Latest news with #DogsTrust
Telegraph
13 hours ago
- 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.'
Scotsman
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
What are the happiest dog breeds 2025? Here are the 17 most naturally happy breeds of adorable dog - including the loving Labrador 🐶
It's estimated that there are a remarkable 13.5 million dogs in the UK - meaning that more that a third of homes contain at least one perfect pooch. It means that dogs are, by quite distance, the most popular pet in the country (followed by cats and fish), with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds . When it comes to choosing on your perfect pup there are many things to factor in, opting for a small dog if you don't have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies. There's also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust . It's also worth noting that some breeds of dog tend to be cheerier than others - you'd never accuse a Bloodhound of being brimming with joie de vivre. So, if you're looking for a dog that has a naturally sunny outlook and a mischievous smile, here are 17 worth popping on your shortlist. 1 . Labrador Retriever When it comes to big silly infectious smiles, it's hard to beat those plastered across the face of a typical Labrador Retriever. They have been the UK's (and the world's) most popular dog for decades and their sunny disposition is one of the reasons why. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . Bedlington Terrier Several Bedlington Terriers have become 'Insta-famous' on social media due to their incredibly smiley faces. They may have been bred to hunt rats, but those Hollywood smiles are not more likely to catch the attention of cameras. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . Golden Retriever What is true of the Labrador Retriever also tends to be the same for their close cousin the Golden Retriever. These boisterous buddies may manage to look sad when they are begging for food, but the silly grin will be back soon. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 4 . Cocker Spaniel We've known Cocker Spaniels who wag their tails so much that they continue even when they are asleep. This is a happy breed that embrace life to the full - always looking for the next adventure. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
NI golfer offers home to abandoned pup named after him
'Tom' is one of a litter of malnourished puppies that were dumped in Co Antrim. They have been nursed back to health and named after golfers who are playing in The Open this week. The six crossbreed pooches were found in a carrier bag in the Broughshane area after a local dog walker spotted one of the abandoned pups who escaped. The Dogs Trust in Ballymena was called and took the pups to their rehoming centre, where they found all of them to be underfed. Following weeks of care, staff at the dog welfare charity have brought the puppies back to full health and named them after top golfers at The Open tournament in Portrush. One of the collie-crossbreeds, Rory, named after Rory McIlroy, has already found a home while Padraig (after Padraig Harrington), Shane (after Shane Lowry), Tom (after McKibbin) and Justin (after Justin Rose) are still looking for a permanent place. After learning about the puppies' plight, McKibbin reached out to Dogs Trust. He told UTV: "My girlfriend and mum were sitting watching and they were listening and seen the Dogs Trust and thought it would be cool to give a dog a home..." And if Tom walks away from Portrush with both the Claret Jug and a new pup, he said 'that would be pretty special, it would certainly be a week to remember anyway'. The Open: International visitors share views on Portrush Sarah Park, assistant manager at Dogs Trust Ballymena, said: "We honestly never saw this coming when we named them this way, we are overjoyed and we can't wait for Tom to go to his new home with Tom." She added: 'It is truly shocking that these beautiful boys were discarded in a bag like rubbish. 'Thank goodness they were found when they were, or the outcome could have been very different. 'They are now a healthy weight and sweet, playful puppies that are increasing in confidence every day. 'With golf fever hitting Northern Ireland this week with The Open in Portrush, we thought it would be lovely to give them inspiring names as we know they will go on to achieve great things in life.' The dogs can be found for adoption at Dogs Trust Ballymena's website at The charity is the UK's largest dog support service caring for over 11,000 dogs every year between their 21 rehoming centres across the UK as well as Dublin.
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Three ways to get the benefit of having a cat or dog without having to spend thousands
SPENDING time with a cat or dog can help reduce stress and loneliness. But with the cost of food and vet visits, owning a furry, four-legged friend can run into thousands of pounds a year. Instead, try these ways to tap into the some of the benefits of having a pet. . . VISIT A CAT CAFE: These are popping up across the country where you can have a cuppa and slice of cake and enjoy spending some quality time with feline friends. Each is run slightly differently, but you may need to book in advance and can expect to pay an entrance fee for a timed slot. In some cases that will come with a free drink, or you may need to buy refreshments separately. They are not as common, but there are also dog cafes in London and Newcastle among other places. VOLUNTEER: You can offer to help care for pets owned by elderly or terminally ill people through charity Cinnamon Trust. Volunteers could be asked to do dog walks, foster pets when owners are staying in hospital or even brush cats and change littler trays. Sign up online at Once accepted, the trust will match you with people and pets in your local community that need support. The Dogs Trust also looks for off- site dog walking volunteers. I was stunned when I got my dog back from the groomer - I think he might have been switched in the shop See to find roles near you. BORROW A DOGGY: Use website to find dog owners who are looking for people to help care for their dogs. You'll need to set up a profile and specify whether you have children and if you have space at home for a pooch, as well as the times when you are available. Borrowers can look at owners in their area signed up to the site, but you need to be a 'premium member', which costs £12.99 a year, before you can message and arrange to meet. As part of becoming a member you will also need to go through safety checks. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. 7 Deal of the day PULL on a pair of these leopard-print Converse and up your style credentials. Down from £69.99 to £40 at Office. SAVE: £29.99 Cheap treat 7 KEEP your lips in tip-top condition with this sun care lip balm, £2, from Poundland. Top swap REFRESH your mitts with Jo Malone's peony and blush handwash, £36, from John Lewis. Or get a similar experience with Lidl' s Deluxe version, £1.99. SAVE: £34.01 Little helper TESCO now has eight weeks of home delivery and click and collect slots, instead of the usual four, because of the holidays. It also has 15,000 extra slots at stores near holiday spots. Shop & save GET outdoors with this two-person Ozak tent, down from £25 to £19.87 at George from Asda. SAVE: £5.13 PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
ITV News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
The Open golf star Tom McKibbin offers to adopt abandoned pup with same name
Their start in life was heartbreaking, but these thriving pups are now loving their newfound fame. These six pups were abandoned in a bag near a river in Broughshane in Co Antrim. However, this is now a 'tail' of joy. The Dogs Trust nursed these malnourished brothers back to health. One pup was rehomed and the other five - named after golfers Rory McIlroy, Tom McKibbin, Shane Lowry, Padraig Harrington and Justin Rose - were on the lookout. And now an important pup-date. Northern Ireland golf star Tom McKibbin has offered to adopt his namesake. The 22-year-old Co Antrim man has had a busy week preparing for the Open in Portrush - but took the time to reach out through UTV and offer the pup a forever home after watching our story. Tom said: "My girlfriend and mum were sitting watching and they were listening and seen the Dogs Trust and thought it would be cool to give a dog a home..." And the Dogs Trust can't quite believe it. Sarah Park of the Dogs Trust said: "We honestly never saw this coming when we named them this way, we are overjoyed and we can't wait for Tom to go to his new home with Tom." Conor O'Kane of the Dogs Trust added: "It's absolutely brilliant for us!" And could it be the perfect week for Tom with a new pup and the Claret Jug. Tom added: "That would be pretty special, it would certainly be a week to remember anyway." The 10-week-old pups are absolutely full of energy and are ready to settle into their new family homes. The countdown is now on until Tom McKibbin and Tom McKibbin meet.
