Latest news with #AngelaLaws
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
How to keep your pet safe during tick season
AUSTIN (KXAN) — As we continue to enter tick season in Central Texas, it's important to keep up to date with medications for your pet to keep them safe. KXAN Meteorologist Tommy House sat down with Angela Laws, who is the Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters to learn more. Meteorologist Tommy House: My first question for you today is, what should pet owners avoid when it comes to over-the-counter parasite prevention products, specifically for ticks? Angela Laws: Okay, so the best advice is always, prevention is better than cure. Not all over-the-counter products are equal. The very best place to get tick prevention medication or products is from your veterinarian, because they know the dog, and they know the ticks in the area. That is the best way to ensure proper prevention. House: What specific dog breeds require extra caution during tick season? Laws: All dog breeds and cats as well. You should be watching all of them. But the ones we focus on more than anything else are those with long coats. And that's for the simple reason that ticks burrow into the skin. So, if you've got a long-coated dog breed, the ticks can get hidden and easily missed. Those are the breeds you really need to watch. You need to treat them, and every time they come back from a walk or have been out in the yard, check them. The way to do that is by grooming regularly, but also making sure to look in all those hidden spots, like underneath the legs and in areas where the hair is really long. House: A lot of people think home remedies are a good solution, matches or I've even heard of petroleum jelly, when dealing with ticks during tick season. What are the risks of using these at-home remedies? Laws: Okay, we like to call those old wives' tales. You know, those things like, 'Oh, why don't you try this?' And someone's going to suggest it. The problem is, they don't work. Full stop. And they can actually do far more harm than good. What often happens is, you leave the tick embedded in the skin. You might break it, or leave the head in, and all of those things can contribute to infection. And the one thing we want to prevent above all is Lyme disease. So, if you have any concern that your animal has picked up a tick and maybe you've missed it, or if their health or behavior changes, always, always consult your veterinarian. House: And for pet owners who are going on a trip and they need a pet sitter to watch their pet, what is some advice and ways that owners can communicate to the pet sitter to take care of that animal, and also for the peace of mind of the owners? Laws: We've got over 4,000 members in Texas, that's a lot of pets being kept happy at home. And especially during tick season, it's important to give your sitter all the information you've got: what product is being used, where ticks are likely to be, anything specific about your pet that helps keep them safe and happy. And again, always tell your sitter that if there's any concern at all, they should consult the veterinarian. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Scottish Sun
03-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Huge £1,000 fine dog owners face for common mistake while on a walk this summer – it could be dangerous for your pet too
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUMMER is almost here and if you're a dog-owner, there's a rule you should know about. If you're planning to take your pooch for country walks, avoid this costly mistake. 2 Dog owners can face up to £1,000 in fines during country walks between now and the end of July Credit: Getty Between March 1 and July 31, dog walkers are at risk of a fine when enjoying a country stroll. While you may be tempted to let your pooch off its leash when in a more remote setting, be warned that this move could cost you up to £1,000. It's common knowledge to keep your dog leashed in busy public areas, but during the spring and summer period the same rules apply to the UK countryside. According to the Countryside Code, you should "always keep dogs under control and in sight". "The countryside, parks, and the coast are great places to exercise your dog but you need to consider other users and wildlife," the code outlines. Dog owners are required to keep their pets "under effective control" to make sure they stay away from wildlife, livestock, horses, and other people "unless invited". The government law advised members of the public to "always keep your dog on a lead or in sight" and "be confident your dog will return on command". You should also ensure your dog "does not stray from the path or area where you have right of access". The code recommends checking local signs for the area's restrictions on canines in public. "Local areas may also ban dogs completely, except for assistance dogs," the code explained. Shocking moment plane passenger 'folds' her dog into a tiny carry-on bag at gate in desperate bid to get pup onto flight The law also specified rules surrounding walking your dog in areas with livestock. "It is good practice wherever you are to keep your dog on a lead around livestock," the code stipulated. "On Open Access land and at the coast, you must put your dog on a lead around livestock. "Between 1 March and 31 July, you must have your dog on a lead on Open Access land, even if there is no livestock on the land." And while this law helps to protect livestock, ignoring it may put your pooch at risk too. More summer risks to dogs EXPERTS are warning pet owners to be vigilant when it comes to taking their dogs out this summer - especially when it comes to taking them to the beach. Dr Rebecca MacMillan says it is important that dog parents are well prepped to ensure a safe trip away with their dog. From consumption of salt water, to open holes, the Gloucestershire-based vet says there are hidden hazards to look out for. Angela Laws, who is head of community at British pet-sitting platform TrustHousesitters, also urges pet owners to 'prioritise safety' and to 'be aware of potential hazards.' Preventing injuries Large holes can be hidden amongst the sand, which can cause injury if your dog trips or falls into it. Dr Rebecca is warning pet owners, as if you are playing fetch with them, your dog might not be 'expecting a hole' as they are running, which can cause them to fall and injure themselves. Talking to the Femail, Dr Rebecca also wanted to be mindful of other beach-going pets if you and your dog choose to dig a hole and to fill it back up before heading off. Food for thought Although you would never dream of drinking the water from the sea, your pets may view it as a large bowl of water for them. However, seawater consumption is extremely dangerous for your dogs according to Dr Rebecca. Drinking saltwater can disrupt the 'balance of electrolyte in the body and cause dehydration,' according to Rebecca. This is also the case for sand as too much sand can cause a painful obstruction, 'which may require surgery.' Check the temperature Just like humans, pets can get heat stroke too. It is most likely to occur when the body's temperature rises above 36C and hits 40C. Dr Rebbeca suggests caution when the weather outside hits 25C, and especially if it's over 27C. She also warned pet owners to do their research on the type of breed of their dog, as some will be much more 'prone to heatstroke.' Dr Rebecca says these dogs include flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs, and large breeds with thick coats. She urges dog parents to make sure their pet is well hydrated, try to keep them in the shade and remember to be aware of their paws burning on the ground. Digging dangers Dr Rebecca there could be anything from discarded BBQ's with hot coals, to broken glass or sharp objects. She said: 'If your pooch is prone to digging, make sure you're nearby in case of any unexpected finds.' "A farmer can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock," the law explained. "They may not be liable to compensate the dog's owner." In the event where you feel threatened by livestock or horses while walking your dog, the code recommends letting your pooch loose. "Do not risk getting hurt protecting your dog," the code advises. "Releasing your dog will make it easier for you both to reach safety." Dog owners have also been warned to keep their pets clear of nesting areas this spring. And a UK beaches have reintroduced the restrictions regarding dogs on beaches during the summer months.
The Irish Sun
03-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Huge £1,000 fine dog owners face for common mistake while on a walk this summer – it could be dangerous for your pet too
SUMMER is almost here and if you're a dog-owner, there's a rule you should know about. If you're planning to take your pooch for country walks, avoid this costly mistake. 2 Dog owners can face up to £1,000 in fines during country walks between now and the end of July Credit: Getty Between March 1 and July 31, dog walkers are at risk of a fine when enjoying a country stroll. While you may be tempted to let your pooch off its leash when in a more remote setting, be warned that this move could cost you up to £1,000. It's common knowledge to keep your dog leashed in busy public areas, but during the spring and summer period the same rules apply to the UK countryside. According to the Read More On Dogs "The countryside, parks, and the coast are great places to exercise your dog but you need to consider other users and wildlife," the code outlines. Dog owners are required to keep their pets "under effective control" to make sure they stay away from wildlife, livestock, horses, and other people "unless invited". The government law advised members of the public to "always keep your dog on a lead or in sight" and "be confident your dog will return on command". You should also ensure your dog "does not stray from the path or area where you have right of access". Most read in Fabulous The code recommends checking local signs for the area's restrictions on canines in public. "Local areas may also ban dogs completely, except for assistance dogs," the code explained. Shocking moment plane passenger 'folds' her dog into a tiny carry-on bag at gate in desperate bid to get pup onto flight The law also specified rules surrounding walking your dog in areas with livestock. "It is good practice wherever you are to keep your dog on a lead around livestock," the code stipulated. "On Open Access land and at the coast, you must put your dog on a lead around livestock. "Between 1 March and 31 July, you must have your dog on a lead on Open Access land, even if there is no livestock on the land." And while this law helps to protect livestock, ignoring it may put your pooch at risk too. More summer risks to dogs EXPERTS are warning pet owners to be vigilant when it comes to taking their dogs out this summer - especially when it comes to taking them to the beach. Dr Rebecca MacMillan says it is important that dog parents are well prepped to ensure a safe trip away with their dog. From consumption of salt water, to open holes, the Gloucestershire-based vet says there are hidden hazards to look out for. Angela Laws, who is head of community at British pet-sitting platform TrustHousesitters, also urges pet owners to 'prioritise safety' and to 'be aware of potential hazards.' Preventing injuries Large holes can be hidden amongst the sand, which can cause injury if your dog trips or falls into it. Dr Rebecca is warning pet owners, as if you are playing fetch with them, your dog might not be 'expecting a hole' as they are running, which can cause them to fall and injure themselves. Talking to the Food for thought Although you would never dream of drinking the water from the sea, your pets may view it as a large bowl of water for them. However, seawater consumption is extremely dangerous for your dogs according to Dr Rebecca. Drinking saltwater can disrupt the 'balance of electrolyte in the body and cause dehydration,' according to Rebecca. This is also the case for sand as too much sand can cause a painful obstruction, 'which may require surgery.' Check the temperature Just like humans, pets can get heat stroke too. It is most likely to occur when the body's temperature rises above 36C and hits 40C. Dr Rebbeca suggests caution when the weather outside hits 25C, and especially if it's over 27C. She also warned pet owners to do their research on the type of breed of their dog, as some will be much more 'prone to heatstroke.' Dr Rebecca says these dogs include flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs, and large breeds with thick coats. She urges dog parents to make sure their pet is well hydrated, try to keep them in the shade and remember to be aware of their paws burning on the ground. Digging dangers Dr Rebecca there could be anything from discarded She said: 'If your pooch is prone to digging, make sure you're nearby in case of any unexpected finds.' "A farmer can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock," the law explained. "They may not be liable to compensate the dog's owner." In the event where you feel threatened by livestock or horses while walking your dog, the code recommends letting your pooch loose. "Do not risk getting hurt protecting your dog," the code advises. "Releasing your dog will make it easier for you both to reach safety." And a UK beaches have reintroduced the restrictions regarding 2 Taking your dog off its leash during a country walk this summer may result in fines up to £1,000 Credit: Getty
