Towcester Vets shares 7 summer dangers dogs should avoid
We might seem like the ‘fun police’ when we say this, but did you know there are many summer dangers lurking in the great outdoors when you have dogs? The nursing team at Towcester Vets have created this guide on heatstroke, burns, lungworm, poisons, accidents, GDV, and stings to help Northamptonshire dog owners enjoy a safe summer with their pets.
You can help other pet owners by emailing our article to your friends and family or by sharing it on social media – just copy the URL and share away!
You might also like to read more stories like this link on our news page.
Summer Dog Dangers Guide
1. Heatstroke
Heatstroke is extremely common and can become life-threatening very quickly. Causes of heatstroke in dogs include spending too much time in the sun, exercising too much in the heat (includes walking), being stuck in a parked car or another sun trap, left without access to shade and water, and a cooling coat that has dried out. You can avoid heatstroke in dogs by avoiding these situations.
Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include: laboured panting, dull gums (not bright pink if they are usually), drooling, lethargy, and seizures.
If your dog displays any of the above symptoms call your Vet right away. In the meantime, remove your dog from the heat source and cool them down using tepid (not cold) water on their coat and a cool air fan, and give them a drink.
2. Burnt paws
Dogs can easily burn their paws by walking on surfaces that are too hot – tarmac, paving stones, and concrete especially can get hot enough to burn in the summer sun. The nursing team at Towcester Vets have a quick & easy way for you to tell if it is too hot. Put your hand on the surface for 5 seconds and if it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog.
3. Bloat/GDV
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat is a life-threatening condition that can occur when dogs do rigorous exercise too close to a large meal – it can happen to any dog but is more common in larger and taller breeds with big chest cavities. Bloat can also happen any time of the year, but is one to be aware of if you are planning some extra fun and games this season. Reduce the risk by leaving 1 hour before and 2 hours after exercise for big meals.
4. Lungworm
Left untreated, a lungworm infection can be fatal. Lungworm is spread through the slime of infected slugs and snails. Dogs typically become infected by eating these creatures or by coming into contact with contaminated dog bowls, toys, and beds that have usually been left outside. Thankfully, lungworm can be prevented through regular worming treatments.
5. Poisons & harmful items
Besides fun & rain, a British Summer can mean gardens awash with poisonous plants & pesticides, vegetable patches growing onions & garlic, fallen fruit with pips & stones, harmful leftovers from BBQs & picnics, rotting food in compost heaps, and access to poisons through open sheds & garages.
Towcester Vet’s nursing team recommend that owners should be extra vigilant when it comes to summer pet poisons and either remove them or prevent access. If you have any suspicions that your dog has dabbled, do not delay – call your Vet for emergency advice.
6. Accidents
Can you avoid accidents? Some, yes, by thinking ahead. Our Nurses suggest walking around your garden to try and spot as many potential accidents ‘waiting to happen’, and create a to-do-list – e.g. “remove broken glass from behind shed” and “fix hole in fence”.
You can think ahead when you are out with your dog too; look at roads, parked cars, potential escape routes, bodies of water, and the activities of nearby people. Just by being consciously aware of your surroundings you can avoid many problems.
7. Insect stings & animal bites
With the great outdoors comes many biting & stinging insects, and the odd snake. Keep an eye on your dog as they investigate nose-first and have a first aid kit and your vet’s number at the ready.
You can also help your dog have a safe and happy summer by:
- Always having water and a bowl with you
- Considering your dog’s wellbeing in each situation and surroundings
- Using preventative measures to help avoid many summer dangers
Before you go, please remember to share our safety guide on social media to help other dog owners like you.
Towcester Vets summer dog holiday recommendations
The UK is full of dog friendly holiday parks and destinations that your whole family can enjoy. However, with a huge increase in tourists expected to land in popular UK hotspots this summer instead of going abroad, it could be time to head somewhere a little different.
The Towcester Vets team has come up with their 5 best holiday destinations to go with dogs in summer 2022, that aren’t in Cornwall or Devon.
Why not share your favourite dog friendly holiday destinations with other owners on our Facebook page?
- Dog Friendly Anglesey
Right on the tip of North Wales, Anglesey is a real treat. You and your pup will have over 125 miles of coastal paths to explore. Set your dog’s senses alight with walks through fishing villages, woodlands, over cliff tops, and head down to the many dog friendly beaches. Here are even more things to do in Anglesey with your dog: Dog Friendly Anglesey
- Dog Friendly Northumberland
The northeast coast has it all – stunning scenery, long stretches of golden beaches, and an abundance of unique walking trails. You and your dog will be spoilt for choice. Northumberland’s all-year-round dog friendly beaches include Alnmouth beach, Boulmer beach, Beadnell Bay, and Embleton Bay. Further reading: Dog Friendly Days Out in Northumberland
- Dog Friendly Peak District
The Peak District has so much to offer, including over 100 dog friendly pubs with refreshing drinks and hearty meals for after your adventures. Visit the Peak District National Park with your dog for a fantastic choice of walks. There’s the Monsal Trail between Chee Dale and Bakewell, and the challenging Kinder Scout, with Mermaid’s Pool and Pym’s Chair along the way. Check out these Dog Friendly Pubs in the Peak District
- Dog Friendly Galloway & Dumfries
Southern Scotland is a beautiful yet often overlooked destination to take your dog on holiday. Choose from acres of forest, sandy beaches, river walks, and plenty of castles to explore. Dumfries & Galloway is an ideal place to stay, as it gives easy access to the surrounding areas. Read this guide on top things to do in Dog Friendly Dumfries & Galloway
- Dog Friendly Brecon Beacons
This might not seem like your typical summer holiday destination, but the Brecon Beacons National Park is a hidden gem with so many dog friendly attractions and walks. Plus, it’s the perfect base to explore the Welsh countryside and places like Rhossili Bay on the south coast. There’s lots of dog friendly accommodation in the Brecon Beacons too. For something extra special, our team suggests looking at Sugar & Loaf Cottages
We’d love to know your favourite UK holiday destinations to take to your dog in summer. Why not pop over to our Facebook page and share them with our followers?
The importance of insurance for pets in Towcester
The importance of insurance for pets in Towcester
Veterinary medicine and what we can do to keep your pet fit and well advances year on year. Yet our increasingly sophisticated emergency tests and treatments can be expensive. In fact, even providing basic care for your pet when they become ill or have an accident can prove costly.
That’s why having the right pet insurance is so important and why the veterinary team at Towcester vets want to make sure you have cover that’s up to date & appropriate for you.
The main benefits of pet insurance
- Peace of mind –Having the right insurance for your pet helps you relax, safe in the knowledge that you will be able to get them the best care, as opposed to the care you can afford.
- Financial benefits – Depending on the cover you choose you can protect yourself against many of the bills that tend to accrue for emergency treatment.
- If you don’t have insurance, or if you do but would like to discuss whether the cover you have is appropriate, please call the Towcester Veterinary surgery on 01327 350239 or talk to us at your next visit.
Whist we can’t recommend a specific insurance product, the Towcester Vets team know which insurance features are important, and they also know you and your pet. We are ideally placed to guide you towards the policy features that will best suit your pet and your pocket.
Insuring unusual pets
Most people have heard of insurance for dogs and insurance for cats. But what about other animals? Don’t worry, as you can now insure almost any species, including birds and reptiles, plus small furries such as chinchillas, chipmunks and even hedgehogs.
Look before you buy
Before buying pet insurance, make sure you understand exactly what the policy covers. Here are some things you need to pay attention to:
- Maximum payment – What is the maximum amount that the policy will pay?
- Exclusions – What exclusions apply to your pet?
- Excess – What is the policy excess?
- Time limit – How long will the insurance company continue to pay for a problem that your animal develops? Some policies only provide coverage for 12 months after development of a new condition. Others offer lifetime cover, so as long as you renew your policy every year, your pet is covered for life for treatment of chronic conditions.
It’s never too early to take action to protect your pet
If you don’t currently have insurance, come and talk to us and we can answer your questions. Even if you’re already insured, it’s still worth checking with us here at Towcester Vets that your policy is up to date and appropriate for your current circumstances.
Ask Towcester Vets about insurance
How to keep your cat calm on a vet visit to Towcester Vets
How to keep your cat calm on a vet visit
By their very nature cats are independent creatures of habit, that like to be in control of their surroundings. Those facts alone can make their annual trip to the vets a stressful experience. The good news however is that by understanding what it is that stresses our cats, there is much you can do, to prepare your cat for a vet visit and mitigate many of the stress causing factors. Here at Towcester Vets, we made a little poster with our top tips.
Get the cat carrier right
Get your cat used to their carrier by leaving it open for them to play around. Perhaps hide treats in it from time to time. This reduces the chance of your cat associating the carrier with negative aspects of travel. In the car, make sure the carrier is level, secure and ideally cover it with a towel so your cat has some privacy as they travel.
Make sure there are familiar smells throughout the outing
Clean the car and get rid of any heavy odour air fresheners. Make sure that the blanket you cover the cage with is a familiar old one from the house. Take spare bedding in case the cat soils the cage and if you need to, consider using a Pheromone spray to calm your cat for the outing.
Waiting room tips to minimise stress
The best way to reduce stress is to minimise your cat’s time in the waiting room so, check your cat in, before you bring it in. keep your cat away from any dogs or other pets whilst you are waiting. Talk to your cat to reassure it but….Please don’t be tempted to open the carrier until you are in the consultation room at Towcester Vets.
And finally – Take a treat
The Veterinary team at Towcester Vets are pretty adept at handling even the most anxious pets but it’s always a good idea to take a familiar treat. Offer this at the end of the visit, before you leave the waiting room, in order to maximise the positive associations of the visit and the treat.
If you’d like any more advice or if your cat is especially stressed when they travel, then please do let us know before you set off and we can offer specific advice for your pet and reassurance for you.
Vasectomy Season 2022!
Vasectomised or teaser rams are a great way to kick start cycling activity in the ewes making sure they are ready to go when the ram is introduced giving you a tighter lambing period. The best candidates are 4-5 months old, and surgery needs to be completed a minimum of 6 weeks prior to introduction to allow for recovery.
Teasers should be in with ewes for 2 weeks before the ram takes over, so an 8-week lead time is necessary.
For more information read our full article or give the team a call on 01327 350239
Best foot forward – cattle lameness
Entire books and conference schedules are devoted to foot care in dairy cattle and, quite rightly, when the industry is running at an estimated 1 in 5 lame milkers. However, our sucklers, finishers and bulls get less attention than they deserve.
Studies have shown a wide range of interpretations of what lameness looks like on beef units with farmers not considering overgrown and misshapen feet and an abnormal gait as lame. Instead, many farmers only really appreciate that lameness is an indication of pain when severe lesions are present.
Cows walk oddly because they are uncomfortable – that could be because the foot is misshapen and cannot bear weight evenly or because there is an infection between the claws, or deeper within the foot which we can all agree must be painful.
We know around 85% of lameness comes from the foot so if you have the skills and equipment to lift, assess and treat the foot then great, but we are aware that some set ups don’t lend themselves to safely doing this. However, this doesn’t mean that all we can do is give antibiotics and anti-inflammatories and shrug our shoulders. We can confidently state that no antibiotic will sort a nail stuck in the foot!
Foot trimmers are in demand but will attend for individuals and perhaps just as usefully can then go through the group and neaten up any misshapen claws that pre-dispose animals to lameness and help prevent future cases.
If you don’t have a contact for foot trimming, please get in touch, we have a list or we will happily attend a lame animal if they can be restrained safely and appropriately.
Lameness in cattle of whatever shape or size rarely resolves itself and the quicker you intervene the sooner the animal recovers. Quick treatment will also prevent deeper damage occurring that will ultimately protect against future foot problems.
Ouch! – Pain relief on the farm
When we’re on the farm we often identify animals that are in pain by changes in their behaviour such as reduced food intakes, lameness, isolation from the group, tooth grinding, depression and/or increased respiratory rate or effort. Pain will reduce an animal’s performance, whether that be mothering ability, milk production or growth rate and must therefore be prevented and/or treated promptly to benefit both farm income and the animal itself.
It is not hard to think of a situation where an animal will experience pain – whether it’s due to a routine management procedure where we can anticipate and reduce pain, or when they suffer disease or injury, where it’s important that unexpected pain is treated promptly and effectively.
For example, the use of local anaesthetic when disbudding and de-horning cattle is not only a legal requirement but a useful tool to reduce handling stress for all involved. The local simply blocks the pain without providing any long-term anti-inflammatory pain relief. Studies have shown that the use of an anti-inflammatory treatment at the time of the procedure reduces the acute pain seen when the local anaesthetic wears off. In addition to their use in de-horning, the same principle is also true for castration in calves (whichever technique is employed) and for tail docking in lambs. All Red Tractor members must use anaesthetic and pain relief for disbudding, dehorning and castration of calves by any method other than rubber rings.
Introducing non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
We have a range of anti-inflammatory pain relief available for cattle. These are classed as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). They are useful in a number of situations; as preventatives prior to a surgical procedure, as standalone treatment for an injury or in conjunction with a suitable antibiotic to reduce a high temperature or the inflammation associated with illnesses such as calf pneumonia or mastitis. NSAIDs also reduce tissue damage and make the animal feel better! This in turn means they are more likely to eat and helps reduce any check in weight gain due to ill health. They are essentially the animal equivalent of popping a Nurofen and should be routinely included in treatment protocols.
There are no NSAIDs licensed for sheep, goats or alpacas – not because they don’t work or because these animals do not feel pain but purely because it would cost too much money for the drug companies to get a license. However, as vets we are able to prescribe these drugs under the cascade system. We have plenty of data to know they are effective in helping control pain and inflammation in these species. It has been great to see so many people using NSAIDs over lambing this season and really seeing the benefit of a comfy ewe mothering her lambs after a tricky birth.
Last call for ‘Teaser Ram’ Vasectomies
Using vasectomised “teaser” rams is widely recognised as the best way to kick start cycling activity in a group of ewes at the same time. This will make sure their ovaries are raring to go when tups are introduced to the field.
We are coming to the end of ‘Vasectomy time’ at Towcester Farm Vets so if you have not already considered using Teaser Rams, then now’s the time to give us a call.
Contact our Farm vets about Ram Vasectomies
There are three benefits to using teaser rams
- They achieve a more compact lambing period
- This will lead to a better use of labour and resources come lambing time
- More compact lambing periods also help reduce the risk of disease in young lambs
How to choose and use teaser rams
The best candidates for your teasers are young rams, from 4-5 months of age, as they are generally more energetic, have good teeth and joints and less health concerns (what more could any ewe want..!).
One teaser can be expected to work with 100 ewes. We can perform the short operation under sedation on farm or at the surgery and as long as you can provide a pen, some water and someone to help hold the ram we carry everything else with us. Given the time of year good fly cover needs to be in place to prevent flystrike of the operation site.
Timings are important – surgery needs to be completed a minimum of 6 weeks before they are due to work to allow for recovery. It is recommended that teasers go in with the ewes for 14 days before the tups are introduced, so an 8-week lead time to the start of the service period is required. This mean that we are coming to the end of vasectomy time at Towcester Farm Vets, so if you have not already taken action now’s the time to give us a call.
Optimising the effect of teaser rams
The ewes will respond better if kept away from the sight, sound and smell of a male (by at least a mile!) for a month before the teaser goes in with them. As the aim is to get the ewe’s served in a shorter time frame you will need to ensure the tups are in peak condition to serve and increase ram numbers to meet demand (1 ram to around 20-30 ewes)
For more information or to book in any vasectomies, please contact the surgery.
Checklist for new puppy & dog owners in Northamptonshire
Bringing a new pet into the family is an exciting time but there is much to consider before bringing that pet home. We have some advice for wannabe pet owners in Northamptonshire on getting a new pet below.
Download our New Pet checklist
Our Vets always recommend that one of the first things to do as a family is to sit down and have a discussion. Set out what the responsibilities of owning a dog are and how each member of the family needs to contribute. Having this initial discussion can ensure everyone understands the work that is needed for a new dog and what they would like to get out of having a dog. It will also enable everyone to discuss what type of dog they would like and if they would prefer a rescue (puppy or adult) or a puppy from a breeder.
Things to think about may include:
- Breed of dog
- Puppy breeder or rescue animal
- Amount of exercise needed for that breed
- Training required
- Financials such as food costs, routine veterinary care, and insurance
- How will a dog fit into your lifestyle
One of the hardest questions may be whether to go for a puppy from a breeder or a rescue dog. There are advantages and disadvantages to both but our Burcote Road Vets advise that you should make the decision based on what is important as a family.
Choosing a rescue dog
There are many rescue centres in Northamptonshire and further afield, full of loving dogs desperate to find the right home. Rescue centre staff can help you by discussing what your family wants in a dog and identifying those that meet your requirements. Puppies and adult dogs in rescue centres will come from all kinds of different backgrounds. These might include dogs involved in abuse or neglect cases, or dogs whose previous owner could not care for them any longer for many different reasons. With most rescues you will go through a process of bonding with that dog to ensure they are a suitable fit for your family before fully committing. Adopting a rescue animal can be a wonderful and rewarding experience, but one that may require a lot of patience and some behavioural support.
Choosing a puppy from a breeder
Our Vets also advise that whilst puppies are very cute, they take an incredible amount of work initially. Much of this involves different types of training, such as toilet training, walking on a lead, recall, and general behaviour. This can be a very long and challenging process so it is important to have a full understanding of what is required to look after a puppy before buying one. You will also need to research the breeder’s advertising to ensure you are purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder and avoiding any puppy farms where welfare is compromised.
Which dog breed is right for you?
Consider the breed of dog you would like; different breeds have different requirements such as exercise, food, healthcare, and enrichment. Some breeds have typical character traits and temperaments, so not all will be suitable for your family. A working dog will need a lot more exercise than other breeds so if you are a very active family, having an active dog would be a suitable fit. If you are not very active then looking at breeds that do not have the high working drive would be a better option.
How much does owning a dog cost?
You also need to consider that everything your new dog needs comes with a cost, so be sure you are comfortable with those figures before committing to any pet. Typical costs include routine health care, pet insurance, food, bedding…and that is just for starters.
Get a more comprehensive list of what new puppies and adult dogs need when you download our New Pet Checklist – download now.
So, there you have our advice on choosing a new pet to suit your family. If you have more questions about owing a dog, why not ask us on our Facebook page? Visit us on Facebook
Before you go, remember to,
Vets in Towcester have this kitten care advice
Having a new kitten is very exciting as they attract a lot of attention with their playful antics. However, it must not be forgotten that they require a lot of care too. It is important to have your house prepared with adequate bedding, a cat carrier for vet visits, food and water at the ready, enrichment for your kitten, and to have some knowledge about how to bond with them.
As well as ensuring your kitten is comfortable in your home, you must take them to the vets so they can get vaccinated, microchipped, and checked over for any health problems.
Follow the team at Towcester Vets’ advice below to make sure your kitten has a happy and healthy start to their life with you.
Book a first kitten appointment
Common questions about getting a new kitten
Where do I get a kitten from?
We recommend adopting your kitten from a local animal charity and helping to reduce the number of unwanted kittens that need a home. If you are buying from a breeder, before choosing your kitten you should gather some information such as:
1.When was it born? (Kittens should stay with their mother until they are 12-14 weeks old to avoid some health and developmental issues, although many are separated at 8 weeks)
2.Will I be able to see the kitten with their mother?
3.Is there any information about the father?
4.What breed is the kitten?
5.Is it friendly?
6.Is the kitten on solid food?
All these questions will help you understand what your kitten will be socially and physically comfortable with, as well as any important details concerning breed specificity. In addition, make sure the kitten’s environment looks clean and the litter seems healthy. You can ask similar questions to an animal charity however they may not have all the answers.
Should my kitten be vaccinated?
It is crucial to have your kitten vaccinated, microchipped, treated for worms and fleas, and potentially neutered (at 4 months old). Here at Towcester Vets, we can take care of all these procedures. They are important to ensure disease protection, identification, parasite infestation, and the prevention of unwanted litters.
Important News – there is currently a national shortage of cat vaccines; we are doing everything we can to ensure there are enough vaccines for kittens under our care.
Should my kitten be neutered and chipped?
If you do not want your female kitten to be at risk of becoming pregnant as young as four months old, or your male kitten contributing to the ever-growing population of strays, then yes, your kitten will need to be neutered.
Regarding microchipping, there is a new government legislation to be released in 2022, stating cats must be microchipped by 20 weeks old. If the owner fails to do so, they risk being fined up to £500. Our Veterinary Surgeons can take care of neutering and microchipping at the same time for your kitten.
Kitten nutrition
Kittens require a diet high in energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They should have been weaned by the time you purchase them, now requiring soft, wet, digestible food. They will then need to switch to dry food or a mix of wet & dry as they grow. Ask our team about the best types of food for kittens and young cats at your first appointment.
Water should be always available and cats often like running water to drink from if possible. Ideally, your kitten should have a litter tray on each floor of your home away from their food and water bowls. If you have more than one kitten or cat, each will need their own litter tray to avoid fighting.
Enrichment
For enrichment, cats and kittens often enjoy interactive puzzles, toys, food balls, scratching posts, places to climb and hide, and time to roam outside. It is important that your kitten does not venture outside until they have been vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered.
Having a kitten is a very fun, rewarding experience, but also requires effort and responsibility. It is important that you follow the guidance above to ensure your kitten has everything they need for a healthy start, and they are comfortable within your home. If you have any concerns, share them on our Facebook page at Facebook.com/TowcesterVets.
Book an appointment at our Towcester vet practice so our team can advise you further and make sure your kitten gets the preventative treatments they need.
