Latest news with #ChrisMaxted
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Urgent warning to all dog owners taking their pooch swimming this summer
Forgetting this 'two-day' rule for dog owners could lead to drastic consequences for your pet. With Scots seeing scorching weather up and down the country this week, and the Met Office even forecasting temperatures above 30C, many dog owners will want to treat their pets to a lovely swim in a nearby loch or a trip to the beach to cool down. But experts are warning owners to be aware of one rule to remember before taking your dog for a paddle. Chris Maxted, director of motorhome dog gate supplier Dog-G8, is warning dog owners to be cautious this summer, as taking your pet swimming just after applying their flea or tick treatment can lead to your dog ingesting contaminated water. The experts' recent survey of over 100 dog owners revealed that one-third were unaware that their dogs should avoid swimming or bathing for several days after applying spot-on parasite treatments. The 'two-day rule' for dog owners advises that pups aren't taken for a swim up to 48 hours after their parasite treatment is applied, or it risks washing off and harming the environment. The washed-off treatment can contaminate the water, posing further risk to your dog if they swallow or drink any. Chris explains: "Dog owners should wait at least 48 hours after applying flea and tick spot-on treatments before allowing their dogs to swim. "This waiting period is important because pesticide levels are highest on the dog's coat immediately after application. 'Swimming too soon can cause these chemicals to wash off into rivers, lakes, and ponds, posing a serious threat to aquatic wildlife.' Exposure to pesticides is not only harmful for the environment, but can have drastic consequences for your pooch. The expert continues: "Besides environmental harm, dogs themselves may be at risk if they swim too soon after treatment. "The pesticides can wash off into water, and if dogs ingest too much treated water, they may experience water intoxication or pesticide exposure. Following the recommended waiting times protects both pets and the environment.' And it's not just spot-on treatments that can cause issue for your paddling pooch, but some flea or tick collars can cause equal harm. Chris adds: 'Owners using flea and tick collars need to carefully follow the manufacturer's advice about swimming and bathing, as some collars can leave toxic residues on surfaces or continue to release pesticides. 'For dogs that swim regularly, oral tablets are often a better choice since they don't wash off into the environment.' Other risks of taking your dog swimming include toxic blue-green algae, which grows rapidly in the summer, and hidden currents. The expert recommends avoiding canals and reservoirs when taking your dog swimming, as these areas often pose hidden hazards. Always supervise your pooch while they're in the water, and assess the conditions before allowing them to splash around. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Scotsman
02-07-2025
- Scotsman
Dogs and Postal Workers: As dog attacks on posties increase, here's expert advice for dog owners
Dogs are great - but you can't trust them to deliver letters. | Canva/Getty Images Dogs and postal workers don't always mix well. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Postal workers play a vital role in our communities, delivering letters and parcels to millions every day. Yet, more of them are facing risks from dog attacks on their rounds - incidents that disrupt essential services and can cause serious injuries and lasting emotional impact. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Figures from the Royal Mail show that dog attacks on postal workers are up 2 per cent on last year, with 2,197 incidents recorded - that's an average of 42 per week - leading to 74 major injuries. While most dog owners act responsibly, many aren't aware of the simple habits that could make a big difference in keeping postal workers safe. Chris Maxted, director of retractable dog gate supplier Dog-G8 , shares practical tips that can help protect postal workers and prevent these attacks from happening. Chris explained: 'Under the Dangerous Dog Act, owners can be prosecuted if their dogs harm postal workers, including bites through letterboxes. It is every dog owner's responsibility to prevent their pets from causing harm. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Some owners mistakenly believe that signs warning delivery workers to keep out remove their responsibility, but this is not true. Delivery staff have a legal right to access properties safely to carry out their duties.' Here's how dog owners can help. Install a retractable front door gate Installing a retractable front door safety gate is a simple yet highly effective way to protect both delivery workers and your dog. About a third of all dog attacks on postal workers happen at the front door, making this an area that requires extra attention. Front door retractable gates are designed to be versatile and easy to use, attaching to any type of front door. They allow you to accept parcels, carry shopping, or enter your home without worrying about dashes, escapes, or unexpected encounters at the door. This creates a secure barrier while still allowing your dog to see and hear what's happening, which reduces stress and creates a sense of control for the dog, minimising the risk of aggressive behaviour.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Secure your dog before opening the door Simple measures such as securing your dog in another room or the back garden before opening the door can make a big difference. About a third of all attacks happen at the front door, so take precautions before answering. Have an external mailbox Installing a secure mailbox prevents dogs from biting through letter slots. For properties with both front and back gardens, make sure these areas are securely separated to stop dogs from encountering delivery staff. Check your fences Check your fences regularly to make sure dogs can't jump over or dig under them. Even if the delivery is not for your home, dogs may view nearby postal workers as a threat. Take extra care during warmer months Warmer weather means open doors and gardens where dogs roam freely, increasing the risk. Always check that your dog is secure before a postal worker arrives. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Encouraging non-territorial behaviour
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Strict ban across UK beaches that could land you with £1,000 fine… is YOUR nearest on the list?
Dog owners heading to the coast this summer have been issued a warning as a strict ban comes into force across UK beaches. Hundreds of beaches have brought in dog bans that were rolled out on May 1 and are set to last until the end of September. Some beaches have banned dogs completely, while others are only allowing them during certain hours or if they're kept on leads. Additionally, certain beaches only impose restrictions during peak hours, such as from 10am to 6pm. The rules vary depending on the area, but anyone caught breaking them could face a £100 fine on the spot - and up to £1,000 if it goes to court. The seasonal restrictions are designed to keep beaches clean and safe during the busy summer months, with locals using a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to enforce the rules. Chris Maxted, who runs a dog gate firm called Dog-G8, explained: 'Seasonal dog bans on UK beaches are a practical measure to protect water quality and maintain the Blue Flag status that many coastal areas value. 'Dog fouling and urine can have a significant impact on water quality, making it unsuitable for swimming. 'Public spaces protection orders allow councils to enforce beach bans during peak seasons to reduce contamination from dog fouling. 'These rules aim to create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone, while making sure coastal waters remain suitable for bathing.' Most beaches allow dogs between October and April, he added - but enforce the orders in the summer months. Maxted continued: 'It's important for dog owners to check before visiting beaches, as the rules can vary significantly. 'Some areas will implement complete bans, while others impose partial bans, such as requiring dogs to be kept on leads or limiting them to promenades.' Despite the strict ban coming into force, there is still an abundance of coastal areas to explore where dogs are welcome all year round. Devon, for example, has a whopping 79 dog-friendly beaches, so even with the bans in place, there's still plenty of coastline to enjoy with your pooch across the UK. Guide dogs, on the other hand, are allowed on all beaches - but only if they're working, wearing a harness, and on a lead. The summer dog ban was first brought in by Weymouth in 2019, prompting dozens of beaches to follow suit in subsequent years, especially as tourist numbers rise over the warmer months. Most local council websites have up-to-date info on which beaches are dog-friendly and when. Maxted added: 'To find out which beaches are open all year round and dog-friendly, it's best to check your local council website. 'Most councils provide up-to-date information on beach regulations, including any seasonal restrictions or rules regarding pets, so you can plan your visit accordingly.' It comes as Tower Hamlets council are introducing a strict set of rules for dog owners after a string of attacks left an 11-year-old girl with life-changing injuries and saw two Cane Corso's shot dead after mauling a woman. Under the new rules, which were approved under a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), dogs will still be allowed to play freely off-lead in all parks and green spaces in the borough. However, dogs will be banned from certain areas such as gated children's play areas and sports areas and there will be a requirement for a maximum of four dogs per person, unless they have a professional council-issued dog walker licence.
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Strict ban across UK beaches now in force that could see you slapped with £1,000 fine.. check which spots are exempt
Owners are being urged to check local council websites before letting their pups frolic on the beach BEACH PLEASE Strict ban across UK beaches now in force that could see you slapped with £1,000 fine.. check which spots are exempt HUNDREDS of UK beaches are now subject to new dog rules rolled out last week, with some beaches banning dogs entirely until autumn. Owners could face hefty fines of up to £1,000 if caught flouting the rules. Advertisement 2 Rule-breakers risk a £100 on-the-spot fine - or up to £1,000 if it ends up in court Credit: Getty The dog bans took effect on May 1 and will remain in force until September. The crackdown aims to keep beaches clean and safe during the busy summer season - but pet owners are being urged to check local rules. Chris Maxted, director of retractable dog gate firm Dog-G8, explained: "Seasonal dog bans on UK beaches are a practical measure to protect water quality and maintain the Blue Flag status that many coastal areas value. "Dog excrement and urine can have a significant impact on water quality, making it unsuitable for swimming. Advertisement "Public Spaces Protection Orders allow councils to enforce beach bans during peak seasons to reduce contamination from dog fouling. "These rules aim to create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone, while making sure coastal waters remain suitable for bathing." He added: "It's important for dog owners to check before visiting beaches, as the rules can vary significantly. "Many beaches allow dogs from October 1 to April 30 but enforce restrictions from May to September under Public Space Protection Orders. Advertisement "Some areas will implement complete bans, while others impose partial bans, such as requiring dogs to be kept on leads or limiting them to promenades. "Ignoring these rules can result in a £100 on-the-spot fine or, if escalated to court, a fine of up to £1,000." First new road bridge crossing River Clyde in 20 years opens to drivers TODAY Maxted pointed out that many beaches remain dog-friendly all year round. He said: "Across England, many counties offer a variety of dog-friendly beaches all year round, with Devon leading the way with 79 locations. Advertisement "This gives dog owners plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coast with their pets without the worry of seasonal restrictions." Guide dogs are exempt, but only if they're working, wearing a harness and on a lead. Dog-friendly beach information can be found on local council websites. The strict rules began in 2019, when Weymouth Beach first implemented the dog ban. Advertisement Although beaches in Wirral attempted to enforce a similar ban back in 2017, their efforts were unsuccessful. The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) often runs from the start of May to September 30, during the busy tourist season. The rules vary: some beaches enforce a full dog ban, while others allow dogs as long as they're kept on a leash at all times. Certain beaches only impose restrictions during peak hours, such as from 10am to 6pm. Advertisement Regions with dog-friendly beaches where bans don't apply Devon: 79 Cornwall: 60 Northumberland: 37 Dorset: 37 Cumbria: 24 Yorkshire: 24 Norfolk: 21 Kent: 19 East Sussex: 18 Isle of Wight: 15 County Durham: 12 Merseyside: 11 West Sussex: 11 Suffolk: 9 Essex: 8 Lancashire: 8 Lincolnshire: 5 Hampshire: 4 Tyne and Wear: 3 Gloucestershire: 1 Isles of Scilly: 1
The Irish Sun
10-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Strict ban across UK beaches now in force that could see you slapped with £1,000 fine.. check which spots are exempt
HUNDREDS of UK beaches are now subject to new dog rules rolled out last week, with some beaches banning dogs entirely until autumn. Owners could face hefty fines of up to £1,000 if caught flouting the rules. 2 Rule-breakers risk a £100 on-the-spot fine - or up to £1,000 if it ends up in court Credit: Getty The dog bans took effect on May 1 and will remain in force until September. The crackdown aims to keep beaches clean and safe during the busy summer season - but pet owners are being urged to check local rules. Chris Maxted, director of retractable dog gate firm Dog-G8, explained: "Seasonal dog bans on UK beaches are a practical measure to protect water quality and maintain the Blue Flag status that many coastal areas value. "Dog excrement and urine can have a significant impact on water quality, making it unsuitable for swimming. Read more on travel "Public Spaces Protection Orders allow councils to enforce beach bans during peak seasons to reduce contamination from dog fouling. "These rules aim to create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone, while making sure coastal waters remain suitable for bathing." He added: "It's important for dog owners to check before visiting beaches, as the rules can vary significantly. "Many beaches allow dogs from October 1 to April 30 but enforce restrictions from May to September under Public Space Protection Orders. Most read in News Travel "Some areas will implement complete bans, while others impose partial bans, such as requiring dogs to be kept on leads or limiting them to promenades. "Ignoring these rules can result in a £100 on-the-spot fine or, if escalated to court, a fine of up to £1,000." First new road bridge crossing River Clyde in 20 years opens to drivers TODAY Maxted pointed out that many beaches remain dog-friendly all year round. He said: "Across England, many counties offer a variety of dog-friendly beaches all year round, with Devon leading the way with 79 locations. "This gives dog owners plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coast with their pets without the worry of seasonal restrictions." Guide dogs are exempt, but only if they're working, wearing a harness and on a lead. Dog-friendly beach information can be found on local council websites. The strict rules began in 2019, when Weymouth Beach first Although beaches in Wirral attempted to enforce a similar ban back in 2017, their efforts were unsuccessful. The The rules vary: some beaches enforce a full dog ban, while others allow dogs as long as they're kept on a leash at all times. Certain beaches only impose restrictions during peak hours, such as from 10am to 6pm. Regions with dog-friendly beaches where bans don't apply Devon: 79 Cornwall: 60 Northumberland: 37 Dorset: 37 Cumbria: 24 Yorkshire: 24 Norfolk: 21 Kent: 19 East Sussex: 18 Isle of Wight: 15 County Durham: 12 Merseyside: 11 West Sussex: 11 Suffolk: 9 Essex: 8 Lancashire: 8 Lincolnshire: 5 Hampshire: 4 Tyne and Wear: 3 Gloucestershire: 1 Isles of Scilly: 1 2 Devon boasts as many as 79 dog-friendly beaches Credit: Getty
