Your Pets Daily - Vets advice

Do dogs need boots for the snow? Vet uncovers the truth…

Your Pets Daily Editor — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 13:16:24 +0000

Dog owners may be wondering whether their dog needs boots to protect their paws from snow and ice, as well as other hazards such as road salt during the chiller winter months.

Head Vet at tails.com Sean McCormack is advising dog owners to use alternative methods of protecting their pets paw pads, as this trending product can cause discomfort.

Please find the comments from Sean McCormack below;

"Generally, dog boots will not cause your dog any pain, however, they might feel uncomfortable, which is why I advise against purchasing them. Dogs find it extremely difficult to adapt to wearing boots, as they make their paws heavier and restrict movement.

One of the most common problems with dog boots, is that pet parents find it difficult to recognise when they don't fit their dog correctly. This can cause a lot of discomfort for your pet and make walking very challenging for them.

Though considered fashionable to some, most dogs don't need any form of footwear.

A dog's paw pads are tough enough to withstand the snow, ice and frozen ground. They have adapted to the cold and are designed to survive the outside. Body temperature plays a big part in this, as the pads draw warm blood to the skin to keep them warm. The tissue on a dog's paw pad is built to protect them from temperatures as low as -35 degrees.

The tissue on the dog's paw is the toughest skin on the entire body and the gripping texture allows them to maintain traction and balance. When boots are worn, dogs lose grip and the surface becomes slippy, making it harder to walk for your pup - it's a similar experience when a human wears socks on a slippery floor."

"But while paw pads are tough, they're not indestructible. When walking in winter dogs are more susceptible to cuts and cracks on their feed, which is why dog owners need to be most cautious. If your dog keeps picking up their paws when walking, or if they are excessively licking their pads then this could be a telltale sign that your dog's paws are sore.

Paw balm or petroleum jelly-based products can help to keep your dog's paws safe in winter. Before you head out on a walk, coat the balm on your dog's paws to create a barrier that will help to prevent snow, ice and other road chemicals from getting in their paw cracks.

Additionally, this will help to keep their pads hydrated, which is particularly important during winter when the air becomes dry. When you return from your walk, wipe it off!"

"Grooming plays a huge role in protecting your pup's paws during the colder period. Trimming the long hairs on your dog's paws will make it harder for ice, snow and de-icing products to cling and dry on their skin causing irritation. Be extra careful when trimming these areas, or take your pet to a professional grooming service.

When walking during winter, dogs are exposed to road salt, which can be extremely dangerous, as it can irritate the skin, causing dryness, cracking and even burns to the pads. Even more dangerous for dogs, if they lick it from their paws or fur, they can ingest the chemicals, which can be toxic. These harmful products sit on their fur and paws, so it's important that when you return from walking your dog that you clean their paw pads to remove any chemicals.

Many car owners will use antifreeze to clear the ice from their vehicles. As the ice melts from your car, the antifreeze will mix with the water, which can be harmful if your dog likes to drink from puddles. The dangerous chemical in antifreeze is ethylene glycol, which has a sweet taste that dogs enjoy.

Antifreeze can cause damage to your dog's kidneys, even after a small amount has been ingested. So it's important that if you see any liquids leaking from your car, keep your dog away and clean them up straight away.

Frostbite and hypothermia are risks dogs face when the temperature drops. When it's cold outside, avoid taking your long walks, break these down into short walks more frequently, as exposing your dog to cold temperatures for a long period can be dangerous."

Should dogs wear Christmas jumpers?

Your Pets Daily Editor — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 10:42:11 +0000

For humans, noticing that a jumper is irritating simply results in some half-hearted scratching and then removing the item of clothing. However, for dogs, the reality of wearing clothing is not so simple: dogs have no way of communicating whether their skin is being irritated or not, along with having no way to remove clothing that is placed onto them.

There are many fabrics that most dogs find irritating against their skin, which is why Head Vet Sean McCormack at talis.com has revealed which ones should be avoided, how to recognise the signs of skin irritation and when clothing fits your dog incorrectly.

Head Vet Sean McCormack at tails.com shared his insight on the matter:

“With Christmas day fast approaching, it can be more tempting than ever to dress up your furry friend and get them to pose for a photo. As cute as it might look on Instagram, many dogs do not actually enjoy wearing jumpers, while others may be irritated by certain fabrics the clothes are made from.

It's not just allergic reactions to fabrics that can be an issue, rubbing and restricting movement can also irritate your dog"

Which fabrics should I avoid when buying a jumper for my dog?

“One of the main offenders is wool. While luxurious for most humans, wool can be very irritating for dogs. Wool might seem like a good, warm choice for a dog jumper, but for pups with sensitive skin it can cause itching and discomfort.

Another fabric that might cause irritation is nylon. While nylon is a very commonly used fabric, canines who are allergic can experience itchy and inflamed skin. If your pet has toys, blankets and collars made from nylon, a jumper should also be safe.

Faux fur can be hugely itchy for certain dogs. While it is great for keeping humans warm, there is a risk of it being incredibly irritating for dogs. It could also cause dogs with thicker coats to overheat, as they are, essentially, already wearing an insulated coat.

A less obvious fabric is that of cotton blends. If an item of doggy clothing isn’t crafted from 100% pure cotton, it is usually woven with polyester or nylon - which can cause your dogs to itch.

Finally, we have feathers. If a festive costume party is on the horizon for you and your pooch, then feathers are a definite no-go. As well as presenting a potential choking hazard, feathers can be extremely irritating for dogs.

Even if feathers are not in direct contact with your dog’s skin, a jacket or coat filled with goose down could also present the same problem. Due to this, you should always check what outdoor dog clothes are stuffed with.”

What are the signs of a dog having an allergic reaction to fabric?

“If your dog is irritated or, worse, having an allergic reaction to a certain type of material, there are always signs you can look out for:

Cuts on the skin that show a dog has been scratching
Weeping eyes
Excessive scratching
Skin redness caused by scratching
Bald patches caused by hair loss
A runny nose
Itchy ears
Swelling around the face
Sneezing
Head shaking
Swelling feet

If your pooch starts to present any of the more serious signs of irritation or a reaction, such as swelling, baldness, cuts or even infections, it is essential that you take them to a vet.

In order to avoid any unnecessary stress for your furry friend, we would recommend only dressing your dogs in clothes made from pure cotton. When making a decision on whether or not to dress your pooch in a festive jumper, you should always prioritise their happiness and wellbeing. Certain dogs find wearing any sort of additional clothing extremely uncomfortable and stressful, and the feeling of annoyance can be difficult to recognise.

When making the decision, check whether your dog can move freely in the clothing. The clothing should not be restricting their movement in any way - they should be able to eat, breathe, drink and visit the toilet easily.

Make sure your dog is not wearing clothing for a long period of time. If they start to show signs of distress, remove the outfit immediately.

When the heating’s on and the house is crowded, your home can become hot and uncomfortable for your dog. If your dog has a warm jumper on, they may overheat quickly. It's important to monitor the temperature of your home and pet, if they start to display signs of overheating, including panting and salivation then it's a clear sign your dog is uncomfortable.

It can be difficult to read your dog's body language, but there are key signs to recognise if your pet feels irritated when wearing clothing, including; they have their tail tucked between their legs, rubbing against furniture or excessive licking.

If your pet is wearing a fun festive jumper, then they shouldn’t be left unattended near potential hazards including a fire. Check before putting a jumper on your pets that the surrounding environment can’t cause any harm to your pet, or that the clothing itself fits correctly and won’t cause injury from snagging or discomfort.”

Vets issue blue green algae warning to pet owners

Your Pets Daily Editor — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 17:46:57 +0000

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.

Vets Now, the pet equivalent of A&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.

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.

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.

“It can lead to liver damage and death.”

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.”

Blue algae case study:

Emergency vets and vet nurses come to the rescue of critically-ill Tala

A play in a pond almost cost Border Collie Tala her life.

The four-year-old was left critically ill by the lethal blue green algae in the water.

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 Vets Now in Lincoln.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“It was a real emergency run to get help just as quickly as I could.”

The Vets Now clinic in Lincoln 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.

Last year’s Covid-19 restrictions meant Russell had to wait in the car while the staff assessed the situation.

“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.”

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.

It can lead to liver damage and death.

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.

“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.”

Russell was kept informed throughout and he admits he feared the worst.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“We can’t thank the staff enough.”

Russell hadn’t been aware of the algae dangers in the water and is warning other owners to be on the lookout.

“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.

“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.”

Vet advice about blue green algae from Dr Laura Playforth, professional standards director at Vets Now

What is blue green algae?

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.

What causes blue green algae?

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.

Why is blue green algae bad for dogs?

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.

Blue green algae dogs signs and symptoms

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.

The most common signs of blue green algae poisoning include:

Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Disorientation/weakness
Breathing difficulties
Drooling
Seizures
Blood in stools
Coma
Shock

If left untreated, exposure to blue green algae can lead to liver damage and death within a matter of days.

My dog drank algae water, what should I do?

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.

How will my dog be treated for blue green algae poisoning?

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.

How can I prevent blue green algae poisoning in my dog?

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.

Where is blue green algae found?

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.

When are dogs most at risk from blue green algae?

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.

Your Pets Daily - Vets advice

Do dogs need boots for the snow? Vet uncovers the truth…

Category

Tags

Should dogs wear Christmas jumpers?

Category

Tags

Vets issue blue green algae warning to pet owners

Emergency vets and vet nurses come to the rescue of critically-ill Tala

Vet advice about blue green algae from Dr Laura Playforth, professional standards director at Vets Now

What is blue green algae?

What causes blue green algae?

Why is blue green algae bad for dogs?

Blue green algae dogs signs and symptoms

My dog drank algae water, what should I do?

How will my dog be treated for blue green algae poisoning?

How can I prevent blue green algae poisoning in my dog?

Where is blue green algae found?

When are dogs most at risk from blue green algae?

Category

Tags