severity of the disease. Again, prevention via tick control is the best way of dealing (or not dealing, in this case!) with these types of infections.

It’s important to be mindful that rabies, brucellosis, leishmaniasis and babesiosis are transmissible to humans as well, some directly from dog to human, others indirectly, requiring a vector (i.e. the dog could infect a tick, for instance, which could then bite and infect a human).

As these diseases may cause severe symptoms in dogs, with some not being treatable at all, combined with their potential for zoonotic infections (i.e. spreading to humans), it’s very important that we try to keep them out of the UK by testing dogs before bringing them to the UK from abroad.

 

Will an overseas pet have health or behaviour problems?

The rise in demand for imported puppies and dogs has led to people turning a blind eye to the welfare conditions those pets experience in their early months.

Though legislation keeps tightening in the UK regarding selling and adopting pets, such as Lucy’s Law and Reggie’s Law, the same is not true in other countries, which may be purposefully breeding dogs in low welfare conditions specifically to supply to the UK.

When this is the case, once with their new families, imported dogs often show behavioural issues and even severe health problems that may lead to a regrettable premature loss of a beloved family member.

Also, according to the PDSA’s 2023 PAW Report, a number of people are seeking imported pets due to physical traits such as docked tails and cropped ears. Both of these practices are illegal in the UK as they pose welfare and health risks to affected animals, and finding a way around the law to acquire such pets is something that should be avoided.

If you’re considering adopting or buying a dog from abroad, we hope this blog post has helped you ponder this decision and do remember to ask your vet which tests are needed before you bring a new pet into your family!

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

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Horses, The Pet Professionals

Is your horse happy?

Though there’s no such thing as a recipe for equine happiness, there are some basic ingredients that need to be in the mix! These include adequate health care, gentle handling, balanced nutrition, and an environment that allows for quality interactions and all the opportunities required to express their natural behaviour.

Keep reading to learn more about the five domains model of animal welfare and how you can improve your horse’s quality of life!

What are the five domains?

The five domains represent an animals’ five basic welfare needs:

  • Balanced nutrition
  • Preventative and responsive health care
  • Adequate, safe and rich environment
  • Quality behavioural interactions
  • Positive mental state

These are universal to all animal species and were compiled in the 1960s as the five freedoms in response to the livestock production practices at the time.

Over the past 60 years, this concept has evolved alongside our knowledge of animal health, welfare, and behaviour and has since been used to help guide us in caring for animals respectfully!

Nutrition

We are what we eat, and the same is true for horses. A balanced diet is one of the most important pillars of a healthy life, and this involves:

  • A high-quality forage-based diet tailored to the individual horse
  • The correct amount of food and number of meals
  • Clean, fresh water that is always available

Adequate nutrition has an integral part in preventing health problems, such as colic, ulcers and obesity, as well as behavioural issues, as you can stimulate horses’ natural foraging behaviours depending on how you’re providing them with food.

Health care

If your horse is unwell, this will obviously have an impact on their well-being. Conducting a daily health check can be instrumental in seeking veterinary help early. Here are some of the most important aspects to be mindful of:

  • Their demeanour and if they are behaving normally
  • How their body looks (posture, condition, hydration) and feels (temperature, swelling)
  • Any injuries that may be present (making sure to check the mouth and feet)

As for preventative care, vaccinations and parasite treatments are vital for protecting your horse against a range of diseases, and your vet will be happy to arrange a tailored plan for your animal’s specific needs.

Environment

Providing your horse with an adequate and rich environment where they are safe from the elements and predators, and are able to display their natural behaviour is paramount.

Here are some aspects to consider:

  • Is their pasture cared for?
  • Is the horse free to move around?
  • Do they have a comfortable place to rest?
  • Is their access to forage and water adequate?
  • Do they have the opportunity to explore their environment?
  • Can they interact with other horses?
  • Could they benefit from environmental enrichment?

Though general recommendations are great as a starting point, tailoring your horse’s environment to their personality and character can make a world of difference in their happiness, and you’re the best person to know how to do this!

Behavioural interactions

As social animals, horses enjoy the company of other horses and need friends to socialise with.

Though they will be happy just being near other horses, physical contact is very important, too, which is something that naturally happens if they’re allowed to bond.

As for human-horse interactions, it’s key that you have a good understanding of equine behaviour so that you can learn to recognise what your equine friend enjoys doing and provide them with pleasant experiences.

Exploring their environment is another way that horses like spending their time, so make sure they have the opportunity to exercise and move freely.

Mental state

If you do a great job at managing the previous four domains, the result will be a positive mental state, which is what every horse owner is aiming for!

However, sometimes horses can still develop behavioural issues or suffer from high stress despite our best efforts. This may be due to many things, from an undiagnosed illness to a particular need that you didn’t know your horse had that isn’t being met.

These types of problems often take time, patience and the proper professional help to resolve, so don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you are struggling!

Keep an eye on our blog if you’d like to know more about each of the five domains, as we’ll be going into a detailed discussion in upcoming blog posts!

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Feline herpesvirus

One of the most common illnesses that can affect your furry friend is feline herpesvirus infection!

Also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), this disease is a frequent infection seen in cats, and symptoms vary from mild to more severe.

If you’ve ever seen your cat with a runny nose, persistent eye discharge or noticed sneezing, especially when he or she was a kitten, it was likely to have been a case of FVR. While most infections are mild, vulnerable animals like unprotected cats, older pets or kittens might suffer from a severe form of the disease.

Learn all about how to keep your cats protected from FVR in our blog post below!

How can my cat get feline herpesvirus?

The feline herpesvirus type 1 exists everywhere and is also highly infectious, meaning it is very easy for your cat to run into it, especially if he or she often goes outside or stays with other cats.

If other cats are shedding the virus (usually through eye, nose or mouth secretions), any contact with them or with items that they have been close to, like beds, bowls or surfaces, is likely to infect your pet quickly. Due to the high prevalence of this virus, many outside cats or pets who live in multicat households can carry and transmit the infection.

Fortunately, feline herpesvirus is exclusive to our domestic cats and other wild feline species, which means that humans and other pet species (like dogs or rabbits) cannot become infected.

What are the signs of feline viral rhinotracheitis?

FVR might take some days to show up in full force after contact with viral particles (either from other cats or from the environment), and you might see the following signs in your cat:

  • Runny nose;
  • Red, puffy eyelids with secretions that can range from a clear fluid to pus;
  • Sneezing;
  • Lethargy and fever.

If you spot any of these signs, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet! As we’ve mentioned, many of these infections are not very complicated and treating them is relatively straightforward. However, a proper diagnosis and treatment plan are still needed as many other, more serious diseases can have similar signs.

Veterinary support is vital for our more vulnerable pets, such as kittens, oldies, or cats with other chronic diseases whose immune systems might not work as well. They can suffer from severe consequences of feline herpesvirus infections, particularly when it comes to eye damage, for instance, debilitating ulcers in the cornea.

These cases will often need specific treatment, such as antibiotics for any other infections that may show up or eyedrops to help heal corneal damage.

How can I protect my cat?

The best way to ensure your feline friend can avoid this disease is through a proper vaccination schedule for him or her! These vaccines will also protect your cats against feline calicivirus, which can cause similar respiratory problems.

Vaccinated cats are less likely to catch FVR, and in the event that they do get sick, they will experience a much milder disease course than unvaccinated pets.

It’s also important to remember that this vital protection needs to be boosted regularly, so if you think that your cat might be out of date with his or her vaccinations, schedule your appointment with your vet today!

 

In summary:

  • Feline herpesvirus type 1 causes feline rhinotracheitis, a common viral disease that affects the upper airways and eyes of cats;
  • Cats can get infected through contact with other cats as well as through viral particles in the environment;
  • While it us usually an uncomplicated disease, it can cause severe problems for senior cats, kittens or cats with lowered immunity;
  • The best way to protect your feline friends is by vaccination;
  • If you notice that your cat is unwell, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet.

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

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Is my dog struggling with osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a common problem for dogs, particularly elderly pets. This disease happens due to progressive inflammatory destruction of the cartilage in the joints, leading to worsening mobility and pain.

Unfortunately, this condition does not have a cure in most cases, but there are many ways to slow down the progression of cartilage destruction and manage pain successfully.

If you’ve noticed that your furry friend has been slowing down on walks and is more reluctant to move around, this blog post is for you! Keep reading to know all about osteoarthritis and how to help your pet enjoy its twilight years without pain.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is also called degenerative joint disease (DJD), and, as we’ve mentioned, it is caused by persistent joint inflammation resulting from damaged cartilage, a protective tissue that is vital for proper joint movement.

As this is progressively destroyed, the bones lose their capacity to move correctly. This situation also causes significant and increasing pain, and you may start to notice your pet being more reluctant to get up from their bed, walk or play. This discomfort can also show up as increased aggressiveness, less patience and house-soiling.

Any dog can suffer from osteoarthritis at any point in his or her life, but some animals are more predisposed to DJD. The most important risk factors include:

  • Age as older dogs are more likely to have cartilage damage;
  • Larger breeds;
  • Injuries or repeated activities (such as sports) as these create a lot of repeated stress on the joints;
  • Overweight;
  • Joints with bad conformation (for instance, hip dysplasia).

While no definitive cure exists for this disease, your furry friend can still enjoy a long time of comfort and activity with the proper treatments. These aim to slow down the progression and manage pain, allowing him or her to have many more great days to share with you.

 

Can I help my dog feel better?

One of the most essential things any owner can do is keep an eye out for progressing signs of osteoarthritis, especially during this time of the year when cold and damp days can worsen joint function.

While every pet is different, medical management is vital in these cases, as pain and mobility loss will continue progressing. Often, these medications will have to be adjusted as time passes and other symptoms appear.

Your vet will also likely suggest physical therapy to help reduce discomfort and improve limb strength. This might include hydrotherapy, acupuncture, laser therapy or other complementary treatment modalities that help medication and lifestyle changes be more effective.

Modifying routines, for instance, with shorter walks, and changing how your dog can get around your home, for example, with more comfortable bedding and mobility aids, can also be extremely helpful.

If you spot any concerning changes, don’t hesitate to contact your vet! They will carry out a thorough investigation and suggest the best treatments to address any difficulties your pet is having.

 

Don’t forget:

  • Osteoarthritis most often cannot be cured, but it can usually be successfully managed;
  • If you spot any changes in behaviour such as less patience, reluctance to move or get up, increased vocalisations and house soiling, they might be due to pain or significant discomfort;
  • Medication and treatments like hydrotherapy or laser therapy can help manage symptoms when they come up;
  • In case you see any worrying concerns, speak to your vet, and they will be able to help you decide on the best course of action.

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

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Ringworm in dogs

How much do you know about ringworm in dogs? This infectious skin disease is also called dermatophytosis, and it isn’t actually caused by a worm but by a fungus that our pets can easily pick up and bring home!

While it is not often a life-threatening problem, in some circumstances, it can be challenging to get rid of due to high rates of environmental reinfection or if the treatment protocol isn’t correctly applied. It can also go on to infect humans, especially family members with reduced immunity, such as older people, those suffering from chronic illnesses or pregnant women.

Keep reading to find out more about dermatophytosis and how to avoid this nasty problem in your dogs!

Is it easy for my dog to get ringworm?

Dermatophytes are a group of fungi species that grow on the skin, nails and hair of pets and humans. They can resist in the environment for a long time in the form of spores, waiting for someone susceptible to pick them up.

Your dog can get infected by contacting these spores or the fungus directly, such as from another infected animal or by touching contaminated objects like bowls or bedding. The good news is that not every time he or she runs into ringworm will result in an infection, as these fungi often need broken skin (from a wound or after clipping hair, for instance), lowered immunity (like elderly, very young or sick pets) or a high contamination.

When infection occurs, you might spot the following signs:

  • Several circular areas of hair loss that might get bigger over time:
  • Rough or brittle nails;
  • You might also see scabs, reddened skin or other signs of infection in the hairless patches.

If you see any of these, contact your vet, as ringworm is readily transmissible to other pets and people! This is particularly relevant if you have young children, elderly family members or someone suffering from an illness that impacts their immunity in your house.

I think my dog might be at risk, what can I do?

Pets who are the most at risk include young dogs, pets who are sick or under significant stress or those who have come from overcrowded homes.

While ringworm can go away on its own, it might take a long time, and your dog or your family will be at serious risk of infection or reinfection as this fungus can remain active in the environment for up to 18 months.

The best way to avoid problems is to keep an eye on your dog’s hair, skin and nails and contact your vet if you see any of the above-mentioned signs. They will take all the appropriate samples make a diagnosis of fungal infection and prescribe the correct treatment.

Is ringworm treatable?

Most of the time, ringworm will not be complicated to treat, but it’s vital that you follow your vet’s exact recommendations and do not stop treatment halfway unless you’ve explicitly been told to do so!

There are several effective treatment options, including oral treatments that are often combined with topical anti-fungal formulations like shampoos or ointments. Depending on your dog’s case, your vet will prescribe the best medication to handle the infection as quickly as possible.

During this time, it’s also essential that you restrict your infected pets to the least number of rooms possible to avoid cross-contamination and make sure that you clean everything thoroughly.

In case you suspect you or a family member might have ringworm due to a recent infection in one of your pets, contact your GP without delay!

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

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Can dogs have allergies?

Have you ever considered that your dog might be suffering from allergies? If you’ve ever noticed he or she starts scratching and itching more at certain times of the year, it could be due to a sensitivity to certain things such as pollens or flea bites. In this case, it’s essential to seek medical help as this can be a very distressing situation.

Read our blog post to better understand allergies and how you can help your furry friend feel better.

What are allergies?

An allergic reaction is an exaggerated immune response to something that is harmless, such as pollens, certain foods, medications or insect saliva.

Dogs have many types of allergies, but the most common ones are food allergies, flea allergy dermatitis and atopic dermatitis, which is caused by airborne allergens.

These often show up as skin problems. For instance, red, itchy skin that doesn’t seem to go away and is causing a lot of distress to your furry friend might be due to an allergic problem.

As many owners know, diagnosing and treating these issues can be complicated. Vets might not be able to pinpoint precisely what your pet is allergic to, but there are many tests they can do to narrow it down and then formulate the proper treatment to manage the signs successfully.

Is it possible for my dog to have allergies in the spring?

Many people suffer from the dreaded hay fever, a sensitivity to the many pollens that are floating around during spring, and it can make this season quite tricky. Our dogs can also suffer from this, but, as we have mentioned, it will most likely show itself as an itchy skin rather than sneezing or runny eyes.

Another common allergy that might flare up during the warmer weather is flea allergy dermatitis, as fleas are much more abundant in the spring and summer. For susceptible animals, even just one bite is enough to trigger intense itching and discomfort.

To help make sure that your dog is not exposed to potential allergens, it’s vital that you keep his or her flea treatment up to date, especially as the weather improves!

Can allergies be dangerous?

Unfortunately, some allergic reactions can be severe and even lethal if not treated promptly.

Dogs can have what is called an anaphylactic reaction, which is a very severe, acute response to an allergen. Although it is rare, it most often occurs following a bee or wasp sting, or when your pet is given a new vaccine or medication.

It generally happens minutes after exposure, and you may spot:

  • Sudden vomiting and diarrhoea;
  • Excessive drooling;
  • Hives and swelling of the face;
  • Difficulty breathing due to swelling of the throat or mouth.

This is an emergency situation! If you notice these signs, do not delay and call your vet immediately so they can assess your pet and ensure that he or she is properly treated.

In summary:

  • Dogs can have spring allergies, and they will most likely reveal themselves as an itchy skin;
  • Diagnosing and treating allergies can be challenging, but your vet can help you find the best solutions;
  • Whilst rare, anaphylactic reactions are generally life-threatening, and you need to call your vet if you think that your dog may be having one!

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

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Winter hazards

Halloween and Bonfire night are behind us, and we are all looking forward to the jolliest season of the year. As November settles in, we’d like to take a little time to remind you of the most common winter hazards that you may face with your dog! 

Dogs are especially vulnerable to toxic substances like antifreeze or chocolate, as their curiosity knows no bounds, and they have a tendency to get into trouble the second we turn our backs. 

Check our list below for some of the most important things to keep in mind. 

 

Dangerous foods 

The time between Halloween and Christmas is filled with treats of all sorts, like chocolates, baked goods, sweets and fatty foods. 

With family gatherings and preparations underway, it’s easy to get distracted and leave delicious within reach of paws and mouths, so it’s no surprise that a lot of accidental poisonings happen during this time of the year!  

  • Chocolate is highly poisonous, and even a relatively small amount can be harmful to your pet; 
  • Xylitol can be found in low-calorie foods or sweets like chewing gum, and it causes severe issues with blood sugar balance in dogs; 
  • Fatty foods like roast dinners might cause gastrointestinal problems if ingested in high enough quantities (for instance, if your dog steals the leftovers, which can be twice as dangerous if they have any bones!). 

Keep a close eye on food sources and on your dogs to avoid a bothersome trip to the vet during dinner with your family and friends. 

 

Antifreeze 

Antifreeze (or de-icer) is a dangerous substance that is pretty much everywhere during the colder months. It contains ethylene glycol, a sweet compound that forms large crystals in the kidneys when ingested. This causes extensive kidney damage, which may be irreversible or even fatal if not treated in time. 

As it’s extensively used to prevent car fluids from freezing, many people will keep containers at home. We urge owners to keep de-icer containers safely away from pets as ethylene glycol is sweet-tasting, and dogs might seek it out. 

If you spot any leaks in your vehicles, take care to clean any spills or remove access to the garage altogether until it can be fixed. 

 

Frostbite 

With the possibility of cold weather and snow, frostbite starts being a potential concern, especially for dogs that go outside a lot. Extremities like toes, ears and tail are the most sensitive body parts to freezing temperatures. 

Making sure your pets have access to warm shelter at all times is vital to prevent injuries from frostbite. If you’re planning on going on long walks in the snow or places with cold water, don’t forget to put proper winter boots on your dog and to check regularly if he or she is doing okay. 

 

If you think that your dog has ingested something they shouldn’t or might have stayed out for too long in the cold, don’t hesitate to contact your vets for advice.