Dr Scott's tips to keep your pet healthy this summer
With new research suggesting that pet insurance claims skyrocket as the weather gets warmer, and a fifth of claims in the summer months coming as a result of grass seed injuries, Dr Scott is here with his advice on how to keep your animals safe. From poisonous plants and pesticides to insect bites and stings, Scott’s here with all you need to know to keep your fur babies happy and healthy all summer long.
Grass seeds
How common are grass seed injuries?
Pet insurance companies have discovered that a fifth of claims made throughout the warmer months were due to injuries caused by grass seeds.
What do grass seeds look like?
They are shaped like a pointy grain of rice.
What problems can grass seeds cause to dogs?
Grass seeds can get trapped in a dog's fur and pierce the skin.
They are a vegetable matter and are not visible on an x-ray.
How do I tell if my dog has been affected by grass seeds?
Paws - Check between your dog's toes. You might notice your dog licking their paw or limping and the padded area may look sore.
Ears - Check if your dog is shaking their head or holding their head to the side.
Eyes - Is there discomfort or redness in the eyes? Look out for additional blinking or using their paw to rub the eye.
Armpit - Areas that aren't as accessible by brushing, and where movement can aid the journey of a grass seed, should be checked regularly and carefully.
What should I do if my dog is affected by a grass seed?
If it hasn't penetrated the skin then you should try and remove it with tweezers.
Go to the vet if you believe a grass seed has actually penetrated your dog's skin.
Pesticides
What is a pesticide?
Pesticides are used to control insects around the home, weeds in the garden, germs and rodents. They contain harmful toxins.
What are the signs of pesticide irritation?
Vomiting, diarrhoea & no appetite.
What should I do if my pet is affected by pesticides?
Determine how much or what was consumed and call your vet.
Poisonous plants
What is a 'poisonous plant'?
The following plants can be dangerous to your dogs, especially if they eat them in large amounts:
Bluebells
Daffodils
Tulips
What problems can poisonous plants cause?
No appetite, low energy, vomiting or diarrhoea.
What should I do if my pet is affected?
Call your vet immediately!
Insect bites
What insect bites should I be extra cautious of?
Ticks
Mosquito bites
Fly bites
What problems can insect bites cause to pets?
While it's rare for your pet to have an allergic reaction to an insect bite, if you think they've been bitten, keep a close eye.
How do I tell if my pet has been affected by an insect bite?
Mosquito bites - you're more likely to see the mosquito on your pet than the bite itself.
Ant bites - these might come up in small red lumps.
Fly bites - these might appear as red lumps or scabs.
What should I do if my pet is affected by an insect bite?:
Use a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling and call your vet if you are still worried.
Stings
How do I tell if my pet has been affected by a sting?:
Swelling, licking or biting the sting
Whining or crying, hives, limping
Holding up a paw and drooling
What should I do if my pet is affected by an sting?
Bee sting:
Try to pull the sting out (never squeeze it).
Bee stings can be treated with a solution of bicarbonate of soda mixed with water.
You can use an ice pack on the sting to try and soothe the area.
Wasp sting:
There won't be a sting left behind and there may be more than one sting.
Treat wasp stings with vinegar. You can soak a cotton wool pad and apply this to the sting.
Use of an ice pack is also recommended.