Your Pets Daily - Vet advice

‘Toxic’ chocolates and Christmas puds top vets’ list of festive dangers for pets

Your Pets Daily Editor — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 08:56:47 +0000

Christmas is a time of fun and festivities, but the presents, treats and decorations can often prove dangerous for pets if owners are not careful. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners to keep common hazards like chocolates, mince pies, Christmas puddings and festive decorations safely out of reach of their pets to avoid an emergency trip to the vets over the holidays.

The warning comes in a year when there are many owners celebrating their first Christmas with dogs or cats who joined the family during the pandemic and may not be fully aware of the dangers posed by certain festive foods and decoration items. Chocolate, raisins and other dried fruit, xylitol in sugar-free products, onion, garlic and seasonal decorations like mistletoe and holly can all be dangerous to dogs and cats if eaten. Chocolate is commonly the top doggy edible hazard that requires a visit to the vets over the festive period, while cats are most likely to need veterinary treatment for ingesting non-edible items such as seasonal plants and antifreeze.

A BVA survey last year showed that more than eight in ten companion animal vets (82%) across the UK had seen at least one case of toxic ingestion over the Christmas break in 2019. 94% of vets had seen at least one case of chocolate poisoning in dogs that year, followed by cases involving raisins or sultanas and xylitol. Seasonal plants like lilies, mistletoe, poinsettias and holly were the top culprits for cats, followed closely by cases of antifreeze poisoning. Vets treating companion animals also saw cases of foreign body ingestion, of which a quarter involved Christmas decorations and a fifth were from gifts that were kept out for humans (e.g small parts of toys).

BVA President Justine Shotton said:

“I’ve worked a lot in emergency practice and have seen many avoidable cases involving toxic festive hazards over the years, especially those involving dogs having chocolates and puddings or pies containing raisins. I once had an owner bring in a Labrador to be sick after it had eaten some mince pies, go home after treatment, only to be back at the practice immediately because their other dog had eaten the rest of the box in the meantime!

“It really doesn’t take very long for our inquisitive pets to sniff out chocolates left out under the tree or in advent calendars, gobble down a mince pie when your head is turned, or polish off puddings left unattended on the kitchen counter.

“This can have serious consequences for our pets’ health and can result in costly emergency care, including surgery if they’ve ingested objects like Christmas tree baubles or tinsel. My advice to owners is to keep all edible goodies and decoration items safely out of reach of inquisitive noses and to keep pets to their normal diets, avoiding feeding them any human food treats. If you are concerned that they have eaten something they shouldn’t, consult your vet straight away as this will dramatically improve prognosis.”

BVA is offering these top tips for keeping Christmas hazard-free for pets:

Protect your pet from poisons: A range of festive treats and traditions, such as chocolate in advent calendars and sweets, raisins, xylitol (found in sugar-free treats), some nuts, grapes, liquorice, poinsettia, holly and mistletoe are toxic to cats and dogs.
Keep decorations out of reach: Ribbons, wrapping paper, baubles, tinsel and tree lights can seem like appealing playthings to cats and dogs but can be very dangerous if broken, chewed or swallowed. Batteries for Christmas gifts also need to be kept safe as, if ingested, they may cause severe chemical burns to the mouth, throat and stomach.
Forget festive food for pets: We all enjoy a richer diet over Christmas, but fatty foods and Christmas dinners shouldn’t be shared with the animals of the household. They can trigger sickness and diarrhoea or conditions such as gastroenteritis and pancreatitis, so try to stick to your pet’s regular diet and routine. Too many treats can also lead to pet obesity.
Keep away the bones: Cooked bones, including turkey bones, should not be given to pets as they can splinter and puncture the digestive tract.
Know where to go: Even with all the care in the world, animal accidents and emergencies can still happen. Make sure you’re prepared by checking your vet’s emergency cover provision and holiday opening hours or, if you are away from home, use the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Find a Vet facility. Owners may also call the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS)helpline at 01202 509000 in the first instance (charges may apply).

For more information on pets and poisons, download the free Animal Welfare Foundation ‘Pets and Poisons’ leaflet at https://www.animalwelfarefoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Pets-and-Poisons-1.pdf

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Vet reveals what your stool poop can tell you about their health

Your Pets Daily Editor — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 07:08:49 +0000

Ruff Guide To Spotting Problems In Your Dog's Poop

Our dog's poop can tell us a lot, including if there's something wrong – we've spoken to head vet Sean McCormack to find out what signs to look out for when you're scooping the poop.

"Poop smells, we know that – but is your dog's poo a little (or a lot) smellier than usual? Stinkier-than-usual poos can indicate your dog's diet isn't working for them. Treats, new dog foods or feeding your dog too many scraps from the dinner table are usual suspects when it comes to smelly poos.

The colour of your dog's poo can also depend solely on your dog's diet – reddish, greenish, or dark brown poop are all normal. If it's looking black – it could be a sign of internal bleeding, whilst pale yellow or grey poo can be a sign of fat digestion issues in the pancreas or problems in the liver.

When it comes down to it, dogs aren't so different from us humans – sometimes an out-of-the-ordinary poo isn't too much to worry about – diarrhoea can be caused by stress, anxiety – or even excitement! Whilst sometimes constipation can be a tell-tale sign your dog needs to get out more or isn't drinking enough water.

You know your dog better than anyone if you feel like there's something wrong – or common problems such as constipation or diarrhoea don't seem to go away after a few days – don't hesitate to take your dog to the vet, and take a stool sample with you."

What causes stinky or runny dog poo?

It's not unusual for dogs to have stinky or runny poos. In fact, dog diarrhoea is one of the most common problems vets see every year. There are many causes for dog or puppy diarrhoea, but here are a few of the most common.

Sudden change in diet – A sudden change in your dog's diet can cause irritation leading to diarrhoea. If you're changing your dog's diet, it's best to do it gradually as explained in our guide to changing dog food.

Dietary indiscretion – If your dog eats something new or inappropriate, this can cause digestive upset. Whether that's a piece of ham, rocks, a plant, or even dog poo!

Stress – Stress, anxiety and excitement can all cause dog diarrhoea, just like in us humans.

Parasites – Intestinal worms can cause irritation to your dog's gastrointestinal tract resulting in stomach upset. However, parasites that cause diarrhoea are more common in younger puppies.

Infections – Viral and bacterial infections can cause dog diarrhoea. This occurs more frequently in younger dogs.

Inflammatory disorders – Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease are common in both dogs and people. Many gastrointestinal disorders can result in diarrhoea.

What makes a good dog poo?

Consistency – the ideal poo is log shaped and firm, but not too solid. If your dog's poo is too hard, this can cause constipation. If your dog is constipated this could be due to a lack of water or fibre in their diet, or a case of worms. More commonly, when diarrhoea or loose, runny poo occurs, this can result from many different causes.

Frequency – most dogs poo around twice a day, but this can depend on their feeding schedule. Puppies tend to poo more frequently because they eat more regularly. If your dog poos more than three times a day, this could signal there's something not right with their diet.

Equally, if your dog has a food intolerance, this can also make them more poo more often. If your dog doesn't poo every day or only once a day, they could be constipated. Always consider what's normal for your dog. If your dog's toilet habits have changed dramatically after switching diet, we can help.

Volume – sudden larger or smaller poos can indicate internal problems. Huge volumes of poo can mean your dog isn't digesting their food properly, or their diet is high in fibre. Low volumes could indicate gastrointestinal problems or even a blockage. If it's out of the ordinary, always get your dog checked over by a vet. If your dog has experienced any changes after switching to tails.com food, get in touch and we'll happily help.

Odour – dog poo should have a mild odour; any dramatic changes can indicate problems. Flatulence or a particularly stinky poo could signal a change in your dog's gut flora, or they're struggling to cope with a new diet or ingredient. Treats and human foods are common culprits! Dog poo is always going to smell, but with a good diet, your dog's poos should be bearable.

Colour – the colour of your dog's poo depends a lot on your dog's diet. Only you know what is normal for your dog. Shades of greenish-brown, red-brown or dark brown are all normal.

However, abnormal colours like dark black tarry substances could indicate internal bleeding and digested blood in the stool. Pale, yellowy or greasy poo can indicate fat digestion issues with the pancreas, or malabsorption where your dog can't absorb fat. Any dramatic changes in colour, from very pale, bright orange or visible blood is a cause for concern. In this case, always see your vet and take a stool sample with you.

What to do about your dog's irregular poos?

So if your furry friend's poo seems out of the ordinary, always get them checked out by a vet.

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Grass seed injuries in dogs: How to prevent them

Your Pets Daily Editor — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 08:47:56 +0000

Head Vet reveals how to protect your dog from grass seeds

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.

Head vet at tails.com, 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.

"Grass seed wounds can be incredibly painful and dangerous for your dog and are particularly prevalent during the summer months as long grass 'goes to seed'. Your dog might love roaming through the long grass, but it can lead to problems should a seed get lodged underneath their skin.

"The seeds are shaped like a dart, which means that any grass seed that gets caught between their toes, causing irritation and infection.

"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.

How can I protect my dog from the dangers of grass seeds?

"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:

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.
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.
A quick check: Give your dog a thorough pat down when you get home to make sure no seeds are hiding in your dog'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.

What are the signs of grass seed wounds?

"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's eyes or nose.

Below, I have listed common signs and symptoms of grass seed problems in different areas of a dog's body

Grass seeds in your dog's ears and eyes

Head shaking and scratching along the floor
Redness around the eyes
Excessive tear production

Grass seeds in your dog's paw

Licking toes and paw pads
Redness between toes
Holding their paw off the ground

Grass seeds in dog's nose

Sneezing
Discharge from either nostril
Rubbing nose on the ground

Grass seeds under your dog's skin

Red lumps
Licking at their skin

Treatment for grass seed wounds in dogs

"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.

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

"If the wound is deep or infected, the vet may need to sedate your dog to conduct a safe removal".

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Vet advice

Give your dog a merry little Christmas

Your Pets Daily Editor — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 08:08:13 +0000

Christmas isn’t just a time to spoil ourselves, we should also remember our pampered pooches. They have worked hard all year long to keep their humans upbeat and positive during the pains of the pandemic and so deserve the ultimate Christmas treat!

The pet nutrition experts at home-cooking platform, VetChef (www.vetchef.com) have put together a delicious Christmas recipe that is quick and very easy to cook and is filled with healthy goodness, festive leftovers and plenty of love.

Turkey & Trimmings

To serve one meal (providing half a day’s calories) for a typical 20kg dog, you will need:

200g turkey mince
300g potatoes
100g parsnips
100g brussels sprouts
1 tsp cranberry sauce
1 tsp dried sage

To prepare the meal, simply chop the veg into small chunks, and then mix all the ingredients together in a saucepan. Pour in 300ml water and place on the stove. Bring to the boil, and simmer gently for around 20 minutes, stirring regularly. Once the veg are all soft, allow to cool and serve.

If feeding this recipe regularly, nutritionists advise that it needs a source of calcium added to balance the mineral content. Half a tsp of calcium carbonate per serving would be ideal. You can source this from Vetchef.com, or simply use well crushed eggshells.

There are a number of popular Christmas treats that dog owners need to avoid letting their pups get their paws on. Dr Joe Inglis, Head Vet and Founder of VetChef says: “This Christmas, we’ll hopefully be making up for last year so there’s a high chance it’ll be a year of excess. However, it’s important not to feed your dog too much – or the wrong thing. And with friends and family visiting, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of some of our favourite festive snacks so you, or any of your loved ones, don’t accidentally poison your dog.”

Joe has listed the most popular Christmas foods that can cause problems:

Christmas cake, mince pies and Christmas pudding – The raisins and dried fruit can give dogs serious bloating and gastro-enteritis, potentially even kidney failure and long-term liver damage.
Chocolate – Keep that Quality Street lid firmly shut while the dog’s around as chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine which can cause heart issues, tremors, seizures and kidney problems in dogs.
Sage and onion or mushroom stuffing – Onions and mushrooms are toxic to both dogs and cats. Too much onion, garlic or chives can damage their red blood cells and cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Tomatoes and green peppers – They might be good for humans, but they can cause serious stomach upsets in dogs
Nuts, particularly macadamia nuts – These can make your pooch very poorly.
Foods that are high in fats and salts – Avoid fatty foods like roast potatoes and titbits that can cause diarrhea and pancreatitis
Grapes – You might be serving grapes with your after-dinner cheese platter so make sure your dog avoids them. Like raisins and sultanas, they can cause liver damage and kidney failure
Blue cheese –If you have blue cheese, like Roquefort or Stilton, in your platter, don’t let your dog get at it. They contain a substance called roquefortine C and in rare circumstances, this can cause dogs to develop muscle tremors and seizures.
Cooked bones – While dogs love a bone to gnaw on, make sure that they are raw bones because cooked bones are very dangerous as they splinter and can choke your dog.
Water from the Christmas tree stand – The sap from a natural Christmas tree can poison the water so make sure your pet can’t drink from it and, instead, they’ve got a steady supply of fresh water in their bowl ready when they need it.
Christmas decorations – They might look fun for a dog to play with but if they accidentally eat one of your favourite ornaments it could lead to major surgery to remove them from their stomach
Foods that have been leftover for too long – Using the right kind of leftovers to serve your dog some delicious homecooked food is a great idea. But, you need to make sure you’re not serving them anything that’s been out too long or has gone mouldy as that can be very dangerous.

Dr Joe Inglis is the founder of VetChef, the experts in home cooking for dogs. They supply recipes and supplements to make it easy and hassle-free to feed your dog fresh food and has been created by a team of expert nutritionists. For more information visit www.vetchef.com.

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Top tips on travelling with your dog from Vet Joe Inglis

Your Pets Daily Editor — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 16:12:33 +0000

How to give your dog the perfect puppy re-treat

As the schools break up for summer this month, thousands of families will be making their annual getaway. And, with the huge rise in pet ownership since the arrival of the pandemic, many will be travelling with their pups for the very first time.

To help families ensure they have a ‘pawesome’ time, Vet Dr Joe Inglis, Founder of home-cooking platform, VetChef (www.vetchef.com) has shared his top tips. He says: “With 59% of households now owning pets, there will be many more families choosing to take their four-legged friends on holiday with them. However, if you’re taking them for the first time, it can be a daunting experience and there are a lot of things you need to know.

Always plan journeys with your pet in mind. If you’re travelling by car, schedule plenty of breaks so your dog can relieve themselves or limit the length of stretches on trains or buses in one go.
Pack everything your pet will need for the journey, including water and a suitable drinking bowl, food if it’s going to extend beyond mealtimes, poop scooper or poo bags for the dog, bed and blanket and their favourite toys. And of course, their lead and muzzle if they need one.
Never, ever leave a pet in a parked car for any length of time as even short periods on moderately hot days can be fatal.
If your dog isn’t used to long journeys, try taking them on shorter ones and then building the distance up. If you find them getting car sick, use a car seat harness that allows them to sit on the back seat and see out the front. But, if this doesn’t work, or isn’t practical, speak to your vet about car sickness medications such as Cerenia which is a powerful anti-sickness drug for dogs. Ginger can also help reduce nausea so try feeding a home-made ginger dog biscuit an hour before setting off.
Book accommodation that is dog friendly. If you’re camping, make sure your dog is going to be happy and safe all night wherever you decide to keep them – in the tent, just outside the tent or in the car with windows open (they need to be wide open).
Holidays are a bad time to change their diet, so it’s not a good idea to go back to processed food if you’re one of those that has realised the huge benefits of home cooking for your dog. Dogs need a healthy, nutritious diet to keep their energy levels up. The simplest way to manage their food is to pre-pack those lovingly cooked dinners and keep them in a cooler until ready for use.
Some national parks and activities that you’d normally do as a family, won’t be dog friendly, so make sure you check them before you go to avoid disappointment.
Once you’re at your destination, keep your dog on a lead so they don’t get lost in a place they don’t recognise.
Keep them cool – It’s not just humans that need to be sun-safe, it’s your dog too. Make sure their skin is protected using sunscreen for dogs, particularly on their ears – and if they have white fur. Keep them hydrated and ensure that they have plenty of shade and fresh air. If they’re panting a lot, or even start foaming at the mouth, get them inside as soon as you can and give them water. Towels, soaked in cold water, are a good way of getting a dog’s temperature down quickly if they appear to be struggling.
Your dog might be a big fan of the water and as soon as they see the sea, a lake or river they’ll make a dash for it. But, be aware of hidden obstacles, dangerous currents and even toxic blue-green algae in stagnant water. Do check with the local visitor centre to find areas that are safe for dogs to swim in.

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