Category: Dogs

What dogs are at risk?

All dogs of all sizes and ages. Overweight or short-nosed dogs such as Bulldogs and Pugs being at higher risk.

Why can’t my dog cool himself down?

Unlike humans, dogs are unable to sweat efficiently, and rely on panting to help cool themselves.

When is it too hot to leave my dog in the car?

Even if the weather looks cloudy, leaving your dog alone in the car is VERY DANGEROUS and CAN LEAD TO DEATH, even if windows are left open.

If the temperature outside is 22°C, the temperature inside the car can reach as high as 47°C within 60 minutes.

TOP TIPS – How to keep safe in the heat with your dog:

✅ NEVER leave your dog alone in a car, conservatory or caravan – even if the weather looks cloudy⁠
✅ When travelling in the car with your dog have the temperature set to cool, and open windows where necessary to allow a fresh flow of air⁠
✅ Always carry water with you and when out and about on walks, offer a drink of water regularly⁠
✅ Seek shaded spots to allow your dog chance to cool down⁠
✅ Don’t allow your dog to exercise excessively on hot days⁠
✅ Give fluffy or longhaired breeds a short haircut to keep them cool⁠

What is lungworm?

Lungworm is an emerging parasite that affects dogs in the UK. It has become very common in Southern England and South Wales and cases are increasingly occurring in Northern England and Scotland. This is a potentially fatal disease so something we all need be aware of.

Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is a parasite that can cause breathing problems and coughing due to its effects on the lungs. It can also affect blood clotting which can potentially cause nose bleeds, bleeding into the eye and excessive bleeding from minor wounds, among other signs.

How do dogs catch it?

Lungworm parasites can be carried by dogs and foxes, so it appears increasing numbers of foxes, especially in urban areas, increases the spread of the parasite. Dogs become infected by ingesting slugs or snails (or their slime) as these contain the infective larvae. Any dog eating slugs, snails or grass in an affected area is at risk.

Larvae may also be ingested by dogs when drinking from puddles. Dog toys or bowls left out in the garden at night are thought to be a source of infection as they attract slugs and snails and may get covered in slime. The parasite does not pass directly from dog to dog. However, picking up dog faeces will reduce the level of parasites getting into the slug/snail population.

Interesting fact…lungworm does not affect cats!

What are the symptoms to look for?

Lungworm disease can easily be missed as often the signs can mimic a lot of other diseases e.g. clotting disorders, bronchitis, neurological signs, anaemia, general malaise etc.

Diagnosis is either from finding larvae in faeces of an affected dog or from a blood test detecting presence of the parasite. Also, chest x-rays or endoscopy of the airways may be used if there are respiratory signs.

Treatment

Prompt treatment is needed of affected cases as the disease can be fatal, unfortunately. However, cases caught early enough can be treated and will usually recover.

Prevention of this parasite is with monthly use of a suitable anti parasitic. Routine combined roundworm/tapeworm treatments are ineffective against this parasite. Only those products available from your vet or on prescription will be effective. Milbemycin (eg Milbemax) will prevent this parasite but needs to be given monthly.

Other measures to reduce risk of infection include:

•             trying to stop your dog eating slugs or snails
•             avoiding leaving toys outside overnight
•             regularly cleaning outside water bowls
•             picking up poo – this reduces the spread of the parasite

If you think your dog may be at risk or is showing symptoms, please speak to one of the team at Oakhill for advice.

If you’d rather avoid an emergency trip to the vets this Christmas, beware of these Christmas dangers for cats:

If you’d rather avoid an emergency trip to the vets this Christmas, beware of these Christmas dangers for dogs:

As humans, we tend to embrace the sunshine and warmer weather that the summer months bring us. However, enjoying these warmer temperatures can quickly become very dangerous for our four-legged friends. Dogs lack the amount of widespread sweat glands that humans possess; only having sweat glands in their feet and around their nose. Therefore, they are unable to tolerate the heat like we can, relying on panting to keep themselves cool. Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced breeds) such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Boxers have a further increased susceptibility to heat stroke due to their upper airway abnormalities. We want to make everyone aware of the risk that warmer weather poses so we can enjoy the summer safely together.

What are the signs of heat stroke in dogs?

The signs that a dog may exhibit can vary as the body temperature rises and heat stroke develops in severity. If you recognise any of the below signs you should seek veterinary advice immediately:

• fast, heavy panting
• appearing distressed or agitated
• excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
• excessive thirst
• bright red gums or tongue (may turn a purple tinge as severity increases)
• increased heartrate
• elevated body temperature
• diarrhoea
• glassy appearance to eyes
• staggering when walking
• collapse
• seizures
• unconsciousness

Heat stroke is the result of a dog unable to control his body temperature resulting in hyperthermia. This may be exertional heat stroke as a result of a dog being exercised in warmer temperatures, or non-exertional due to lack of ventilation and/or water which is typically seen in dogs left in parked cars.  There is no defined space of time of how long it can take for a dog in a parked car to develop heat stroke, however, this can be as little as 15 minutes. 

Tips to help keep your dog safe:

• NEVER leave your dog in a parked car in warm weather for any period of time
• avoid long car journeys (if your dog travels in the boot, the temperature back here may be considerably higher than in the rest of the car where you are sitting)
• restrict exercise on warmer days
• take advantage of cooler temperatures in the morning and late evening
• make sure your dog has access to water to drink-allow access to shade when in the garden or on a walk
• take water with your dog on a walk-provide a cool place for your dog to rest for example a cool wet towel in the shade

Timing is crucial with these cases; the sooner the signs of heat stroke are noticed by an owner, and the dog receives prompt veterinary treatment, the better the prognosis. Where possible, phoning the veterinary practice in advance of setting off to the vets with your dog can be beneficial; we may well advise you to start cooling techniques before your journey. On arrival, we will assess your pets condition and provide veterinary treatment as needed. This can include applying cooling techniques, administering intravenous fluids alongside constant monitoring of clinical signs. Unfortunately, despite aggressive veterinary treatment, heat stroke can result in serious long term complications such as kidney failure or in some cases can even be fatal.