Vet vs Google: Pet owners turning to Google to diagnose pet health
A new report reveals UK pet owners are increasingly anxious about their pet's health, with more than one in five (21 per cent) experiencing daily worries. Research found a reliance on Google for panicking pet owners, with many turning to the internet to diagnose their pets' health concerns and to seek online pet advice (88 per cent).
The survey conducted by Post Office highlights the growing concerns of UK pet owners regarding their pets' health and the rising costs of pet care. The data sheds light on the emotional and financial stress experienced by pet owners across the country.
21 per cent of pet owners admit to worrying about their pet's health and wellbeing every day. This concern is particularly pronounced among younger pet owners aged 18-34 (23 per cent). The majority (71 per cent) of respondents reported feeling stressed about the costs associated with pet care, including vet visits, treatments, and check-ups - despite this, over 40 percent (41 per cent) do not have pet insurance in place.
When it comes to the top causes of panic, pet owners cite animals eating something they shouldn't (35 per cent), health issues (32 per cent) and changes in behaviour (31 per cent) as the most common concerns.
Pet panics are leading many to turn to Google to diagnose their worries. Google searches for dogs eating chocolate increased by 143 per cent over the Easter period (20th-26th April 2025) compared to the yearly average 1. However, over a third (33 per cent) admit this leads to increased anxiety rather than reassurance.
With daily worries about pets' wellbeing and the financial strain as a major stressor, there is a growing demand for affordable and accessible solutions such as comprehensive pet insurance plans and a 24/7 vet advice line. 80 per cent said they would feel more at ease with access to an 24/7 online vet in pet emergencies.
Paul Paddock, product and pricing director at Post Office, said: 'The data highlights the understandable panics many pet owners face when looking after their furry friends, from eating something they shouldn't, changes in their behavior, to leaving them home alone.
"We know that ensuring our pets are healthy and happy can come with emotional and financial stresses. The internet can be a great source of information for concerned owners, however with so much misinformation online, it's easy to incorrectly diagnose your pet and worry. Whilst it can be a useful resource, the internet should never replace professional advice.
'We are committed to supporting pet owners with accessible services, which is why all our plans from dog insurance, cat insurance, to rabbit insurance give you access to 24/7 support with our PetCall advice line. Pets are family, and we aim to provide peace of mind for owners.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
20 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Popular kids' toy sold on Amazon urgently recalled over 'serious' injury risk
Parents have been warned after a popular summer kids toy - sold on Amazon - was recalled over fears it could pose 'serious risk of injuries' due to 'accessible magnets with a magnetic flux index' A popular children's toy sold on Amazon has been recalled over fears it could pose a "serious risk of injuries". Parents have been warned not to let their kids use a specific plaything, previously available from the major online retailer. The Soppycid Reusable Water Balloons have since been removed from the website after the product recall - following fears around the safety of the items. The toy posed a safety risk because "it contains accessible magnets with a magnetic flux index that exceeds the acceptable level", according to the item's risk description. The water balloons were available to buy in a pack of six and retailed for £18. The risk description also said: "Small, high-powered magnetic products can easily be swallowed and, when ingested, have the potential to cause serious internal injuries within the gastrointestinal tract. The product also requires improvement to marking, labelling and documentation." The Office for Product Safety and Standards listed the recall and said the toys were sold via Fruggo. It said: "The product has been recalled from end users. The listings have been removed by the online marketplace (Fruugo)." It added that these toys did not meet the regulations of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. The toy was described as a "bag of colourful reusable water balloons, sealed with magnets" and the country of origin was said to be China. This comes two months after Easter toys sold at Home Bargains were urgently recalled due to concerns they could cause children "to choke". The retailer urged shoppers who bought the Happy Easter plush toys to return the product to stores. The company's website stated that the product, distributed by TJ Morris Ltd and sold in their stores, posed a "serious asphyxiation risk". This was due to the internal fibrous stuffing material - which could easily be accessed by kids because the stitching around the toy was weak. The toys were available in three variations – a yellow chick, a pink rabbit, and a white rabbit – and were all removed from sale. The affected toys had the barcode 10811016. Toys haven't been the only items hit with product recalls recently. Lidl was forced to pull a popular protein bar from shelves due to health fears. The Cookies & Cream Protein Bars, made by Healthy Fit, were removed from stores in Northern Ireland because they contained milk and soya. These items, which are common allergens, were not declared in English on the label. This therefore posed a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents, and/or an allergy to soya.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Does honey really do anything to ease hay fever symptoms? I tried it for a week and grilled experts to find out
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HAY fever season has well and truly arrived. And with a staggering 16million Brits affected, it's no wonder we are always on the lookout for a miracle cure. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Some people swear by honey as a natural hay fever remedy, but does it really work? Credit: Getty A growing number of TikTok influencers - and some family members - claim local honey is the wonder hack guaranteed to ease your itchy eyes and runny nose. And a quick social media or Google search brings up dozens of posts claiming that a spoonful is all it takes to provide the relief you need. The theory is that local honey contains small amounts of pollen from nearby plants, and by consuming it, your immune system becomes accustomed to the pollen, reducing sensitivity and the severity of reactions over time. But is there any scientific research to back up the claims? Sadly, GP Dr Helen Wall says the evidence is 'slim'. 'Some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest that locally sourced, unprocessed honey might reduce symptoms,' she tells Sun Health. 'It is based on the idea that it could act like a natural desensitisation process. 'Desensitisation is a therapy that can be used to cure allergies by slowly introducing the allergen in small amounts so the immune system can get used to it. 'But controlled clinical trials are lacking and systematic reviews do not support honey as an effective treatment for hay fever.' Despite what you may hear, honey does not work like an antihistamine. When your hay fever symptoms could really be signs of cancer 'Antihistamines are medications that block histamine receptors which then prevent the release of a chemical called histamine, which is released when your body thinks it has come across a threat,' Dr Wall says. 'It is meant to be a protective mechanism, but in people with allergies, histamine is triggered unhelpfully and this is what causes allergy symptoms. 'Honey does not block histamine receptors so it doesn't work in the same way as many medications would.' And if you stop taking your usual medicine, you may find your symptoms worsen. 'If someone relies solely on honey, they may suffer from poorly controlled hay fever which can impair sleep, concentration and quality of life,' Dr Wall says. 'It often builds up over time, so getting on top of it early can be beneficial. 'I recommend starting antihistamines and steroid sprays four weeks before hay fever starts in those known to suffer. 'In people with allergic asthma, untreated hay fever can worsen respiratory symptoms and trigger asthma.' Some patients will swear by local honey, and I don't doubt their experience, but medically I can't explain it nor recommend it Dr Sophie Farooque Dr Sophie Farooque, a consultant allergist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and one of the UK's leading allergy experts, says that while local honey may be 'delicious' and soothe a scratchy throat, there is little scientific evidence that it will reduce symptoms. 'The theory that honey may help stems from the idea that pollens contained in honey will desensitise you,' she says. 'However the pollen in honey is from flowers and not from the pollen that causes hay fever, which is from tree, grass and weed pollens.' 4 Many of us are plagued by constant sneezing when the pollen count is high Credit: Getty A 2002 study by the University of Connecticut compared taking a tablespoon of locally produced, unfiltered honey with a tablespoon of nationally produced pasteurised honey, and honey flavoured corn syrup (the placebo) in patients with hay fever. None of the three groups noticed a reduction in the symptoms. Further research in Malaysia evaluated 40 patients with hay fever and divided them into two groups. Half ate honey and half did not. 'Those who consumed the honey noticed a very slight reduction in symptoms compared to those that didn't, but participants had to eat a jar a week every day for months and the pollen in Malaysian honey will be different to the UK,' Dr Farooque adds. 'Some patients will swear by local honey, and I don't doubt their experience, but medically I can't explain it nor recommend it. 'There isn't good data and scientifically, it doesn't make sense. 'If patients want to go drug-free then saline rinses have far stronger evidence and I often suggest these. 'Of course eat honey for pleasure, but not in the belief that by doing so you are desensitising yourself and reversing the common immunological processes that cause seasonal allergies. It's a myth.' Hay fever first aid kit Analyse your symptoms and find the best medication kit for you... Antihistamines Antihistamines (cetirizine or loratadine) work by blocking histamine in the body, which is released when the body detects something it thinks is harmful. Histamine causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell, but in people with hay fever, also causes an allergic reaction. That's the watering eyes, blocked nose, rashes and so on. Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax, says that many antihistamines are available on prescription, such as Telfast, which you can see your GP for or get through an online doctor, such as LloydsPharmacy. Telfast, and other prescription-only antihistamine tablets, work in the same way as over-the-counter antihistamines, but are stronger and intended to help with more severe symptoms. 'Get your prescription in advance of the season so you have your medication in time to start taking it at the right time,' he says. 'Some are best taken at least one month before the hay fever season starts." Nasal sprays A nasal spray can be effective in controlling congestion and stuffiness. Pharmacists can advise on nasal sprays (sodium cromoglicate, ipratropium bromide or decongestant), and eye drops, too. Nasal sprays can also help with other symptoms of hay fever 'because the medicine is targeted directly to the nose, which is where the vast majority of allergens enter the body', Max says. Independent pharmacist Rita Ghelani says: 'Try Xlear nasal spray, which contains xylitol, and has anti-bacterial properties and keeps the nasal lining moist. 'If symptoms are more severe, then try an anti-inflammatory nasal spray – sometimes referred to as a steroid nasal spray – which can take a few days to work. 'Start with one that contains beclomethasone, which is used twice a day, in the morning and at night.' Rita also advises cleaning the nose with a saline nasal spray before a steroid spray, saying: 'It will remove sticky mucus from the nasal passage, thus improving the effectiveness of the medication.' Eye drops If itchy eyes are your primary concern, Rita says: 'Try using sodium cromoglicate eye drops. "These make the eyes less sensitive to allergens such as pollen and reduce irritation. "They need to be used four times a day to keep the levels of the active ingredient high enough to be effective. "Keep using them even if symptoms improve. 'Using a good eye drop to lubricate the eyes may also help with dry eyes during the summer months.' While it might not help with your hay fever sniffles, honey does of course have other health benefits. Researchers at the University of Oxford found it can effectively relieve cough and cold symptoms. It also contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytochemicals, which are anti-inflammatory and contain cancer-fighting antioxidants. But that doesn't mean it's good for everyone, as it's also very high in sugar. Dietitian Emma Shafqat said one tablespoon contains around 6g, so she recommends consuming it 'in moderation'. Excess sugar intake can contribute to tooth decay, weight gain and blood sugar spikes, so people with diabetes should take particular care. Emma added that honey should not be given to children under the age of one as there is a risk of botulism - a rare but serious condition where the body's nerves are attacked by a toxin. MY TEST 4 The Sun's Lynsey Hope tested local honey for a week Credit: Supplied HAVING suffered from hay fever since I was a teenager, I was keen to put this theory to the test. While the evidence is scant, lots of people swear by honey so I was hopeful it might have some effect. First of all, I had to work out how much to take. Researchers recommend around 1g per kilogram of body weight daily. For a person weighing 80kg, this is four tablespoons a day. I weigh about 60kg so that means around 2.8 tbsp. That's quite a lot and I was concerned about the extra sugar in my diet. But if it could stop the itchy eyes and sneezing, I was happy to give it a go! I bought a jar of Kentish honey from a farm shop near me. It wasn't cheap, costing a whopping £8.45. I started taking some in the morning with breakfast and stopped taking my antihistamines. Quercetin is a flavonoid found in apples, onions and berries. It has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine-like effects Dr Helen Wall I definitely loved having it in my porridge, but I'm not sure it had any effect. The pollen count was exceptionally high on the week of the test and my itchy eyes and sneezing continued as normal. I struggled to sleep because of it too and after seven days, I had to go back on the antihistamines as I looked as though I'd been crying. I admit to being disappointed. I'd far rather have taken honey to ease my symptoms than medication. But it just didn't do the job. 4 Scientists say local honey likely won't help treat your itchy eyes Credit: Getty DO ANY NATURAL REMEDIES WORK? SO honey doesn't work, but what else can you try? Nasal irrigation is the 'strongest contender' for a natural hay fever remedy, according to Dr Wall. She says a saline rinse may flush out allergens and reduce congestion. As a treatment, it is safe and low risk. But there are other options to try. 'Quercetin is a flavonoid found in apples, onions and berries,' Helen says. 'It has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine-like effects. 'Again there is limited evidence in humans but there have been some positive results in reducing nasal symptoms in particular, and these are foods which are good for you anyway.' Some studies have also found spirulina (blue-green algae) may work as a treatment. It's thought to reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms and it's an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. A 2018 Chinese study also recommended acupuncture as an effective treatment, particularly for nasal congestion and sneezing.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Daily Record
Teenager praises ‘amazing' Paisley hospital experience after volunteer role
Sophie Henderson has been helping out at the town's Royal Alexandra Hospital. A teenager who provides companionship and support to patients at a Paisley hospital has told how the role has helped prepare her to study medicine at university. Sophie Henderson spends around two hours per week after school as a volunteer at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) assisting patients in a medical respiratory ward. The 17-year-old said the experience and commitment has given her a valuable insight into working in a clinical environment – and built her confidence as she works towards becoming a doctor. The Johnstone High School pupil, who is currently finishing sixth year, has been accepted to study medicine at the University of Aberdeen after the summer. She has been volunteering at the RAH for over a year and initially supported the staff 'relaxation and recuperation hub' when she joined during the Easter holidays in 2024. She went on to become a ward support volunteer. Sophie told of her 'amazing experience' working with patients, staff and visitors, and the rewarding feeling she gets from providing companionship to those who may otherwise feel isolated. She said: 'I come in every Thursday at around dinnertime and the nature of the respiratory ward means that often you see the same patients multiple times. 'They will quite often remember me from the last time they were in hospital and it's really nice to know I've made an impact on them. 'When I come in, I will usually go around each of the rooms in the ward to see if anybody needs anything, and then will sit and have a chat just to keep them company. 'It has been an amazing experience to build these relationships with patients and staff and to spend time in a hospital setting – it has really built up my confidence. 'It has also given me perspective and some knowledge and experience of the different roles of people working in hospitals. It really helped me prepare for my future career in medicine and confirmed this is something I want to pursue.' Sophie shared her story as NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) celebrates Volunteers' Week. Many sites are actively seeking to recruit volunteers. More information about volunteering and current opportunities can be found on the health board's website. Sophie received training and was paired with a 'buddy' when she first started doing shifts, and later went on to become a mentor to other new volunteers. She also recently won a summit award for her outstanding contribution to volunteering. Harry Balch, volunteer manager for NHSGGC's Clyde sector, said: 'Sophie is a valued member of the volunteer team. She is friendly, professional, organised and compassionate and possesses excellent interpersonal skills. 'Within the department, Sophie is incredibly hard working and very respectful in her approach and the patients benefit hugely from the time she spends with them. 'Volunteers' Week gives us the opportunity to say a huge thank you to our volunteers and celebrate their generous contribution. 'Volunteers come from all walks of life, bringing a whole range of experience and skills to the service and that's what makes volunteering so beneficial. 'Not only do the volunteers provide invaluable support to patients, it can be a hugely rewarding – and sometimes surprising – experience for those who volunteer.'
