Your Pets Daily - Dog advice

UK Dog Owners of Potentially Fatal Consequences Letting Dogs Swim In Ponds and Rivers

Your Pets Daily Editor — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 09:53:09 +0000

Dog owners are being warned of the dangers surrounding blue-green algae, as a dog in Glasgow was rushed to the vet over the weekend after the dog came in contact with the dangerous substance. Google trends data shows a 5,000% increase in searches for ‘how long does it take for blue green algae to make your dog sick’ so this is actively being searched for and concerned pet owners want to keep their dogs as safe as possible this summer.

Dog experts Kennel Store have advised dog owners on how to keep dogs out of harms way and highlight the possible dangers of blue-green algae.

“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.

What is blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae is a term that describes a group of bacteria, called cyanobacteria. 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.

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.

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

What are the risks and why is it dangerous?

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.

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 kill a dog in as little as 15 minutes to an hour after drinking contaminated waters.

Signs and symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning

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

Seizures/fitting
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Weakness
Collapsing
Unconsciousness
Confused or disoriented
Dribbling

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.

Sadly, blue-green algae poisoning often eventually causes fatal liver failure, so it is important owners are vigilant.

How you can protect your dog

Keep your dog away from bodies of water that you suspect to contain blue-green algae.
Do not allow your dog to swim or paddle in waters that contain blue-green algae
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.
Note warning signs and hazard notices during dog walks and follow the advice provided.

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

Kennel Store 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.

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8 Most Common Skin Problems in Dogs and How to Treat Them

Your Pets Daily Editor — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 08:45:39 +0000

From redness to hair loss, here's how to recognise the signs of common issues like ringworm, parasitic infection and allergies so you can treat the issue quickly.

There are multiple skin problems that your pup is likely to encounter in its lifetime. When left untreated they can decrease their quality of life - so it's important to recognise what they are, how to spot them and how to deal with them effectively.

The team at tails.com wants pet owners to understand some of the most common skin conditions that their dogs may face as well as how to recognise the common symptoms.

Please find the comments from tails.com attached below. If the content is used a link must be provided to https://tails.com/gb/diet/hypoallergenic-dog-food/

Eight most common types of skin conditions in dogs

Skin problems are extremely common in dogs. Possible causes can range from parasites and allergies to injuries and what might start as a scratch can turn into excessive licking, chewing and scratching. Here are the most common symptoms to watch out for;

Itching and scratching
Redness
Irritation and discomfort
Scabbed, scaly or flaking skin
Dry skin
Excessive licking or chewing
Red, watery eyes
Sneezing
Hair loss, bald patches
Greasy coat
Hot spots
Lumps and swelling
Lesions and scabs

Our four-legged friends can develop skin conditions in the same way that we can. Unfortunately, they can't tell us what the issue is so sometimes it is hard for pet parents to recognise the symptoms straight away. While the visual cues are more noticeable, understanding the cause of your pup's skin condition can be challenging.

Here is a guide to some of the most common skin conditions and how to treat them.

Ringworm

Ringworm is not a life-threatening condition, but if left untreated it can cause discomfort to dogs. The disease requires a visit to the vets as it is extremely contagious and can be passed to humans or other pets. In both humans and dogs, the fungal infection usually presents itself in circular areas of hair loss across the body. Young, elderly and long-haired dogs are the most commonly affected. Crusted ringworm lesions appear on paws, legs, head and ears, but they can appear on any part of the dog's body.

Redness and inflammation may appear on your dog skin from where they have irritated the area by scratching and licking. It's crucial to contact your vet immediately if you spot the signs of ringworm - as they can prescribe you treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.

Food allergies

Skin conditions caused by food reactions occur following ingestion of one of more allergy-causing substances in your dog's food. A hypoallergenic diet will eliminate the problem ingredients that can cause a reaction for dogs, these include beef, dairy, soya and wheat. Tails.com have a hypoallergenic dog food formulated specifically for dogs who suffer from food-based allergies.

The physical reaction is excessive non-seasonal itching, often the face, feet, ears and anus and vomiting, diarrhoea, frequent bowel movements, sores and baldness due to scratching. Similar to humans who experience food allergies, dogs must have an elimination diet to rule out the potential causes of the allergic reaction. Pet parents must avoid feeding their pups any food substances that cause the symptoms to return.

Medication will be supplied by your vet and they will prescribe a treatment process.

Parasites

Parasites in dogs can cause anything from mild irritation to serious illness and can impact your pet's health and comfort. The most common parasites to infect your dog is fleas and ticks.

There are many products on the market for treating fleas, some more effective than others. Some products only kill or repel fully-grown adult fleas, whereas others are also effective against flea eggs too. The best advice is to speak to your vet who will be able to suggest a product suited to your dog's needs.

While common skin conditions such as fleas and ticks are easily recognisable for dog owners to spot and identify, intestinal parasites can be present inside your dog without your realizing it. Internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms can cause dull skin and coat.

Yeast infection

Constant itching and irritated skin with a distinct odour can be an indication of a yeast infection, a common skin condition for dogs. A yeast infection is typically found on the skin or in the ears. This form of infection can cause extreme discomfort as it is an overabundance of yeast on the body of the dog. Yeasts are forms of fungi that live in your dog's gut without causing illness, when they grow your dog will start to suffer from a fungal infection.

Common signs of a yeast infection include; excessive chewing or licking feet, dark red hair between the toes, black skin, hair loss, odour from the skin, greasy hair, ear infection, repetitive head shaking, speckles under the belly and diarrhoea.

Dog's can develop a yeast infection in their ears or on their skin if they have food allergies or environmental allergies. Hot weather, skin irritation and pre-existing skin conditions are all factors that can increase the likelihood of a yeast infection.

Despite the common myth, yeast extracts in certain dog foods are there to provide amino acids and B-vitamins in particular and are not the same yeasts that cause a skin infection.

Dandruff

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from dandruff or scurf as it's more commonly known. While in humans dandruff affects the scalp area, in dogs it's most common in the back and towards the tail. If your dog is suffering from dandruff you will see white flakes on their coat, or in places where they like to relax. You may also find flakes when you are stroking or scratching their coat.

There are a variety of things that can cause dandruff in dogs and any breed can be affected. One of the most common causes is the imbalance of oil produced by the sebaceous glands that keep the skin moist. When too much is produced it causes seborrheic dermatitis.

But more often it's either caused by an underlying health condition or something within the environment. Dandruff can be treated with specialised shampoos but it's important to visit the vet as they will check for any underlying conditions. A diet tailored to dry skin or coat will benefit levels of essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 which will help boost skin health and tackle a dandruff break out.

Bacterial infection

Dogs are vulnerable to a range of bacterial infections that can affect the respiratory system (organs and other parts of the body involved in breathing), skin, ears, urinary tract and kidneys. Affected dogs will experience itchy skin, which can become red and have rashes, crusts and small pus-filled spots.

Most bacterial infections caught by dogs can be cleared up with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. But if left untreated they can lead to severe health issues.

When a dog's immune system is weakened, it is easier for them to get a bacterial infection. They are most common in puppies and older dogs whose immune system is weaker. Poor diet, allergies, lack of exercise, stress and other illnesses can leave your dogs vulnerable.

Most often than not, simple changes to your pet's diet, providing fresh water, regular walks and routine check-ups at the vet can strengthen your dog's immune system and lower the chance of infection.

Alopecia

Alopecia is defined as areas of abnormal hair loss but these bald patches are usually signs of a bigger health issue in dogs. There are many causes of alopecia, including a side effect of skin infections such as ringworm, bacterial infection or parasites such as mites, and can be a result of excessive scratching of the sore and infected area and some hormonal causes.

If you start to notice that your pup is losing hair, that can be a symptom of alopecia, but there are some other signs they might display; dry coat, shedding coat, bald patches, inflamed and crusty skin, dandruff, itchy skin and patches of dark skin.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a type of skin infection most commonly seen in young or adolescent dogs, which may have an underlying condition. The skin condition is caused by an overgrowth of Staphylococcus bacteria but it can also be caused by other bacterial strains. A dog with impetigo may have lesions on the skin, which can burst and scab over.

If your dog displays the symptoms of impetigo, you need to visit the vets, as expert treatment is recommended - however impetigo isn't a contagious condition so your dog will be allowed around other people and pets. The skin condition is treated with antibiotics.

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Dog advice

Expert offers tips on keeping your dog safe at the beach this summer

Your Pets Daily Editor — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 15:19:55 +0000

Eight tips on keeping your dog safe at the beach this summer

Beware of hot sand

"Sand can become extremely hot and reach dangerous temperatures during the summer months. Your dog's sensitive paw pads could easily burn when playing in the sand. Wherever possible, keep your dog from walking on sand that's exposed to the direct sun, and monitor your pet's paw pads for signs of burning, such as redness, blisters and swelling.

The beach is no place for your four-legged friend when the temperature is high. Try to beat the heat and visit before 9 am or after 6 pm - and always check the sand and ground temperature before allowing your dog to run, walk or play."

Stop your pup from eating sand

"Sand is unavoidable when visiting the beach, and believe it or not, some dogs are known to eat sand, mostly by accident, but some pups do it purposefully. Swallowing sand is extremely dangerous for dogs as it can cause a blockage in the intestine, which is called sand impaction.

If your dog is vomiting, showing signs of constipation, has abdominal pain, reduced appetite, or is lethargic after a trip to the beach, this may indicate that a large amount of sand has been ingested. If you notice that your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, consult a veterinarian immediately. When at the beach, keep a close eye on your pup and prevent them from eating any sand and bring water to clear toys of large clumps of sand."

Provide shade

"A fun day at the beach can turn into a disaster if you don't take the correct precautions. For your dog, heatstroke can develop quickly, especially when shade isn't provided. Our furry friends can't handle the hot temperatures like us humans because they only have sweat glands in their feet and nose, which are less efficient at cooling themselves down.

Make sure you provide shade to get your dog out of the sun quickly. We recommend a pop-up beach tent, beach umbrella or a small beach canopy. If you see your dog panting and drooling excessively, and their gums have become more red than normal, they could be experiencing heatstroke. In this case, you'll need to get out of the sun and cool your dog down."

Bring plenty of fresh water

"Dogs love the beach, but playing fetch, jumping the waves, and swimming can all lead to a very thirsty dog. When our furry friends are thirty, they will almost drink anything - and this includes seawater.

Saltwater consumed in small quantities is usually not harmful and may only cause diarrhoea, but drinking larger amounts can disrupt the fluid balance in your dog's body, and high levels of salt can be fatal for your dog. It's essential when heading to the beach to bring a dog bowl and fresh water for your pup to drink."

Pack dog-friendly sunscreen

"Just like us, dogs can quickly get burned from sun exposure. This is particularly common on parts of the body that are sparsely covered with hair. Sunburn can not only cause pain for your four-legged friend but can lead to more severe health problems, such as skin cancer.

Dogs that typically have thin hair or light coloured coats are more vulnerable to sunburn, for example; Dalmatians, Boxers, Greyhounds, Beagles, Whippets and Bulldogs. But all dog breeds are at risk of sun damage because they all have areas on their body where there is little to no fur, including the belly, ears, the tip of the tail and nose.

Before heading to the beach, find a sunscreen that is designed to protect your pup. It's vital that you only use formulas that have been produced for dogs - they should not contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid."

Protect Your Pups From Parasites

"A day at the beach is the perfect way to get some fresh air and relax. But as you search for the ideal location to lay down your towel, you should know you're not just sharing the beach with fellow ocean lovers - you'll be sharing it with some creepy parasites too.

Ticks are prevalent near beaches. They can be found in the dunes or in the grass nearby, and when our canine companions walk by and brush up against these, the ticks dislodge. Before heading on your journey, remember to pack a tick remover tool."

Keep them safe in the water

"Your dog may be a confident swimmer, but big waves and strong tides can be hazardous. Bring along an extended leash so your pup can take a dip in the sea without going too far, and purchase a dog-friendly life jacket to ensure their safety at all times.

The sea is full of hidden dangers, from sharp shells and rocks to broken glass and washed-up rubbish. All of these items can be dangerous to your dog's paw pads. Not only can some of the items be sharp and cut your pup, but they can also be dangerous if eaten. They can cause bacterial infections, cracked teeth or intestinal obstructions. Protect your pooch by investing in some dog-friendly beach boots and never leave them unattended in the water or on dry land."

Keep clear of seaweed and sea creatures

"Natural objects found in the sea that wash up on the beach, such as seaweed, dead or alive creatures, might be fun to play with but could cause serious health issues for your dog. When consumed, seaweed can be dangerous as it can cause a blockage in your dog's intestine.

Keep a close eye on your pup and prevent them from rolling in or eating anything that could make them ill. Some beaches have high levels of sea creatures, such as jellyfish and crabs, so be sure to keep them on a tight watch around the water area.

It's really important as dog owners that we don't allow our dogs to chase or disturb marine wildlife, for example, seal pups and marine birds can be prone to be disturbed by dogs. Our wild animals are just as important as our pets so it's important to be responsible around wildlife."

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Dogs with hayfever and allergies: Expert explain how to spot, soothe and treat the symptoms

Your Pets Daily Editor — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 16:57:33 +0000

Recent warm temperatures have led to soaring pollen levels, but did you know that dogs can also suffer from hayfever?

Can dogs get hay fever? Every time summer comes around, there's the inevitable rise in the pollen count – and a similar rise in dog hay fever. Hay fever in dogs does indeed exist – but not in the same way it does in humans. While both are caused by an allergy to pollen, the dogs experience hay fever in very different ways, and with very different symptoms.

What is dog hay fever? Experts at tails.com said

"Hay fever in dogs is known as atopic dermatitis, or atopy. It's primarily an allergic reaction to tree, grass or plant pollen, which presents as severely itchy skin. It can also be triggered by house dust or other allergens in the environment. Much like with humans, it's largely a seasonal issue in spring and summer, but if your dog is particularly sensitive, especially to grass pollen, then it can affect them all year round."

What are the symptoms of hay fever in dogs? Experts at tails.com said

"The usual signs that your dog is suffering from atopy include:

persistent scratching
red or inflamed skin
hair loss, and greasy patches of skin in the armpit or belly areas
itchy feet
recurrent ear infections

If these symptoms persist and your dog's skin is broken down from scratching too much, they may also suffer bacterial or yeast skin infections.

There may be the odd runny nose or eyes, but if your dog keeps sneezing, that's not hay fever. Sneezing could instead be indicative of a different irritation, like dust, or something being stuck in the nose or throat."

What are the treatments for hay fever in dogs? Experts at tails.com said

"The good news is that there are lots of options to help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever for your dog. When they come in from playing or exercising outside, quickly bathe or wipe them down to remove the pollen that has settled on their coat. If their skin is already irritated, there are medicated shampoos available to help soothe the inflammation.

Preventative measures include keeping your dog indoors as much as possible on high pollen count days, even if they really want to go and play. This brings its own problems, however, as your dog won't understand why they can't go out and could cause further behavioural problems. So when you do let them out, ensure you follow some of the treatments mentioned above when you let them back in.

If your dog is particularly sensitive, you can speak to your vet for other treatment options. They may prescribe steroids or antihistamines to control the itch. In some cases, your vet may carry out blood tests to find out which allergens your dog is reactive to and develop an individual vaccination to desensitise them to these allergens. This treatment is known as immunotherapy."

How common is hay fever in dogs? Experts at tails.com said

"Certain breeds are more likely to have hay fever for genetic reasons. These include:

West Highland terrier
Cairn Terrier
Boxer
Pug
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Golden Retriever
Dalmatian
Standard Poodle

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Dog advice

dogs

Dog treats, what you need to know.

Your Pets Daily Editor — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 07:11:22 +0000

There are many reasons why we give our dogs treats. We might toss one or two at them when they respond to training, when they’re on their best behavior, or just because of their cute looks. Whatever the reason, you’ll find that your pet immediately gets into a jolly mood after chewing on its treat. They simply love them. When it comes to dog snacks, owners have to know a thing or two about them to know which to give their dog and why, as there are several types of several types of dog treats.

Types of dog treats

They come in a fairly wide variety. Let’s go through them to see which fits both you and your dog’s needs.

Crunchy treats

These are hard and crunchy and come in different flavours, shapes, and sizes. They have a very low percentage of moisture with most being between 10 and 20 per cent. As they're crunchy they can take a while to eat. Coming in different sizes, you have the luxury of choosing that which best suits the size of your dog. They are great for rewards after training, so make sure your pooch has earned it before releasing it.

Soft treats

These have a higher moisture composition than crunchy treats with many of them having up to 20 per cent moisture composition. They also come in a wide assortment of flavours, shapes, and sizes, and make excellent training rewards because of their soft, chewy texture.

Freezer-dried treats

When made properly, these can give a very similar taste to human food and are often quite appetizing to dogs. Unlike the chewy type that contains additives, freezer-dried dog snacks are much healthier being 100 per cent protein. They are mostly dehydrated meat, but fruits and vegetables like pumpkin, apples, and sweet potatoes can also be made into dehydrated treats. Click here to learn more about the benefits of dehydrated dog treats.

Dental or long-lasting chews

These take time to be consumed just like dog-bones. In fact, because of the incredible amount of time dogs chew on them, experts believe they are great for canine dental care. They are made from digestible materials and contain no preservatives, making them very safe.

However, make sure they aren’t too hard so your pet doesn’t sustain any dental injuries. One way to be sure is banging it on your knee. If it hurts, then it is too hard and you might want to choose a different one.

Animal parts

You would think these would be a healthier and more appetizing for dogs, but it isn’t the case. Animal parts, like raw hide and pig skin, are known to contain fat and high calories that can lead to weight gain and gastrointestinal problems.

These animals hides are often treated with chemicals that could cause health issues for dogs. Raw hides also pose choking hazards as they have severe digestibility issues. Pigs ears have also been found to contain harmful bacteria, like salmonella, which can cause diarrhea, stooling, vomiting, and pains.

Bones and hooves are other animal parts that are often given to dogs. Generally, they are never recommended as they cause more harm than good. Because they are very hard, they may cause teeth to break or chip around the edges. Aside from the dental damage they can cause to your dog's teeth, they are also capable of causing gastrointestinal problems and bowel blockage. A better alternative to these are dental chews which are hard, but safer.

Human food

Human food can be good or bad depending on what you give to your pet. Generally, owners are advised to avoid giving the following foods to their dog: cheese, crackers, hot dogs, grapes and raisins, chocolates, onions as the majority of them are dangerous or toxic. Human food which is safe for dogs to eat includes, but is not limited to: lean meat, carrots, apples, and fresh seafood. Visit https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-foods-fatal-to-dogs to find out more about human foods that are harmful to dogs.

Reasons for giving dog treats

1. For training

Treats help immensely when training dogs. The idea is psychological because dogs pick up on the fact that if they get certain behaviors and commands right, a tantalizing treat WILL be earned. When they establish this fact, they are more likely to repeat those behaviours to get more delicious treats.

2. To keep pets pre-occupied

When you’re busy with work around the house and want to stop your pet from distracting you, treats can work wonders. Long-lasting chews that take a long while to consume and will keep your dog's paws and mouth busy long enough for you to get your work done.

3. For mental stimulation

Having a dog is lovely, however, having an intelligent dog is the real deal. Intelligent dogs are easier to train and control, the latter being especially important in public places. With treats, you can motivate your pet to participate in mental games and puzzles that boost mental growth and alertness.

4. For dental care:

As mentioned earlier, dental or long-lasting treats help in dental care. When dogs chew on them for extended periods, they get rid of plague and tartar that build up on their teeth.

Conclusion

Treats are great for dogs when they are the right ones. When you're shopping for treats, you should take note of the following:

Ingredient list - the fewer the better
Natural preservatives
Quality seals like that of the Association of Feed Control Officials and similar government-approved institutions
Sweeteners- ensure they are natural sweeteners.

On a final note, when it comes to dog snacks, quality is everything!

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Dogs

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Dog advice