Latest news with #CharlieMatthias
Telegraph
19-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Dog walkers warned of deadly algae risk during heatwave
Dog owners have been warned to keep their pets away from lakes and rivers this summer amid a rise in toxic blue-green algal blooms. Government officials have seen a high number of so-called blue-green algal blooms around the UK this year as a result of the hot and dry weather. These events occur when thriving colonies of bacteria use the warmth and sunlight to reproduce rapidly. They create a colourful scum on the water, which if ingested can make humans ill and kill animals, with dogs particularly susceptible to the toxins. Officials and animal welfare experts have urged caution this summer with people encouraged to keep themselves, children and pets away from plagued rivers and lakes. Algal blooms have become more common since 2015 because of climate change, experts say. Charlie Matthias, the senior veterinary surgeon at Dogs Trust, told The Telegraph: 'As temperatures continue to soar and water levels drop, there is a potential for an increase in blue-green algae. 'Blue-green algae can make your dog very sick and, in some cases, prove fatal if ingested even in small quantities. 'We're urging all dog owners to avoid letting their dogs swim in or drink from lakes or rivers that look green, scummy, have surface foam or have warning signs nearby. 'Blue-green algae is not always easy to spot, so if in doubt, don't let your dogs swim in or drink from the water.' Blue-green algal blooms form when nutrient-rich water, often enriched by chemicals from farms and warm weather, cause bacteria called cyanobacteria to grow rapidly. Still and slow-moving water are prone to these blooms which emerge quickly following prolonged exposure to sunlight and warm temperatures. They often persist for several months once formed and until colder weather arrives. Authorities are expecting the issue to endure for several months yet. The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) runs a 'Bloomin' Algae' project where the public send in images of suspected toxic blooms and experts determine if it is. Data show that half of the about 200 submissions this year are blue-green algal blooms, with a further 34 being 'plausible'. The blooms have been found across the UK from Norfolk and Essex to Birmingham and the Lake District and submissions show that some dogs have fallen ill for several days after going for a swim. Confirmed cases were also sent in by people swimming or paddleboarding in affected bodies of water. Once a bloom is confirmed landowners are obliged to put up signs warning the public. Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning in dogs can appear within minutes and include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, muscle tremors, seizures, breathing difficulties, and collapse. Dogs should be taken to a vet immediately as there is no antidote and the cognition can be fatal as the toxins attack the liver and neurological system. If caught early enough a vet can flush the toxins out of the system. Dr Linda May, a freshwater ecologist from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, said: 'Dogs are particularly at risk, because they are susceptible to the toxins that some algal blooms release into the water. 'Smaller dogs only need to consume a small quantity to be at high risk of death. So please, take your dog to a vet immediately if they seem unwell after being in contaminated water.' Anna Ewers Clark, a veterinary standards lead at national pet charity Blue Cross, added: 'Although there is no specific antidote, supportive treatment is essential. These toxins are very dangerous and can kill, sadly even with treatment.' She added: 'This is very concerning. Even small quantities of water or licking contaminated water off the coat can be dangerous.' An Environment Agency spokesperson said: 'Blue-green algae, a naturally occurring environmental phenomenon, is more likely to appear during warm, settled, dry weather and can pose risks to both animals and humans. 'We urge the public to call our 24/7 incident hotline at 0800 80 70 60 if they suspect a bloom of blue-green algae in any rivers, streams, or lakes so our teams can collect and test samples to ensure warnings are in place.'
ITV News
01-05-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Dogs Trust Newbury urges owners to be aware of heatstroke as warm weather continues
Dogs Trust Newbury is warning pet owners to be aware of heatstroke, as temperatures across the South remain high. The charity says many owners are unaware that dogs can overheat at almost any temperature, which poses serious health risks. 75% of heatstroke cases are linked to exercise, and around two-thirds of reported cases occur following a simple walk. Any breed of dog can be affected by heatstroke, but certain breeds, including 'flat-faced' dogs such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, and English Bulldogs, are at significantly higher risk, the charity says. This is due to their compromised ability to regulate body temperature and narrow airways. Older dogs, overweight dogs and dogs with certain underlying health conditions are also at a higher risk. What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs? Charlie Matthias, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Dogs Trust, said: 'For many of us, the arrival of warmer weather is a welcome change, but it's important to remember that it can bring real dangers for our dogs. Even the lovely springtime sunshine we are set to experience this week can cause serious issues – especially for flat-faced breeds or dogs with underlying health conditions. 'The best thing we can do for our pets is to avoid walking them during the hottest parts of the day, provide plenty of fresh water and shade, and always monitor them closely – even during indoor play. 'With the right care, we and our four-legged friends can safely enjoy the warmer weather together.' What should you do if you suspect your dog has heatstroke? Dogs Trust advises owners who suspect their dogs may be experiencing heatstroke to act immediately. If your dog has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, call your nearest vet immediately. Stop them from playing, walking or whatever activity they're doing Move the dog to a shaded and cool area Offer them drinking water Start cooling them down urgently. For young, conscious, healthy dogs, this means immersing them in cold water (for example, in a paddling pool) if possible, keeping their head above water. Use any water available, provided it is cooler than your dog. If immersion is not possible, continuous dousing with cold water is an alternative. For older dogs or dogs with health conditions, spray them with room temperature water, avoiding their face, and combine with air movement from a breeze, fan, or air conditioning. Place ice wrapped in a tea towel (to prevent ice burns) in their groin and armpits. Always closely monitor cooling and stop if you notice signs of shivering Do not place a wet towel over them as this can raise their temperature. While transporting to the vets, keep the air conditioning on in the car or the windows open.
Wales Online
28-04-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Warm weather warning for dogs issued as temperatures soar - with two types of dog especially at risk
Warm weather warning for dogs issued as temperatures soar - with two types of dog especially at risk Around 75 per cent of heatstroke cases in dogs are linked to exercise British Bulldog are among the breeds most at risk during warm weather Dog owners are being urged to take care of their pets with temperatures set to soar throughout the week. Dogs Trust Ilfracombe is warning owners that even mild temperatures can pose serious health risks to dogs. The Met Office has said that the UK could see temperatures of up to 29C this week during a prolonged spell of warm weather. While many owners understand the dangers of extreme heat, the experts at Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, are advising owners that even mild spring temperatures, such as those forecast for later this week, and even lower temperatures, can contribute to heatstroke in our four-legged friends. In fact, dogs can overheat at any temperature and at any time of year, and in some cases, heatstroke can be fatal. Alarmingly, around 75 per cent of heatstroke cases in dogs are linked to exercise, and around two-thirds of reported heatstroke cases occur following a simple, everyday walk. Charlie Matthias, senior veterinary surgeon at Dogs Trust, said: 'For many of us, the arrival of warmer weather is a welcome change, but it's important to remember that it can bring real dangers for our dogs. Even the lovely springtime sunshine we are set to experience this week can cause serious issues – especially for flat-faced breeds or dogs with underlying health conditions. 'The best thing we can do for our pets is to avoid walking them during the hottest parts of the day, provide plenty of fresh water and shade, and always monitor them closely – even during indoor play. With the right care, we and our four-legged friends can safely enjoy the warmer weather together.' Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, which can sometimes look like smiling, and changes in their breathing pattern, such as using their tummy to breathe. Dogs may also appear lethargic and drowsy. Article continues below Other signs may include excessive drooling, uncoordinated or wobbly movements, and vomiting or diarrhoea. Heatstroke can look similar to signs of other illnesses, and you should always contact your vet if you are concerned. Any breed of dog can be affected by heatstroke, but certain breeds, particularly brachycephalic or 'flat-faced' dogs such as pugs, French Bulldogs, and English Bulldogs, are at significantly higher risk due to their compromised ability to regulate body temperature and narrow airways. Older dogs, overweight dogs, and dogs with certain underlying health conditions are also at a higher risk. The charity also advises to cool first, transport second, and recommends owners take these steps to cool their dog down, before transporting them to a vet: Article continues below Stop them from playing, walking or whatever activity they're doing Move the dog to a shaded and cool area Offer them drinking water Start cooling them down urgently. For young, conscious, healthy dogs, this means immersing them in cold water (for example, in a paddling pool) if possible, keeping their head above water. Use any water available, provided it is cooler than your dog. If immersion is not possible, continuous dousing with cold water is an alternative. For older dogs or dogs with health conditions, spray them with room temperature water, avoiding their face, and combine with air movement from a breeze, fan, or air conditioning. Place ice wrapped in a tea towel (to prevent ice burns) in their groin and armpits. Always closely monitor cooling and stop if you notice signs of shivering Do not place a wet towel over them as this can raise their temperature. While transporting to the vets, keep the air conditioning on in the car or the windows open. Dogs Trust advises owners who suspect their dogs may be experiencing heatstroke to act immediately to prevent their dog's condition getting worse. If your dog has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, call your nearest vet immediately. Dogs Trust also urges owners never to leave their dog alone in cars as even just a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal. On a 22-degree Celsius day, the temperature inside a car could rise by 11 degrees in just 10 minutes and as dogs cannot cool down the same way as humans, the heat can quickly become dangerous for them.
