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 <title>Your Pets Daily - Pet advice</title>
 <link>https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/tags/pet-advice</link>
 <description></description>
 <language>en</language>
<item>
 <title>UK Dog Owners of Potentially Fatal Consequences Letting Dogs Swim In Ponds and Rivers</title>
 <link>https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/article/2022/07/31/uk-dog-owners-potentially-fatal-consequences-letting-dogs-swim-ponds-and-rivers</link>
 <description>&lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-field-cover-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--is-single&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;img typeof=&quot;foaf:Image&quot; src=&quot;https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/content_area_cover/public/field/image/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-07-31T104934.886.jpg?itok=GT2ESfG_&quot; width=&quot;984&quot; height=&quot;576&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--is-single field__items field__item&quot; property=&quot;content:encoded&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;
	Dog owners are being warned of the dangers surrounding blue-green algae, as a &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.thenational.scot/news/20441176.owner-warns-toxic-blue-green-algae-glasgows-pollok-park-dog-rushed-vet/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;dog in Glasgow&lt;/a&gt; was rushed to the vet over the weekend after the dog came in contact with the dangerous substance. Google trends data shows a &lt;strong&gt;5,000%&lt;/strong&gt; increase in searches for &lt;strong&gt;‘how long does it take for blue green algae to make your dog sick’ &lt;/strong&gt;so this is actively being searched for and concerned pet owners want to keep their dogs as safe as possible this summer.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Dog experts &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.kennelstore.co.uk/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Kennel Store&lt;/a&gt; have advised dog owners on how to keep dogs out of harms way and highlight the possible dangers of blue-green algae.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	“Dogs love cooling down in bodies of water like rivers and lakes, particularly on hotter days. But it can be hazardous for our dogs to go swimming in waters when bacteria such as blue-green algae is around.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;What is blue-green algae?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Blue-green algae is a term that describes a group of bacteria, called &lt;strong&gt;cyanobacteria&lt;/strong&gt;. Whilst algae is in the name, it isn’t actually algae but a collective term for the bacteria as it looks like algae when it is clumped together in waters.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	It can be hard to see blue-green algae unless it has collected together, therefore it can pose a risk to dogs. When you do see large patches of blue-green algae, it’s common to see green flakes, brown dots and greenish bundles. It can often resemble foam and can be found at the edge of lakes or ponds. It’s typically found where water doesn’t flow and isn’t fresh, where rainfall is much less frequent, which allows the bacteria to build up. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	There could be dead fish in ponds and lakes that have a high concentration of toxic bacteria. Do &lt;strong&gt;not &lt;/strong&gt;let your dog drink from water containing deceased animals. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;What are the risks and why is it dangerous? &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Patches of blue-green algae contain extremely harmful toxins which can stop a dogs liver from functioning correctly. Although not every type of blue-green algae is dangerous, it’s important to be cautious when walking near bodies of water to prevent your dog from becoming unwell. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Exposure to blue-green algae is often fatal, and for dogs that do survive, they can be left with long-lasting health problems. Some types of blue-green algae can have fatal effects and can &lt;strong&gt;kill &lt;/strong&gt;a dog in as little as &lt;strong&gt;15 minutes to an hour&lt;/strong&gt; after drinking contaminated waters.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;Signs and symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	If your dog has been swimming or paddling in water and they start to show any of the following signs, contact your vet &lt;strong&gt;immediately &lt;/strong&gt;and tell them you are concerned about blue-green algae poisoning: &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Seizures/fitting&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Vomiting&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Diarrhea&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Difficulty breathing&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Weakness&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Collapsing&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Unconsciousness&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Confused or disoriented&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Dribbling&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	If caught early enough, your vet will attempt to make your dog vomit to try flush the toxins out of the body. There is no antidote, but if medical intervention occurs early this gives your dog the best chance at survival. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Sadly, blue-green algae poisoning often eventually causes fatal liver failure, so it is important owners are vigilant. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;How you can protect your dog&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Keep your dog away from bodies of water that you suspect to contain blue-green algae. &lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Do not allow your dog to swim or paddle in waters that contain blue-green algae&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Don’t let your dog drink water that could contain blue-green algae. Wind often blows blue-green algae to the edges of ponds and lakes and higher concentrations of toxins can reside here, where your dog is more likely to drink.&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Note warning signs and hazard notices during dog walks and follow the advice provided.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	If you are worried about your dog and they begin exhibiting signs of blue-green algae poisoning, &lt;strong&gt;contact your vet immediately&lt;/strong&gt;. The effects of blue-green algae can come on &lt;strong&gt;extremely quickly&lt;/strong&gt;, and it is important your vet intervenes and can advise in a timely manner for the best outcome.”&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.kennelstore.co.uk/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Kennel Store&lt;/a&gt; are dog experts and have a plethora of knowledge about pet care. If these comments could be of use to you, please feel free to use them and credit Kennel Store. Should you need any additional information or exclusive comments, I can obtain these in 30 minutes so please just let me know.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;section class=&quot;field field--name-field-category field--type-taxonomy-term-reference field--label-above&quot;&gt;&lt;h3 class=&quot;field__label&quot;&gt;Category&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/section/dogs&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Dogs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/section&gt;&lt;section class=&quot;field field--name-field-tags field--type-taxonomy-term-reference field--label-above&quot;&gt;&lt;h3 class=&quot;field__label&quot;&gt;Tags&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/dogs-swimming-river&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Dogs swimming in the river&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item even&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/pet-advice&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Pet advice&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd ev-third&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/dog-advice&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Dog advice&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item even ev-fourth&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/dog-swimming&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Dog swimming&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd ev-fifth&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/dog-experts&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Dog experts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/section&gt;</description>
 <pubDate>Sun, 31 Jul 2022 09:53:09 +0000</pubDate>
 <dc:creator>Your Pets Daily Editor</dc:creator>
 <guid isPermaLink="false">241 at https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk</guid>
 <comments>https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/article/2022/07/31/uk-dog-owners-potentially-fatal-consequences-letting-dogs-swim-ponds-and-rivers#comments</comments>
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<item>
 <title>The Cleaning Products You Should Never Use Around Your Pets</title>
 <link>https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/article/2022/01/04/cleaning-products-you-should-never-use-around-your-pets</link>
 <description>&lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-field-cover-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--is-single&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;img typeof=&quot;foaf:Image&quot; src=&quot;https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/content_area_cover/public/field/image/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-01-04T142559.124.jpg?itok=YEq62fwF&quot; width=&quot;984&quot; height=&quot;576&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--is-single field__items field__item&quot; property=&quot;content:encoded&quot;&gt;&lt;table border=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot;&gt;
	&lt;tbody&gt;
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				&lt;p&gt;
					&lt;strong&gt;Dog-owners know just how hard it can be to keep a clean home when you&#039;ve got one or two mucky pups living under your roof.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					Sadly, not all cleaning products are safe to use when our four-legged friends are around, as they are hypersensitive to the strong odours and fragrances, which could lead to various health issues including irritation, sickness and breathing difficulties.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					Head Vet, Sean McCormack at &lt;a href=&quot;https://tails.com/gb/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;tails.com&lt;/a&gt; has shared some of the most harmful, household cleaning products which may be affecting the long-term health of your pet.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					The full content is available below or in a Google Document format on request. &lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					The Cleaning Products You Should Never Use Around Your Pets&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					&lt;strong&gt;Bleach&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					Bleach is one of those cleaning products that even folks with a more laid back attitude to cleaning tend to keep in the house. However, the high chlorine content in bleach means that it can be incredibly harmful to your dog if they get too close to it or ingest it.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					Your pup&#039;s extremely sensitive sense of smell also means that they will find the potent scent of bleach incredibly irritating on their nose and throat, and it could even lead to breathing problems if they are exposed to it for too long.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					To keep your dog safe, Sean McCormack recommends that &quot;if you have used bleach for cleaning in the house, make sure to rinse the area down thoroughly with water, then allow the area to completely dry before letting your pet near it.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					&quot;Not every household stain will require bleach to clean it. As well as looking into what pet-friendly cleaning products there are on the market, you may also consider using natural cleaning situations such as baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice to tackle stains whilst limiting the presence of potentially unsafe chemicals in your home&quot;.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					&lt;strong&gt;Air Fresheners&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					Products such as air and carpet fresheners can be harmful to your dog, as most of them contain a chemical called phthalates. While this chemical does help to eliminate odours from your home, it can make your pet fall ill if they inhale it.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					&quot;If your home is in need of a freshening up, make sure that your pet is out of the room when you spray things like air fresheners and allow five minutes to let the air settle before letting your pet back in. Alternatively, see if any household odours can be naturally eliminated simply by leaving a window open for a couple of hours. This will ensure that your pet is not breathing in anything that they shouldn&#039;t be&quot;.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					&lt;strong&gt;Disinfectants&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					Be wary of a chemical called benzalkonium chloride, which is a common ingredient in several disinfectants including household bathroom and kitchen surface sprays.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					In small amounts, this chemical is relatively safe, but repeated use of any disinfectants containing benzalkonium chloride can cause this strong chemical to linger, which can potentially cause irritation on your dog&#039;s paws, eyes and nose.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					&quot;Naturally disinfectants do more good than harm as they help to eliminate nasty bacteria and viruses from our home. Just bear in mind that some disinfectants are designed to be diluted with water to make them less harmful and longer-lasting, so follow any labelled instructions accordingly. Also make sure that any cleaned areas have completely dried before allowing your dog near it, as this will reduce the likelihood of irritation&quot;.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					&lt;strong&gt;Ammonia&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					A surprisingly large number of cleaning products including oven and floor cleaners and multi-surface sprays all contain ammonia.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					While ammonia is very effective at removing tough stains, it is also an extremely toxic chemical to our furry friends and can cause severe levels of irritation to their skin, eyes and nose if they get too close to it.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					&quot;It is worth considering what other all-natural cleaning products there are on the market. While these products can be slightly more expensive, the peace of mind in knowing that your dog is safe from harm while you&#039;re cleaning will be worth the extra pennies.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					&quot;Ulcers or sores on either your dog&#039;s skin, paws, mouth or tongue can be a tell-tale sign that your dog has licked or stepped on a cleaning product that they should not have. If you spot an ulcer, or if your dog&#039;s skin looks generally sore, seek immediate help from your vet&quot;.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					&lt;strong&gt;Laundry detergents&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					Laundry detergents, or washing powder, can be harmful to our pooches as many of them contain ionic surfactants. When this substance combines with water it is perfect for cleaning our clothes, but should even a small amount of it be ingested by a dog, it can cause them to become seriously ill.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					You may also find ionic and anionic surfactants in products like hand soap, shampoo and dishwasher tablets, so be sure to read the labels of whatever cleaning products you bring into your home.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					&quot;Dogs are naturally curious and like to use their mouth to explore things. Therefore, you should always keep your detergents and any other cleaning products, in a securely locked cupboard or in a high place that your dog cannot reach.&lt;/p&gt;

				&lt;p&gt;
					&quot;If your dog has ingested any of these products, perhaps while your back was turned, the first sign you should look out for is an upset stomach, which your dog may express through vomiting, diarrhoea, frequent drooling and being put off their food. If they display any of these symptoms, seek veterinary attention immediately&quot;.&lt;/p&gt;
			&lt;/td&gt;
		&lt;/tr&gt;
	&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;section class=&quot;field field--name-field-category field--type-taxonomy-term-reference field--label-above&quot;&gt;&lt;h3 class=&quot;field__label&quot;&gt;Category&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/section/news&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;News&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/section&gt;&lt;section class=&quot;field field--name-field-tags field--type-taxonomy-term-reference field--label-above&quot;&gt;&lt;h3 class=&quot;field__label&quot;&gt;Tags&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/pets&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;pets&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item even&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/pet-safety&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Pet safety&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd ev-third&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/pet-advice&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Pet advice&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/section&gt;</description>
 <pubDate>Tue, 04 Jan 2022 14:27:35 +0000</pubDate>
 <dc:creator>Your Pets Daily Editor</dc:creator>
 <guid isPermaLink="false">212 at https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk</guid>
 <comments>https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/article/2022/01/04/cleaning-products-you-should-never-use-around-your-pets#comments</comments>
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<item>
 <title>NEW tips on keeping pets safe on Bonfire Night from Bella &amp; Duke</title>
 <link>https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/article/2021/11/04/new-tips-keeping-pets-safe-bonfire-night-bella-duke</link>
 <description>&lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-field-cover-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--is-single&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;img typeof=&quot;foaf:Image&quot; src=&quot;https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/content_area_cover/public/field/image/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-11-04T084632.186.jpg?itok=gDmWYh1R&quot; width=&quot;984&quot; height=&quot;576&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--is-single field__items field__item&quot; property=&quot;content:encoded&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Experts share top tips to protect your pet as Bonfire Night displays come back with a bang!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	After a year out, Bonfire Night firework celebrations are coming back with a bang. However, our four legged friends might not be quite as excited to hear that this year&#039;s bonfire and firework displays could be some of the biggest yet!&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	With over half of UK households now owning pets*, it&#039;s more important than ever to ensure that we keep our furry friends safe and stress free during firework season.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	The loud bangs and flashes are often extremely frightening and can cause stress, anxiety, and unpredictability, potentially putting their safety at risk.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	It&#039;s not solely the loud noises from fireworks that invokes fear in your pet. It is the sensation that reverberates through their body, the smell of fireworks, and burning bonfires that make them feel uneasy.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Below are some reasons why dogs are scared of fireworks:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Our reaction and the reaction of other animals in your care&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Sounds of deep booms and bangs to high pitched screamers&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		The unfamiliar smell of gunpowder&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Tremors throughout the atmosphere and ground&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Bright flashing lights&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		The smell of burning fires&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	How your pet reacts to fireworks will depend on how much they trust those around them to offer appropriate support.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Bella &amp;amp; Duke&#039;s Natural Canine Behaviourist, Caroline Spencer offers you 9 simple tried and tested tips to help your pets keep calm during those noisy nights that light up the dark winter skies.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ol&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;strong&gt;Walk before dark&lt;/strong&gt; - If your dog has an anxious temperament, aim to take your dog for a walk well before dark. The age-old practice of getting dogs to face their fears should be well and truly over.&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;strong&gt;Provide a safe haven&lt;/strong&gt; - Ensure your dog has a safe space they can retreat to when it all gets too much. A cover bed or crate with the door open are great options for this. Sit by this space becoming a calm presence. If they want closeness to you at this time they will approach you in their own time.&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;strong&gt;Shut your curtains&lt;/strong&gt; - This helps in two ways, as mentioned before, when it comes to fireworks and dogs it isn&#039;t just the loud noises. The flashes of the fireworks can stress out your dog too. Keeping the curtains closed can help to dampen the sound of the fireworks too.&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;strong&gt;Play calming music&lt;/strong&gt; - Play calm music for your dog during a fireworks display, I love the music by Lisa Spector, Through A Dogs Ear. &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.bellaandduke.com/doggy-health-happiness/dogs-and-music-how-it-can-help/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;more on how music can help your dog here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;strong&gt;Be a calm presence &lt;/strong&gt;- If your dog wishes to be close to you. Massage your dog or hold them close. When your dog leans into you. Lean back into them. Be the support as opposed to the supported. Offer empathy as opposed to sympathy&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;strong&gt;Calming dog clothing&lt;/strong&gt; - Do consider a comfort shirt, jumper, T touch wrap, or sleeve. Some dogs feel more secure with this additional comforting device.&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;strong&gt;Use herbal calming products&lt;/strong&gt; - Alongside behaviour modification, calming sprays ( To put on or near your dog&#039;s bed) will help to keep your dog relaxed during stressful times. Our&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.bellaandduke.com/product/calm-balmy/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt; Herbal calming spray for dogs, Calm &amp;amp; Balmy&lt;/a&gt; is a great option.&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;strong&gt;Feed a natural diet&lt;/strong&gt; - Feed nutritious, healthy &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.bellaandduke.com/guide/raw-dog-food/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;raw dog food&lt;/a&gt;. A healthy diet can help to reduce stress pathways in the brain. Helping to &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.bellaandduke.com/guide/how-to-calm-a-dog-down/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;calm your dog down&lt;/a&gt; in the long run.&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;strong&gt;Use calming chew treats &lt;/strong&gt;- Give your dog a tasty treat to help take its mind off the noises outside. Many dogs help relieve stress by chewing. Our natural chewing stick&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.bellaandduke.com/product/chewing-stick-with-duck/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;s&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.bellaandduke.com/product/split-antler-natural-dog-chew-treats/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;antlers&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.bellaandduke.com/product/pizzles-natural-dog-treats/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;pizzles&lt;/a&gt; are an excellent option.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;Caroline Spencer, Natural Canine Behaviourist at Bella &amp;amp; Duke, &lt;/strong&gt;added: &lt;em&gt;&quot;If you are looking for a long term solution for pets and fireworks stress, become your pets trusted friend throughout the year. One they can rely on to support them in their day to day lives.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;em&gt;&quot;The goal is to remain calm and unflustered. It&#039;s so important to reiterate how you react and feel during these times has a huge bearing on how your puppy or dog reacts. If you are expecting a negative reaction you will get one.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;em&gt;&quot;Like anything, let&#039;s be positive about anything new or different. Just because a friend&#039;s dog or your last dog reacted badly to sights, sounds, smells, and vibrations won&#039;t mean your present dog will. Be super relaxed and just take it as it comes with no preconceived ideas.&quot;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	 &lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;section class=&quot;field field--name-field-category field--type-taxonomy-term-reference field--label-above&quot;&gt;&lt;h3 class=&quot;field__label&quot;&gt;Category&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/section/news&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;News&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/section&gt;&lt;section class=&quot;field field--name-field-tags field--type-taxonomy-term-reference field--label-above&quot;&gt;&lt;h3 class=&quot;field__label&quot;&gt;Tags&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/keeping-pets-safe-bonfire-night&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Keeping pets safe on Bonfire Night&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item even&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/pets-safety&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Pets safety&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd ev-third&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/pet-advice&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Pet advice&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/section&gt;</description>
 <pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:47:22 +0000</pubDate>
 <dc:creator>Your Pets Daily Editor</dc:creator>
 <guid isPermaLink="false">203 at https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk</guid>
 <comments>https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/article/2021/11/04/new-tips-keeping-pets-safe-bonfire-night-bella-duke#comments</comments>
</item>
<item>
 <title>Top tips for moving abroad with pets</title>
 <link>https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/article/2021/09/24/top-tips-moving-abroad-pets</link>
 <description>&lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-field-cover-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--is-single&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;img typeof=&quot;foaf:Image&quot; src=&quot;https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/content_area_cover/public/field/image/YPD%20image%202-min.jpg?itok=rOVUNP6t&quot; width=&quot;984&quot; height=&quot;576&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--is-single field__items field__item&quot; property=&quot;content:encoded&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;
	Are you planning to move abroad with a furry friend? If so, you’re probably wondering what paperwork you’ll need, the rules and restrictions involved, and most importantly, how to keep your pet happy on their travels. &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.propertyguides.com/news/author/erin/&quot;&gt;Erin Harding&lt;/a&gt; from &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.propertyguides.com/&quot;&gt;Property Guides&lt;/a&gt; explains more.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	Should you use a pet relocation company?&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Sometimes, when transporting certain animals long haul, you’ll be required to use a pet relocation company. However, if you have the choice, should you use a relocation company or arrange everything yourself?&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	If you don’t have the means to transport your pet to and from the airport, if there are logistics that will be difficult with a language barrier and/or if your pet needs to quarantine on arrival, a pet relocation company could save you a lot of time and hassle. They can take your pet from the airport and pick them up at the other end, which may be especially useful if they’re quarantining in a different location.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	A pet relocation company will also be handy If you’re unsure about the rules for transporting your pet, especially to somewhere like Australia where there are lots of restrictions. They should be able to guide you through the rules at both ends, although it’s worth doubling checking that they’re familiar with the rules in your destination country.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	However, using a company like this can be costly. So, if you’ve done your research, you’re feeling confident and everything seems quite straightforward, you could save yourself the extra cost and organise everything yourself. For shorter journeys within the EU, the process is generally quite simple.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	What certification do I need?&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	From 1 January 2021, pet passports were no longer valid for dogs, cats, and other animals registered in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	So, to travel to the EU with a pet, including guide dogs, you will now need either an Animal Health Certificate, if your pet is travelling within 5 days of your own journey, or an Export Health Certificate, if your pet is travelling more than 5 days before or after your journey.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	An Animal Health Certificate or Export Health Certificate should be issued by your vet no more than 10 days before you travel. You will also need to confirm that your pet is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies to get the certificate, which has to be signed off by an ‘official veterinarian’. These are valid for four months for any onward travel within the EU.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	If you are moving further afield, you’ll need to check the requirements for the country you’re travelling to. When flying, the UK requires pets to be transported as cargo, in a crate. Make sure to speak to the airline about the size of the crate and any special requirements.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	Preparing your pet&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	If you are planning to transport your pet by aeroplane, it is a good idea to ensure that they are crate trained before you set off. Fill the crate with their favourite toys and if possible, get a crate that’s large enough for the animal to turn around in. Make sure you’re clued up about crate restrictions and the rules for transporting your pet in general.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	On the day of travel, it’s a good idea to let your pet get plenty of exercise before you head off. As well as this, if your pet is prone to anxiety, talk to your vet about other ways to calm them down before and during the trip.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	You may be moving to a country with a very different climate to home and understandably, this could be a shock for your animal when they arrive! It may be best to travel at a time of year when the weather is most like your own. This will give your four-legged friend a chance to acclimatise, which will be more than beneficial for their health and wellbeing. And a happy pet equals a happy owner!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;section class=&quot;field field--name-field-category field--type-taxonomy-term-reference field--label-above&quot;&gt;&lt;h3 class=&quot;field__label&quot;&gt;Category&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/section/news&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;News&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/section&gt;&lt;section class=&quot;field field--name-field-tags field--type-taxonomy-term-reference field--label-above&quot;&gt;&lt;h3 class=&quot;field__label&quot;&gt;Tags&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/moving-abroad-pets&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Moving abroad with pets&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item even&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/pet-advice&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Pet advice&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/section&gt;</description>
 <pubDate>Fri, 24 Sep 2021 11:56:03 +0000</pubDate>
 <dc:creator>Your Pets Daily Editor</dc:creator>
 <guid isPermaLink="false">183 at https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk</guid>
 <comments>https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/article/2021/09/24/top-tips-moving-abroad-pets#comments</comments>
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<item>
 <title>Grass seed injuries in dogs: How to prevent them</title>
 <link>https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/article/2021/09/05/grass-seed-injuries-dogs-how-prevent-them</link>
 <description>&lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-field-cover-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--is-single&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;img typeof=&quot;foaf:Image&quot; src=&quot;https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/content_area_cover/public/field/image/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-09-05T094354.170.jpg?itok=GtyHAu2c&quot; width=&quot;984&quot; height=&quot;576&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--is-single field__items field__item&quot; property=&quot;content:encoded&quot;&gt;&lt;h3&gt;
	Head Vet reveals how to protect your dog from grass seeds&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Despite being no bigger than a grain of rice, tiny grass seeds can cause real problems for pups who like bounding through long summer grass. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Head vet at &lt;a href=&quot;https://tails.com/gb/range/dry-dog-food/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;tails.com&lt;/a&gt;, Sean McCormack, explains what to do if you spot a grass seed wound on your dog, as well as the steps you can take to prevent it from happening in the first place. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&quot;Grass seed wounds can be incredibly painful and dangerous for your dog and are particularly prevalent during the summer months as long grass &#039;goes to seed&#039;. Your dog might love roaming through the long grass, but it can lead to problems should a seed get lodged underneath their skin. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&quot;The seeds are shaped like a dart, which means that any grass seed that gets caught between their toes, causing irritation and infection. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&quot;In rare cases, seeds have been known to burrow under the skin, travelling to other parts of the body. All dog breeds can be affected, especially if your pup likes bounding through long grass on their daily walks. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	How can I protect my dog from the dangers of grass seeds?&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&quot;Prevention is always better than cure, and there are a few different ways you can reduce the risk of grass seed wounds in your pet this summer: &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ol&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;
			Avoid areas with long grass: If your dog loves running through long grassy areas, then you might prefer to stick to areas with shorter grass until the grass has fully seeded. &lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;
			Groom regularly: If you have been walking through long grass, then a thorough brush after your walk could catch grass seeds before they get the chance to do any harm. Trimming long fur around paws, ears and armpits can prevent the seeds from catching onto the fur too. &lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;
			A quick check: Give your dog a thorough pat down when you get home to make sure no seeds are hiding in your dog&#039;s fur. If you spot anything, do not hesitate to give your vet a call and explain any issues you may have spotted. The earlier a grass seed problem is caught, the less damage it can do. &lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	What are the signs of grass seed wounds?&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&quot;Depending on the affected body part, your dog might react in different ways. Look out for irritation, scratching, head shaking, limping or discharge from your pet&#039;s eyes or nose. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Below, I have listed common signs and symptoms of grass seed problems in different areas of a dog&#039;s body&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;Grass seeds in your dog&#039;s ears and eyes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;
			Head shaking and scratching along the floor&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;
			Redness around the eyes&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;
			Excessive tear production&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;Grass seeds in your dog&#039;s paw&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;
			Licking toes and paw pads&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;
			Redness between toes&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;
			Holding their paw off the ground &lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;Grass seeds in dog&#039;s nose&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;
			Sneezing&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;
			Discharge from either nostril&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;
			Rubbing nose on the ground&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;Grass seeds under your dog&#039;s skin&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;
			Red lumps&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;
			Licking at their skin&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	Treatment for grass seed wounds in dogs&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&quot;The best treatment for grass seed wounds in dogs is swift removal. For example, a grass seed issue in or around the eye can cause severe damage to the inner eye, which may need surgery if left untreated. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&quot;If the grass seed is close to the surface, you might be able to use tweezers to remove it, but it&#039;s advised not to do this yourself as your vet will have had a lot of experience removing grass seeds. It&#039;s essential to call them to seek advice as soon as you suspect a problem. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&quot;If the wound is deep or infected, the vet may need to sedate your dog to conduct a safe removal&quot;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;section class=&quot;field field--name-field-category field--type-taxonomy-term-reference field--label-above&quot;&gt;&lt;h3 class=&quot;field__label&quot;&gt;Category&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/section/dogs&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Dogs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/section&gt;&lt;section class=&quot;field field--name-field-tags field--type-taxonomy-term-reference field--label-above&quot;&gt;&lt;h3 class=&quot;field__label&quot;&gt;Tags&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/grass-seed-injuries-dogs&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Grass seed injuries in dogs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item even&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/dogs&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;dogs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd ev-third&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/pet-advice&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Pet advice&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item even ev-fourth&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/vet-advice&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Vet advice&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/section&gt;</description>
 <pubDate>Sun, 05 Sep 2021 08:47:56 +0000</pubDate>
 <dc:creator>Your Pets Daily Editor</dc:creator>
 <guid isPermaLink="false">166 at https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk</guid>
 <comments>https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/article/2021/09/05/grass-seed-injuries-dogs-how-prevent-them#comments</comments>
</item>
<item>
 <title>Vets issue blue green algae warning to pet owners</title>
 <link>https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/article/2021/06/21/vets-issue-blue-green-algae-warning-pet-owners</link>
 <description>&lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-field-cover-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--is-single&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;img typeof=&quot;foaf:Image&quot; src=&quot;https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/content_area_cover/public/field/image/Blue%20green%20algae%20.jpg?itok=8BjC48In&quot; width=&quot;984&quot; height=&quot;576&quot; alt=&quot;Blue green algae &quot; title=&quot;Blue green algae &quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--is-single field__items field__item&quot; property=&quot;content:encoded&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;
	The UK’s leading pet emergency vets are issuing a warning today about blue green algae, a bacteria found in bodes of water like ponds, which is highly toxic to dogs.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.vets-now.com/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Vets Now&lt;/a&gt;, the pet equivalent of A&amp;amp;E, is calling on pet owners to take care when walking their dogs near water this summer and to look out for the green, blue green or brown coloured scum or foam.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	It comes of the back of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) warning that hot weather conditions have led to concerns about an increase in toxic blue-green algae in locations across the UK.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	One of the country’s leading emergency vets, Dr Laura Playforth, professional standards director at Vets Now, said: “Blue green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are tiny organisms typically found in freshwater lakes, ponds, reservoirs and slow-moving rivers. It blooms on the surface and is highly toxic to dogs, commonly causing vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, breathing difficulties and coma.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	“It can lead to liver damage and death.”&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Dr Playforth added: “If you suspect your dog has been exposed to blue green algae, contact your vet straight away or, out of hours, your nearest Vets Now pet emergency clinic or 24/7 hospital. There is no antidote for the toxins produced by blue green algae so early, aggressive veterinary treatment is essential for the best chance of success.”&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;Blue algae case study:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;Emergency vets and vet nurses come to the rescue of critically-ill Tala&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	A play in a pond almost cost Border Collie Tala her life.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	The four-year-old was left critically ill by the lethal &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.vets-now.com/pet-care-advice/dogs-blue-green-algae-poisoning-treatment/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;blue green algae &lt;/a&gt;in the water.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Owner Russell Moody feared he’d said his final farewell to his beloved pet. But the desperately ill dog, just moments from death, was miraculously brought back to life by a team or vets and nurses at &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.vets-now.com/find-an-emergency-vet/lincoln/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Vets Now in Lincoln&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Now Russell is backing warning calls about the deadly dangers of the algae, which has blossomed in the recent hot weather. And he’s urging owners not to waste a moment in getting help if their pet gets into trouble.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Russell had taken Tala and sister Harli for a walk on farmland near their rural home in Dunham-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, when disaster struck in early summer of 2020.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	“There’s a beck and a pond and they were playing happily in and around the water for about an hour,” said greenkeeper Russell, 56.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	“I noticed Tala squinting and then she started staggering as if her balance had gone. It was such a shock and when I got her home and she couldn’t get out of the car, I really started to panic.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	“I called my vet and, as it was the evening, I was referred to Vets Now and was told to bring her straight in. By the time I went back to the car she was running at the mouth and she was totally unresponsive.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	“It was a real emergency run to get help just as quickly as I could.”&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	The Vets Now &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.vets-now.com/find-an-emergency-vet/lincoln/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;clinic in Lincoln&lt;/a&gt; is one of a nationwide network of hospitals and clinics that are open every night, and day and night at weekends and bank holidays for pet emergencies.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Last year’s Covid-19 restrictions meant Russell had to wait in the car while the staff assessed the situation.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	“She was in a very bad way,” said veterinary nurse Alana Taylor. “She wasn’t responding to stimulation and her pupils were dilated. We did a radiograph to check her chest was clear as it was thought she may have inhaled water, but we suspected it was blue green algae toxicity due to the quick onset of signs.”&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Blue green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are tiny organisms typically found in freshwater lakes, ponds, reservoirs and slow-moving rivers. It blooms on the surface and is highly toxic to dogs, commonly causing vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, breathing difficulties and coma.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	It can lead to liver damage and death.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Tala was given an injection to make her sick and bring up the algae and was put on oxygen and intravenous fluids. But with her condition critical, it looked like staff may have to make the toughest decision.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	“She was close to having to be put to sleep when, somehow, she suddenly turned a corner,” said Alana. “Her demeanour changed after about three hours and she became aware of her surroundings and wagged her tail when we spoke to her.”&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Russell was kept informed throughout and he admits he feared the worst.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	“I expected to be getting a phone call telling me she’d died,” said Russell. “It really was touch and go and it was unbelievable that she came through it.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	“I always thought she was such a laid-back dog who just liked to sleep but she proved me wrong. She obviously has something deep inside her and is a real fighter.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	“It was a magic moment when we heard she was going to be okay and then seeing her again was so special. It was like getting her as a pup all over again.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	“We can’t thank the staff enough.”&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Russell hadn’t been aware of the algae dangers in the water and is warning other owners to be on the lookout.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	“I’d definitely advise people to keep their eyes on their dog at all times when near water and take bottled water rather than let them drink from a stagnant pond,” added Russell.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	“And don’t delay if you see any signs. If I hadn’t had the car with me, it could all have been over by the time I got her home. We were really lucky.”&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;Vet advice about blue green algae&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; from&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Dr Laura Playforth, professional standards director at Vets Now&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;What is blue green algae?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Blue green algae — also known as cyanobacteria — are tiny organisms typically found in freshwater lakes, ponds, reservoirs and slow-moving rivers. The bacteria forms on the surface of the water and blooms, to create a green, blue green or brown coloured scum or foam. Some blue green algae is highly toxic to dogs.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;What causes blue green algae?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Algae will only grow if conditions are right. It needs adequate nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, and temperatures need to be reasonably warm. The more nutrients there are in the water, the more likely it is blue green algae will flourish.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;Why is blue green algae bad for dogs?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Some types of blue green algae release toxins (such as microcystins and anatoxins) into the water. These toxins are not only highly poisonous to dogs when swallowed but are also dangerous for cats, horses, birds, cows and humans. Unfortunately, without laboratory analysis, it’s impossible to tell which blue green algae blooms are toxic and which aren’t.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;Blue green algae dogs signs and symptoms&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	If a dog swallows algae containing a combination of the most severe toxins (neurotoxins and hepatotoxins), they may start showing signs within minutes. Signs in dogs exposed only to hepatotoxins can take between one and a few hours to show.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	The most common signs of blue green algae poisoning include:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ol&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Vomiting&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Diarrhoea&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Disorientation/weakness&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Breathing difficulties&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.vets-now.com/pet-care-advice/dog-drooling/&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Drooling&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Seizures&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Blood in stools&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Coma&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
		Shock&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	If left untreated, exposure to blue green algae can lead to liver damage and death within a matter of days.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;My dog drank algae water, what should I do?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	If you suspect your dog has been exposed to blue green algae, contact your vet straight away or, out of hours, your nearest Vets Now pet emergency clinic or 24/7 hospital. There is no antidote for the toxins produced by blue green algae so early, aggressive veterinary treatment is essential for the best chance of success.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;How will my dog be treated for blue green algae poisoning?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	This all depends on the toxins your dog has been exposed to. It’s likely they will be given oxygen and intravenous fluids to help flush the toxins from the body. Your dog may also require intensive care and medication for seizures, respiratory distress or liver failure. Thankfully, surviving pets do have a good chance for recovery.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;How can I prevent blue green algae poisoning in my dog?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Never let your dog swim in or drink from water sources you suspect may be contaminated by blue green algae, and if your dog has been swimming outside, always wash them thoroughly afterwards. Avoid going near any ponds or lakes that are known, or suspected, to contain blue green algae and ensure your pet does not have access to contaminated water. Remember, algal blooms have even been known to appear in garden ponds. If there are blue green algae warning signs in the area you’re walking keep your dog by your side.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;Where is blue green algae found?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Blue green algae is most commonly found floating on the surface of freshwater lakes and ponds. However, toxic blooms are often blown to the edges — meaning dogs and other animals can be exposed to them even if they haven’t gone in for a swim or paddle. Dog owners should also bear in mind that even if there’s no visible scum or foam on the surface of the water, it doesn’t mean blue green algae isn’t present. It can be suspended at various depths, depending on the conditions. The bacteria has also been found on surfaces near water after being blown by the wind.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
	&lt;strong&gt;When are dogs most at risk from blue green algae?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;
	Blue green algae most commonly occurs during the summer when rainfall is low, the sun is shining, and temperatures are higher — as this is when the blooms are more intense. Dogs who regularly swim or paddle in freshwater lakes and ponds are most likely to be exposed to algal poisoning. Many cases are the result of dogs inadvertently swallowing algae-contaminated water, but there have also been instances of dogs falling ill after licking their fur following a swim.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;section class=&quot;field field--name-field-category field--type-taxonomy-term-reference field--label-above&quot;&gt;&lt;h3 class=&quot;field__label&quot;&gt;Category&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/section/news&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;News&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/section&gt;&lt;section class=&quot;field field--name-field-tags field--type-taxonomy-term-reference field--label-above&quot;&gt;&lt;h3 class=&quot;field__label&quot;&gt;Tags&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/pet-advice&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Pet advice&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item even&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/vets-advice&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Vets advice&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field__item odd ev-third&quot; rel=&quot;dc:subject&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/algae-warning-pet-owners&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Algae warning to pet owners&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/section&gt;</description>
 <pubDate>Mon, 21 Jun 2021 17:46:57 +0000</pubDate>
 <dc:creator>Your Pets Daily Editor</dc:creator>
 <guid isPermaLink="false">97 at https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk</guid>
 <comments>https://www.yourpetsdaily.co.uk/article/2021/06/21/vets-issue-blue-green-algae-warning-pet-owners#comments</comments>
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