Your Pets Daily - keeping dogs safe

Favoured Easter food poses hidden hazard to dogs

Katie Court — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

New statistics released today (26 March) by The Kennel Club show that cases of grape and raisin poisoning in dogs were 117% higher than those of chocolate poisoning, during the Easter months in 2023.

The fruits, which can be found in a number of Easter treats – such as hot cross buns and Simnel cake – are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, and as such, the organisation is urging pet owners to keep these and chocolate well away from dogs over the coming weeks.

The data, collected by Kennel Club Pet Insurance provided by Agria, also revealed that while claims made for chocolate poisoning were up by a third (33%) during March and April last year, compared to the monthly average, the total number of cases during this period saw a 13% decrease compared to Easter 2022. Conversely, claims for grape and raisin intoxication showed an opposite trend, increasing by 12% compared to 2022, indicating that dog owners are less aware of how dangerous these foods are to our dogs.

Robin Hargreaves, Senior Veterinary Advisor for Agria Pet Insurance, commented: "While many owners are aware of how toxic chocolate is to their pets, there are in fact a number of other foods that present a real danger to dogs over Easter, such as hot cross buns and Simnel cake. Raisins and grapes are poisonous to our pets and there are often no symptoms until the dog becomes very ill, very suddenly. Owners who think their pets have ingested any of these foods should contact their vet immediately.

"It is so important to be vigilant, especially at this time of year, and to keep all Easter treats far from reach, to not only prevent heartache, but avoid any unexpected vet fees over the bank holiday period."

Stephen and Siobhán MacDonnell, from Cheltenham, know only too well the emotional and financial toll an Easter snack in the wrong paws can cause. Last Easter, Bowie, a one-year-old Flat Coated Retriever, helped himself to three leftover hot cross buns that had been left in easy reach. The pair rushed their beloved dog to their vets for emergency treatment, where he stayed for two days. Thankfully he suffered no lasting effects, but the ordeal, as well as being incredibly traumatic, also resulted in a vet bill of almost £2,000 – fortunately covered by Bowie's insurance policy.

Siobhán said: "Stephen and I had shared half a hot cross bun, each with a cup of coffee but very foolishly left the remaining three in the packet on the kitchen island. We had only left the kitchen for five minutes but when we returned, the only evidence of Bowie's thievery was the plastic packaging and cardboard tray left on the floor. Luckily, we knew how dangerous raisins can be to dogs, so we whisked him off to the vet immediately, but we can't bear to imagine what could have happened if we hadn't known."

Bill Lambert, dog health expert at The Kennel Club added: "Easter should be a time of fun and enjoyment but, with so much food in the house, it's vital that owners keep a careful eye on their pets.

"Some of the foods we love to eat during this time can also seem very tempting to our dogs, and their acute sense of smell means they are very adept at finding them! Unfortunately, many of these can be dangerous, and it's not just chocolate that poses a threat, so it is crucial that owners keep all Easter food out of paws' reach."

To help owners navigate both the Easter holidays, and the start of Spring safely, The Kennel Club has shared the following tips:

Seasonal snacks

For many households at this time of year, Easter brings a wealth of different festive food into the household, and a dog's acute sense of smell means they can unintentionally get hold of poisonous food. If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, grapes or raisins, even a small amount, seek veterinary advice immediately.

Owners should be vigilant to any Easter food brought into the house, particularly chocolate, hot cross buns and Simnel cake, and ensure these are placed safely out of reach – high up and behind closed cupboard doors. Owners should also be wary of their dog eating any food or leftovers from an Easter Sunday roast, as much of it will be too salty or too fatty for them.

For those taking part in a chocolate egg hunt, it is important that dogs are kept away during this activity and that owners keep track of how many chocolates are hidden, so they can ensure they are all found before welcoming a dog back to the area.

To safely involve your dog in the festivities, The Kennel Club has a range of dog-friendly recipes for Easter treats for owners to make at home: thekennelclub.org.uk/easterrecipes

Easter entertaining

Celebrations often mean busier households and can bring more unfamiliar noises, smells and new activities for four-legged friends, which might become overwhelming.

To avoid any seasonal stress, continue their usual walking and eating routine. If welcoming more people into your home, make sure your dog still has their usual personal space so they can retreat to their bed as and when they need it.

You can read more about how to get your dog well prepared, and follow advice on socialising at home via The Kennel Club's online training hub: thekennelclub.org.uk/training.

Flora and fauna

Several common flowers, including daffodils, tulips and spring crocuses can be poisonous to dogs, so owners should be alert on walks and in the garden, especially if bulbs were planted earlier in the year.

Snails, toads, ticks and adders are more common in spring and are also potential health hazards to dogs as they can cause infections, bites or stings. During and after spending time outside, owners should be vigilant in checking a dog's fur for ticks. To find out more about how to identify them, prevent or remove them, contact your vet for further advice.

Countryside cautions

The combination of warmer weather as well as the abundance of longer weekends mean many will be going further afield for dog walks and potentially visiting new areas. Before embarking on a new walking route in the countryside, it is important to understand how to be responsible for you and your dog and to research the area that you are visiting. Spring brings an abundance of wildlife and livestock to the countryside, especially during lambing season. Whenever you are in proximity of livestock or cattle you must have your dog on a lead, under control and prevent your dog from approaching or chasing any livestock or wildlife. For more advice, visit thekennelclub.org.uk/dogwalking.

Be sure to check the latest local restrictions on dog walking areas and be aware that sometimes dogs are banned from areas such as beaches or fields during certain months, for everyone's safety.

If travelling somewhere by car, dogs must never be left unattended in the vehicle, regardless of the temperature, even if the car has been left in the shade or with the windows open. If you are travelling for a long period of time, make sure you take the necessary precautions, such as making plenty of stops, having lots of water and an appropriate shady space for your dog.

The Kennel Club has more advice on keeping your dog safe during spring, available at: thekennelclub.org.uk/spring.

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Ways to make your garden more dog friendly

Katie Court — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Homeowners are being told of seven ways to make their gardens a safe haven for dogs.

Experts from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have shared easy hacks to protect four-legged friends from potential dangers in the garden.

Creating a dog-friendly environment is essential to their happiness and security, both inside and outside the home. Gardens pose many threats for dogs, including poisonous plants, possible escape routes and pesky bees.

A spokesman for Garden Buildings Direct said: "Dogs often love spending time outdoors in gardens. As the weather starts to warm up, dogs across the country will be keen to get back out into their favourite outdoor spots. But, without proper care and attention, gardens can pose risks for dogs. It is important to take the steps to make sure your garden is as safe and enjoyable as possible for your pooch.

"Many pet owners don't realise how easy it is for pets to be harmed in the garden, so we wanted to share the easiest ways to prevent this from happening. Easy hacks include blocking all escape routes carefully, making sure fences are dog-friendly, getting rid of any plants which could be poisonous and banishing bees with a homemade pesticide."

Here are tips from Garden Buildings Direct to make your garden dog-friendly:

Block all escape routes

All gardens have potential exit routes, especially for small dogs. Make sure to identify any potential escape routes and get them fixed promptly. Homeowners can opt for budget friendly options like a roll of inexpensive chicken wire to keep the garden secure.

Dog-friendly fence

It is vital to keep animals secure in the garden, but pet owners must make sure the fence won't hurt them if they try to jump up. Be aware of splinters, gaps of sharp edges around the fence which could cause injury. Placing rocks at the bottom of fences can prevent any digging.

Remove poisonous plants

Some common garden plants can actually be harmful to our four-legged friends if they get too close to them. Ivy, hydrangeas, lilies and tulips are all poisonous to dogs and will need to be removed to guarantee safety in the garden.

Banish bees

To prevent stings, you can keep bees at bay by spraying a homemade vinegar spray. Mix equal parts water and vinegar then spray over potential nesting areas like compost heaps or pieces of deadwood.

Don't overdo the weed killer

Needlessly placing or spraying weed killer across your garden when your dogs are going in and out is a hazard. If they lick or sniff at them it could lead to health issues.

Create play areas

Keep your dogs entertained in the garden by creating designated play areas for them. This can prevent digging around the garden. Placing toys, their favourite treats and balls allows them to have hours of fun without ruining the garden.

Smooth all sharp edges

A small risk assessment on your garden can give you peace of mind there is no way for your pooch to injure themselves. Make sure fences don't have any sharp edges which could come into contact with your dog's fur.

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Protect your dog from these 7 poisonous plants

Tom Stone — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:35:57 +0000

Pet owners are being warned to avoid common poisonous plants their dogs may encounter while out on walkies.

Experts from Quotezone are advising people to steer clear of dangerous plants which pose a significant threat to their four-legged friends. This warning comes after a number of reports of pets feeling ill after ingesting ragwort in a park in Hucknall. Ragwort is a common daisy-like weed which can cause severe poisoning for dogs and can even be fatal in more extreme cases.

To protect dogs during nature walks, it's crucial to be aware of these common plants that can be harmful to our four-legged friends. Innocent-looking plants, such as bluebells, hogweed and azaleas can lead to a range of health issues, from gastrointestinal distress to severe heart problems. Dog owners are being urged to familiarise themselves with poisonous plants, keep their dogs on the lead and supervise their pets when venturing into nature.

Typical signs of poisoning for dogs include drooling, pale gums, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash and seizures. Small dogs and puppies are at greater risk of getting poisoned because even if they ingest a small amount of a toxic plant, it can lead to significant harm. If you suspect that your dog has eaten a toxic plant, it is essential to contact a veterinarian or animal poisoning hotline immediately to aid their recovery.

Pet insurance comparison expert at Quotezone.co.uk, Helen Rolph said: "When out on walkies, whether it's in a park, in the countryside or forest, it's important to be vigilant and make sure that your dog doesn't ingest anything toxic. Our four-legged friends are naturally curious, so it's our responsibility to keep them safe from the potential dangers during outdoor adventures. Every dog owner should read up on the range of toxic plants for dogs that can be commonly encountered in their area, some are quite surprising.

"Although you may want to let your dog roam free, choose your off lead spot wisely and if you're unsure of any surrounding plants, best keep them on the lead. If you have any concerns about your furry friend, most pet insurance providers now have a 24/7 vet helpline – it's worth checking if your insurance has this and storing the number in your phone in case of emergencies."

The team at Quotezone has compiled a checklist of seven common plants that are poisonous to dogs:

Bluebells

Bluebells are considered poisonous to dogs because they contain toxic compounds known as glycosides. These toxins can be found throughout the plant, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and bulbs. Bluebells have a distinctive appearance, with violet bulbs and a narrow bell shape.

Autumn crocus

Autumn crocuses are highly toxic to dogs due to the presence of colchicine which is extremely potent and can have severe and potentially lethal effects on dogs. Colchicine poisoning can occur when your dog ingests any part of the autumn crocus plant. Autumn crocuses have large, fragrant bulbs that are usually light pink or purple.

Azalea

Azaleas contain grayanotoxins which can disturb the function of dogs' nerve and muscle cells. The main symptoms of Azalea poisoning are abnormal heart rhythms, tremors and low blood pressure. Azalea shrubs have colourful funnel-shaped flowers.

Ivy

Ivy can be poisonous to dogs if ingested and can also cause a rash if it comes in contact with skin. This is because it contains toxic chemicals called saponins as well as polyacetylene compounds. Although the symptoms are usually not life-threatening they can still cause serious health issues such as an upset stomach and skin and mouth irritation. Ivy has glossy, heart or arrow-shaped leaves.

Foxglove

Despite its beautiful appearance with colourful trumpet-shape blooms, you should never let your dog go near a foxglove plant. Foxglove is highly toxic to dogs, causing nausea, seizures, tremors, and can even lead to death. Fortunately foxgloves are very tall, growing up to 5 feet, so they're easy for dog owners to notice.

Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster is a common evergreen shrub with bright red berries. Although cotoneaster is considered to be slightly poisonous to dogs, if they ingest a large quantity of cotoneaster berries or leaves then it can cause gastrointestinal issues such as severe stomach pain and diarrhoea.

Giant hogweed

The most significant danger from giant hogweed comes from skin contact with the plant's sap and subsequent exposure to sunlight, causing severe burns and blisters. If the sap gets into your dog's eyes it can even cause blindness. Giant hogweed has an umbrella-shaped head with white flowers and can grow up to almost 15 feet tall.

For a whole range of pet insurance products such as cat, older dog and puppy insurance Quotezone can help.

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How to Keep Your Canine Companion Away from the Christmas Tree

Tom Stone — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000

With the run-up to Christmas well underway, it is time to unbox all the decorations. Real or fake, Christmas trees are a staple when it comes to decking the halls this festive season.

Especially as the evenings get longer and the days become shorter, Christmas trees light up the room with their warm, cosy glow. However, with a four-legged friend around, sometimes the tree can become a target and their new favourite toy.

That's why Sean McCormack, Head Vet at tails.com, has explained why Christmas trees can be a hazard to our dogs, and how you can protect them from dog-related damages this year so that your baubles survive at least until Boxing Day.

1. Trees Can Contain Chemicals That Cause an Upset Stomach

Some 'real' Christmas trees are sprayed with preservative chemicals, which could give your dog an upset tummy if ingested or irritation in the mouth if they consume them from licking or chewing on the tree branches.

If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic over the Christmas period, it's important to contact your emergent vet to seek advice.

2. Pine Needles Are a Choking Hazard

Your tree can be harmful to your dog if they get too close to it. The pine needles present potential choking hazards, as they are nearly impossible to digest and can get clogged in your dog's throat or intestines, and can get trapped in your dog's paws.

If you're worried about your four-legged friends getting access to your Christmas tree, make sure your dog is never alone with the tree, or at least not for a prolonged period of time, as our canines are far more likely to get up to mischief without their owners around.

As this may not be an option for some, putting a gate or some kind of border around your tree will also prevent your dog from getting too close to it.

3. Fairy Lights May Burn or Cause an Electric Shock

While twinkling fairy lights are the perfect addition to any tree, the dancing colours and glowing lights will naturally make your pet curious. However, if your furry friend gets too close or begins to chew on them, the hot lights may burn or give them an electric shock, not to mention the potential risks of getting their noses burnt on the hot lights and the chance that they may harm themselves if they get tangled up between the wires.

To make sure your canine companion doesn't get too close to your fairy lights, tightly secure them inside the branches of the tree, or hide any loose wires under a rug out of sight, so that they aren't exposed or tempting for your dog to chew on.

4. Fragile Ornaments May Shatter or Break

Nothing says Christmas quite like your tree dripping in dazzling baubles. But while glass ornaments may add a little something special to your tree, your dog is likely to be fascinated by their sparkly finish, thinking they are the perfect ball to play fetch with.

However, baubles can be especially dangerous to your dog, particularly glass ornaments, as they can smash and cause injury to your fluffy friend's paws.

Tightly fasten any baubles to your Christmas tree to prevent your dog from getting their paws on them. If you're worried about your pet exploring your tree, hang your ornaments (particularly more breakable ones) higher up so they are out of reach.

The Jack Brussell Sprout toy from tails.com's Christmas Range will also provide hours of fun for your canine and keep them away from your tree.

5. Edible Decorations Can Make Your Dog Sick

We all know how greedy our dogs can be, and while tasty treats like candy canes and chocolate Santas may have your dog drooling in delight, they can also make them very sick if they do get hold of them.

If you know your dog is particularly excited when it comes to food, then giving the edible decorations on your tree a miss this year might be the safest option to prevent any upset tummies.

If you still want to treat your family and kids to edible gifts and snacks this year, avoid putting them on the tree and put them out of reach of your dog.

6. Tinsel Presents a Choking Hazard

Tinsel can be extra exciting for our furry friends, not only because of its sparkly and shiny look but also because they can run around with it in their mouths like a stick.

But while tinsel can be the perfect finishing touch to your Christmas tree, the tiny foil pieces it's made from can become a dangerous choking hazard for your dog.

To protect your dog, keep any tinsel firmly out of reach, whether that's on your tree or elsewhere - this should prevent your dog from chewing or playing with it.

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Dogs

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keeping dogs safe