Latest news with #RossHallifax
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I'm a pet expert, these are the common garden essentials that could be KILLING your dog, you must act now
Our expert reveals when to seek help from a vet URGENT WARNING I'm a pet expert, these are the common garden essentials that could be KILLING your dog, you must act now WITH the UK enjoying hot weather this weekend, plenty of us will be spending more time outside in our garden. And as much as we want our furry friends to join us, dog owners are being warned of the potentially fatal things lurking on your plot. 1 Experts have revealed the common garden essentials that could be poisoning your dog Credit: Getty Many people spend more time gardening in the summer, using fertiliser to help their gardens bloom. But as Ross Hallifax, from pet insurance specialist Purely Pets, explains: 'Not only can dogs experience skin and foot irritation if they walk on fertiliser, but it can cause stomach upset if ingested due to its toxic ingredients like nitrogen and phosphorus.' But it's not just fertiliser that can cause a problem for our pooches. Used to help control unwanted garden visitors, both dry and wet pesticides can also be dangerous to your dog and irritate their skin and digestive system if consumed. Read More on Pets DOG DAYS Dog owners urged to avoid 'hidden danger' this week - check breeds most at risk Snail and slug bait can also be highly toxic and if consumed, can cause severe tremors. And for those refreshing their garden shed or outdoor space this summer, be careful of paint. Both the fumes released during painting, and the product itself, can be toxic to our pets due to its high-chemical content. If you suspect your dog has ingested something they shouldn't have, look out for signs of vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity or restlessness, tremors, seizures, or fits, or blood in the stool. Ross adds: 'If you suspect your dog has been exposed to any of these toxins, try to call your vet immediately and explain what's happened so they can help identify the best course of treatment.' Vet Dr Sarah-Jane Molier previously warned dog owners over fake grass as it can absorb heat, making it more likely a pup could be hurt. How to keep pets safe during a heatwave Dr Sarah-Jane Molier told Pets Radar: "Tarmac, asphalt and fake grass are the most common culprits. "They absorb heat throughout the day and retain it well, meaning they stay hot for quite some time." It may not always easy to tell when your dog has injured itself. Owners should look out for any limping or resting of one leg that switches between the two. Vet Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the 5 dogs she'd never own By Marsha O'Mahony HUSKY Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy. If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him. It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold - look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs. DACHSHUND Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive. The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. "Because of their long backs, they're really prone to intervertebral disc disease," said Dr. Rachel. You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive. GREAT DANE These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are "goofballs." But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak. DOODLE These are the current "it" dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed. Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities. But this couldn't be further from the truth, said our vet. "These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently," she wrote. Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems. BULLDOGS These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog. "I just would not own them," she said. "They're just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces." Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease. If your canine companion doesn't get excited for going on a walk, it could also be a sign. They will often lick or chew their wounded paws, and be hesitant to let you touch them. Some more obvious signs include patchy discolouration on the pads as well as blisters and peeling. If you think your dog has burned paws, take them to the vet.
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
I'm a pet expert, these are the common garden essentials that could be KILLING your dog, you must act now
WITH the UK enjoying hot weather this weekend, plenty of us will be spending more time outside in our garden. And as much as we want our furry friends to join us, dog owners are being warned of the potentially fatal things lurking on your plot. Advertisement 1 Experts have revealed the common garden essentials that could be poisoning your dog Credit: Getty Many people spend more time gardening in the summer, using fertiliser to help their gardens bloom. But as Ross Hallifax, from pet insurance specialist But it's not just fertiliser that can cause a problem for our pooches. Used to help control unwanted garden visitors, both dry and wet pesticides can also be dangerous to your dog and irritate their skin and digestive system if consumed. Advertisement Read More on Pets Snail and slug bait can also be highly toxic and if consumed, can cause severe tremors. And for those refreshing their garden shed or outdoor space this summer, be careful of paint. Both the fumes released during painting, and the product itself, can be toxic to our pets due to its high-chemical content. If you suspect your dog has ingested something they shouldn't have, look out for signs of vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity or restlessness, tremors, seizures, or fits, or blood in the stool. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Ross adds: 'If you suspect your dog has been exposed to any of these toxins, try to call your vet immediately and explain what's happened so they can help identify the best course of treatment.' Vet How to keep pets safe during a heatwave Dr Sarah-Jane Molier told "They absorb heat throughout the day and retain it well, meaning they stay hot for quite some time." Advertisement It may not always easy to tell when your dog has injured itself. Owners should look out for any limping or resting of one leg that switches between the two. Vet Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the 5 dogs she'd never own By Marsha O'Mahony HUSKY Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy. If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him. It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold - look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs. DACHSHUND Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive. The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. "Because of their long backs, they're really prone to intervertebral disc disease," said Dr. Rachel. You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive. GREAT DANE These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are "goofballs." But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak. DOODLE These are the current "it" dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed. Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities. But this couldn't be further from the truth, said our vet. "These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently," she wrote. Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems. BULLDOGS These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog. "I just would not own them," she said. "They're just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces." Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease. If your canine companion doesn't get excited for going on a walk, it could also be a sign. They will often lick or chew their wounded paws, and be hesitant to let you touch them. Advertisement Some more obvious signs include patchy discolouration on the pads as well as blisters and peeling. If you think your dog has burned paws, take them to the vet.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
I'm a pet expert, these are the common garden essentials that could be KILLING your dog, you must act now
WITH the UK enjoying hot weather this weekend, plenty of us will be spending more time outside in our garden. And as much as we want our furry friends to join us, dog owners are being warned of the potentially fatal things lurking on your plot. 1 Many people spend more time gardening in the summer, using fertiliser to help their gardens bloom. But as Ross Hallifax, from pet insurance specialist Purely Pets, explains: 'Not only can dogs experience skin and foot irritation if they walk on fertiliser, but it can cause stomach upset if ingested due to its toxic ingredients like nitrogen and phosphorus.' But it's not just fertiliser that can cause a problem for our pooches. Used to help control unwanted garden visitors, both dry and wet pesticides can also be dangerous to your dog and irritate their skin and digestive system if consumed. Snail and slug bait can also be highly toxic and if consumed, can cause severe tremors. And for those refreshing their garden shed or outdoor space this summer, be careful of paint. Both the fumes released during painting, and the product itself, can be toxic to our pets due to its high-chemical content. If you suspect your dog has ingested something they shouldn't have, look out for signs of vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity or restlessness, tremors, seizures, or fits, or blood in the stool. Ross adds: 'If you suspect your dog has been exposed to any of these toxins, try to call your vet immediately and explain what's happened so they can help identify the best course of treatment.' Vet Dr Sarah-Jane Molier previously warned dog owners over fake grass as it can absorb heat, making it more likely a pup could be hurt. How to keep pets safe during a heatwave Dr Sarah-Jane Molier told Pets Radar: "Tarmac, asphalt and fake grass are the most common culprits. "They absorb heat throughout the day and retain it well, meaning they stay hot for quite some time." It may not always easy to tell when your dog has injured itself. Owners should look out for any limping or resting of one leg that switches between the two. Vet Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the 5 dogs she'd never own By Marsha O'Mahony HUSKY Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy. If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him. It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold - look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs. DACHSHUND Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive. The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. "Because of their long backs, they're really prone to intervertebral disc disease," said Dr. Rachel. You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive. GREAT DANE These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are "goofballs." But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak. DOODLE These are the current "it" dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed. Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities. But this couldn't be further from the truth, said our vet. "These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently," she wrote. Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems. BULLDOGS These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog. "I just would not own them," she said. "They're just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces." Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease. If your canine companion doesn't get excited for going on a walk, it could also be a sign. They will often lick or chew their wounded paws, and be hesitant to let you touch them. Some more obvious signs include patchy discolouration on the pads as well as blisters and peeling. If you think your dog has burned paws, take them to the vet.
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Six warning signs your dog is anxious and the best ways to calm them
It can be awful to see your furry friend in distress Many of our pooches suffer from anxiety, whether they're nervous around people, other dogs, or have separation anxiety from their owners. This week beginning Monday, May 5, is Dog Anxiety Awareness Week, where it's more important than ever to start conversations about our pets' mental health. Amid Dog Anxiety Awareness Week, owners are being encouraged to recognise the most common signs of anxiety in their pets, and how to help suffering pooches. And some experts have shared their advice on how to achieve this. Ross Hallifax from Purely Pets says: 'Just like us, our four-legged friends can also experience stress and anxiety. And whether your dog is naturally nervous or suddenly showing signs of distress, it can be a worrying experience for pet owners to see their beloved pet in fear." The experts at Purely Pets have shared the warning signs of an anxious dog, including indicators in their body language. Here is all their advice, including the causes of anxiety in pets, and what you can do to ease the mind of your nervous pooch. What causes anxiety in dogs? The pet experts explain that anxiety in dogs can be brought on for a number of reasons. These include separation from their owners, loud noises, new environments, or being around unfamiliar people. Anxiety in dogs can develop at any time and can unfortunately get worse as they grow older. Signs of anxiety in dogs Some common signs that could indicate your dog is experiencing anxiety include: trembling or shaking drooling or panting changes in appetite excessive whining or barking destructive behaviour restlessness While it can be upsetting to see your furry friend in distress, there are many simple and effective ways for pet owners to help reduce their dog's anxiety. How to ease your dog's anxiety Create a calm, safe space Creating a designated area with their bed, favourite toys, and an item with your scent can offer comfort to some dogs struggling with separation anxiety. It can also help dogs feel more settled in a new environment, for example, if you've recently moved home. Exercise and stimulation Just as physical activity can work wonders for our mental health, it can also significantly alleviate anxiety symptoms in dogs. Daily walks and regular playtime provide the necessary mental and physical stimulation, which can in turn help with symptoms of anxiety. Use distractions and keep dogs entertained It may not always be possible to remove a fear trigger altogether, so boredom busters such as toys, treats or puzzle feeders can help distract your dog and keep them entertained. For dogs suffering with separation anxiety, leaving the TV or radio on for background noise can also help. Always make new things a positive experience Make sure your dog sees new experiences as a positive, by praising them if they react well to them. It can also help to introduce new experiences slowly to build their confidence over time. Contact your vet If your dog is continuing to struggle with anxiety it's important to seek professional help, especially if they have suddenly started showing signs or are suddenly afraid of lots of different things. Your vet may be able to provide medication or recommend products to help. Ross Hallifax concluded: "Dog Anxiety Awareness Week aims to educate dog owners on the signs and symptoms of anxiety, promoting a happier, healthier life for their furry friends. We hope our tips can help those owners struggling with anxious dogs this awareness week and beyond.' 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'.
