Latest news with #PaulBaggaley
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Vet issues urgent message to anyone with a dog over 3 years old
Vet issues urgent message to anyone with a dog over 3 years old Vet Laura Londoño says by detecting issues early it can stop the disease from spreading Millions of people across the UK have at least one dog (Image: Paul Baggaley via Getty Images ) According to a veterinarian, if your dog is over three years old, you may want to check their teeth. The expert, Laura Londoño, warned that '80% of dogs over three years old have some form of dental disease" - and the vast majority of owners are unaware of this. In her Instagram post, where she offers advice to owners - new and experienced - she notes that you should always be on the look out for issues rather than waiting for them to happen. "That's why preventive veterinary checkups are so important, not just when there's already a problem. "Often, during a consultation, we notice things you haven't yet noticed, and by detecting them early, we can help stop the disease from progressing and give you the right instructions... before it's too late.' She urges owners to "check their [dogs] gums, breath, and if they have difficulty eating" to get them checked out. Stressing that "oral health is general health", she advises people who may not have a dog to inform those who do "so they can check their dog's teeth today." In further advice from the PDSA, they state that adult dogs have a total of 42 permanent teeth - 20 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw. Like humans, they first develop deciduous (milk or puppy) teeth, which are later replaced by their full set of adult teeth, typically by around six months of age. What causes dental disease in dogs? Unfortunately, dental disease is a very common problem in dogs and can be due to: Poor dental hygiene – a lack of tooth brushing. a lack of tooth brushing. Age - dental disease is common in older dogs due to wear and tear dental disease is common in older dogs due to wear and tear Breed - some breeds are prone to dental disease for example Toy Poodles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Greyhounds, and King Charles Spaniels. - some breeds are prone to dental disease for example Toy Poodles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Greyhounds, and King Charles Spaniels. Diet – having dry biscuits/kibble as part of your dog's diet may improve oral health. – having dry biscuits/kibble as part of your dog's diet may improve oral health. Retained baby teeth - your dog's baby teeth will begin falling out at approximately four months old when their adult teeth start to come through. If their baby teeth don't fall out, dental problems are more likely due to an overcrowded mouth. Your vet might recommend removing these baby teeth under anaesthetic. - your dog's baby teeth will begin falling out at approximately four months old when their adult teeth start to come through. If their baby teeth don't fall out, dental problems are more likely due to an overcrowded mouth. Your vet might recommend removing these baby teeth under anaesthetic. Overcrowding of teeth - certain breeds may have overcrowding issues due to the size of their mouth being smaller or shorter for example brachycephalic dogs. If these teeth are too close together they are more likely to cause dental disease. - certain breeds may have overcrowding issues due to the size of their mouth being smaller or shorter for example brachycephalic dogs. If these teeth are too close together they are more likely to cause dental disease. Trauma - a fractured tooth is often extremely painful and can become infected. Fractured teeth can happen from chewing a hard object or from a head injury for example in a road traffic accident. What is the signs and symptoms of dental disease in dogs? Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below Many dogs don't show any symptoms of dental disease so regular checks at home and with your vet are essential. If they do show symptoms it can include:
Wales Online
24-04-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Dog trainer warns 'never' as bee season begins
Dog trainer warns 'never' as bee season begins Here's what to do if your dog is stung by a bee Millions of people across the UK have at least one dog (Image: Paul Baggaley via Getty Images ) With the sun finally gracing the UK, dog owners are being urged to ensure that they keep an extra eye on their furry friends. The reason? With the warmer weather we will naturally see an increase in bees and while humans know to steer clear of these buzzing insects, dogs aren't always as cautious. A bee sting can usually be treated at home without a trip to the vet, provided owners act swiftly and follow certain steps. If left unattended, however, the situation could escalate and necessitate medical attention. To help dog owners navigate this potential hazard, Professional Dog Trainer Annie-Mae Levy from Woofz has compiled a handy guide on how to handle an emergency bee sting situation. Here's her expert advice. Article continues below What to do if your dog is stung by a bee? Remove the stinger immediately "If your dog gets stung by a bee, the stinger might still be embedded in their skin and could continue to release venom. Our first instinct might be to reach for tweezers, but I advise against this. Why? Because it could potentially squeeze more venom into the wound. "Instead, you should gently scrape the stinger out using a flat-edged object like a credit card. This method minimises the risk of additional venom exposure. After removal, monitor the area for signs of infection or increased swelling", reports the Daily Record. Clean and soothe the area "Okay, you removed the stinger. Now what? You need to gently wash the sting site with mild soap and water to prevent infection from spreading. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and lessen the pain. "Now, you need to keep the area clean and monitor for signs of infection: increased redness or discharge. If the swelling worsens, take your dog to the vet." Monitor for allergic reactions "Most reactions happen within 20 minutes of the sting. Watch for signs of an allergic reaction, like facial swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or collapse. If any of these symptoms occur, seek immediate veterinary care. "It's important to note that some reactions can be delayed, so continue to monitor your dog for several hours after the sting, like I suggested earlier. In rare cases, severe reactions can occur, leading to life-threatening conditions." Don't give dogs human medications "While some sources suggest giving antihistamines like Benadryl, it's important to consult your vet before giving any human medications to your dog. Dosages can fluctuate, and some medications may be harmful to pets, even more harmful than the sting itself. "Your vet can advise you on appropriate treatments and dosages based on your dog's specific needs. "I know it goes without saying, but I'll still say it, never assume that medications safe for humans are safe for dogs, as they can lead to serious health complications." How can I prevent bee stings? "You might want to keep your dog away from areas with high bee activity, like gardens with blooming flowers. But avoiding doesn't always help because you'll stumble across a one-off bee on your way. "You should teach your dog to avoid chasing insects. I'd suggest teaching a solid "Leave It" command – or even muzzle training – if the dog is actively trying to catch them. "If your dog has a history of severe reactions to stings, discuss preventive measures with your vet, like carrying an epinephrine auto-injector." Article continues below How can you tell if your dog has been stung? The Kennel Club suggests that a sting from a bee or wasp could result in your dog exhibiting any of the following common symptoms:
