Latest news with #SeanMcCormack
Rhyl Journal
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Abergele Harriers record impressive times at 5k events
All were running a 5k distance. Last Tuesday (June 3), Steven and Sean McCormack travelled to Liverpool to take part in the Mystery Park 5k. Steven ran it in 18:06, his fastest time for a number of years. Sean also had a great run, finishing second V60 in 19:38. The following evening, Rachel Shipley and Darren Blazier travelled to Gwynedd to take on the hilly Llanrug 5k, a race which also incorporated the North Wales Championships. Darren finished in 19:07 for 34th in the race, also taking a bronze in his age group in the championships. Rachel ran 20:01 for 53rd and sixth lady, giving her silver in her age group in the championships. Saturday (June 7) saw Anthony Howe travel to Lincolnshire to take part in the Cleethorpes Parkrun, finishing 240th of the 336 runners in 32:29.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
From a ‘bored' cat to a dog dealing with the heat – your pet queries answered
Scroll down to find out how to win tickets to the London Pet Show PAWS AND CLAWS From a 'bored' cat to a dog dealing with the heat – your pet queries answered Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions. Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm has helped with owners' queries for ten years. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Sean McCormack, head vet at promises he can 'help keep pets happy and healthy' 4 Sean helps a reader whose cat grooms herself constantly Credit: Getty Q) MY cat, Chairman Meow, seems to groom herself constantly. Is this a sign of boredom? She has plenty of toys, scratch posts and beds. She's five. I live near a busy road so she's a house cat. Should I give her outside access? JUDE BROWN, Birmingham Sean says: Firstly, I love this name for a cat. I had a patient that was named the same years ago, and it always made me chuckle. Over-grooming can be a sign of stress, boredom or an appeasement behaviour that is self-soothing as it releases happy hormones. She's got plenty of enrichment indoors, but I wonder if you could play more interactive games with her, such as scattering feeding treats, using fishing rod toys and the like. If she's not losing hair, it may just be that Chairman Meow is a fastidiously clean and well-presented cat. Q) BORIS, my Labradoodle, was running on the beach when he just collapsed. He lay down for several minutes then got up again and has been fine since. He's nine and is a big dog. How concerned should I be? GILLIAN MANN, Edinburgh F1 stars' pets including driver with thirteen cats, Leclerc's yacht-loving pooch and Hamilton's dog Roscoe with own car Sean says: That is worrying. And it raises more questions than answers. Is it the first time this has happened? Was he seemingly conscious or absent while laying down, did he yelp or whine? What were his limbs doing? Was he limping or seem pained after? Was he salivating? If it was hot out, how was his breathing? All these factors would lead vets to rule in or rule out certain conditions. If it happens again, try to video it on your phone and get him checked by your vet as soon as possible. Hopefully it's a one-off but it could be an early sign of something else worth investigating. Q) WHAT precautions should I take with my dog Ted now that it's getting hotter? He's a Labrador cross who is eight. I always make sure he has shade, but should I consider a fan after the recent hot summers? What about cooling vests on walks? SIMON EVANS, Barnstaple, Devon Sean says: First thing with Labs, in particular, is a weight-loss programme and diet if he is overweight. Obesity can really make things tough on our pets in hot weather. Your vet practice can help assess, or you can look on our YouTube channel for videos on 'body condition scoring'. I'm not a fan of putting more layers on a dog for exercise. I prefer to recommend walking them in the cooler periods of the day. Cool water and shade should be available always, and a cooling mat for Ted to lie on if he so wishes. Q) TWO dogs and two cats have moved in next door, and Bella, our 12-year-old West Highland terrier, is now weeing a lot. She even wakes me in the middle of the night to go into the garden. Could the new cats and dogs be affecting her? She's had a blood test, and there's no diabetes, but there is a lot of protein, which affects kidneys. VIRGINIA SPRING, Southend-on-Sea, Essex Sean says: Certainly a switch in circumstances in the home, or next door's garden, can lead to changes in toileting behaviour. But I would associate that more with male dogs marking their territory. The flag here is excessive protein in her blood. Has Bella had a urine test too? If not, pop a tray under her when she squats and decant the urine into a sterile jar from your vet. This warrants further investigation. Star of the week 4 Ralph and Walker the Newfoundlands are hero dogs known for their ability in the water Credit: Supplied TWO Newfoundlands, Ralph and Walker, took to the water with a group of injured veterans as part of a wellbeing event to boost mental health. The dogs jumped into a lake and gently pulled the ex-servicemen back to dry land – leaving smiles all round. Their owner, paramedic Pete Lewin, of Leicester, said: 'Newfies are known for their abilities in the water. "But they also have incredible personalities and being with them has amazing restorative impacts.' Many of the veterans who attended the event last month are members of military charity Blesma – the UK's limbless veterans association – and spokeswoman Sarah Criddle told Paws and Claws: 'The wellbeing factor was so powerful.' See WIN: London Pet Show LONDON Pet Show Live offers a fun-packed family experience that's both educational and entertaining. For a chance to win one of five family tickets for two adults and two children under 16, worth £50, send an email headed PET SHOW LIVE to sundaypets@ The event runs on September 20 and 21 at Olympia. See for more details. T&Cs apply. Howl to communicate with your dogs 4 A pet expert has explained the wide range of emotions dogs experience Credit: Supplied A LEADING pet expert has revealed the secrets to communicating with your dog. Jo Middleton, owner of learning platform Canine Principles, believes pups are often misunderstood. The co-presenter of The Dog Expert Podcast said: 'What if your dog's 'bad behaviour' isn't disobedience, but a communication issue? If a dog feels safe, it is so much more capable of learning and adapting.' Dogs experience a broad spectrum of emotions. Jo said joy is often shown through tail wagging and excitement. Fear is indicated by cowering, shaking or avoiding eye contact. Frustration can cause barking, chewing or pacing. Grief can lead to withdrawal. But there could be subtle differences that owners also need to be aware of. Jo added: 'A wagging tail doesn't always mean happiness – the position and speed tell you more. 'Whining and barking convey different things depending on context. Sudden shifts in behaviour may be your dog's way of signalling distress.' She urged owners to use positive reinforcement, such as verbal cues like 'good boy' or treats when communicating.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vet issues warning over TikTok 'dog ice bucket challenge'
A vet has raised concerns over a new social media trend dubbed the "dog ice bucket challenge." This trend sees owners pouring ice-cold water over their dogs, similar to the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS awareness. While many find this trend entertaining, Sean McCormack, head vet at has warned owners of its potential harm. Mr McCormack said: "While pet-related content is hugely popular and often fun to share, suddenly pouring cold water over dogs will cause shock and unnecessary discomfort, particularly if repeated for multiple takes. "It really baffles me that dog owners would even think to do this to their own pet dog, who loves, trusts and looks up to them as their apparent best friend." This trend has caught the attention of animal welfare charity Blue Cross, which has urged owners to reconsider their participation. TikTok, where the trend is widely shared, has also issued an AI-generated search advisory to highlight potential concerns. Here are some reasons why this trend could be harmful to dogs: Dogs regulate their body temperature differently from humans and a sudden dousing with icy water can cause a rapid drop in body temperature. This can be particularly uncomfortable and potentially serious for smaller breeds, dogs with thin or short coats, puppies and senior dogs. In rare cases, especially if a dog has underlying health conditions, extreme cold exposure could trigger symptoms of hypothermic shock. Pouring water over a dog's head also increases the risk of water being inhaled, especially if the dog panics or gasps while the water is being poured. This could, in some instances, lead to aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, a sudden dousing of cold water may be interpreted as a threat or punishment, potentially triggering a "fight or flight" response. This can cause a surge in cortisol (the stress hormone) which may result in behaviour that is out of character, such as snapping, growling or increased anxiety. Mr McCormack added: "Just because something is trending doesn't mean it's safe or appropriate for every pet. "There are plenty of ways to showcase pets on social media that are both entertaining and respectful of their needs."
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Vets TikTok warning to dog owners over viral challenge that can cause 'serious harm'
Vet Sean McCormack says the trend 'baffles' him that dog owners 'would even think to do this to their own pet dog, who loves, trusts and looks up to them as their apparent best friend' A TikTok trend has been condemed by vets who warn it can cause serious harm to their dog. Animal charities including the RSPCA, Blue Cross and PETA have all issued calls to pet owners to avoid the latest push on the social media site. Similar to the Ice Bucket Challenge, which raised awareness for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in 2014, this current trend involves owners pouring ice-cold water over their unsuspecting dogs. This aims to usually snap light-hearted or humorous content. However, Sean McCormack, Head Vet at is warning it is not only uncomfortable for the animal but also can cause serious harm. He explained: 'While pet-related content is hugely popular and often fun to share, suddenly pouring cold water over dogs will cause shock and unnecessary discomfort, particularly if repeated for multiple takes. "It's important to remember that dogs may not understand what's happening, and most will find the experience stressful. It really baffles me that dog owners would even think to do this to their own pet dog, who loves, trusts and looks up to them as their apparent best friend.' Over recent weeks the trend has grown in popularity sparking animal welfare charities to urge pet owners to not take on the challenge. In one social media post Blue Cross called on owners to think twice before taking part. It said: "Please stop using your pets for likes on social media. Trends like these might seem like some harmless fun, but pets aren't toys to be exploited, humiliated or objectified for our own entertainment." Ryan Neile, Head of Behaviour at national pet charity Blue Cross, said: "This is an upsetting trend where you can see the animals are visibly confused by the human's behaviour in these videos. Dogs don't understand what is happening and we abuse their trust in us when we treat animals in this way. "We're concerned that some people continue to use their pets as props to get more likes on their social media without thought for the shock and fear they are causing to the animal. We're also worried that others will follow this trend, putting animals across the country at risk. "Pets are not toys to be exploited, humiliated or objectified for our own entertainment, and videos like this can lead to others following suit with dogs and cause serious behavioural issues.' TikTok, where the trend has been widely shared, has also included an AI-generated search advisory to highlight potential concerns and encourage responsible content creation. Sean added: "Just because something is trending doesn't mean it's safe or appropriate for every pet. "Instead of chasing viral fame at the expense of a pet's wellbeing, owners are encouraged to prioritise the safety of their pup. There are plenty of ways to showcase pets on social media that are both entertaining and respectful of their needs'. Sean explained why this trend poses serious harm to dogs. This is what he says: Temperature regulation and cold shock Dogs regulate their body temperature differently from humans, and a sudden drenching with icy water can cause a rapid drop in body temperature. This can be particularly uncomfortable (and potentially more serious) for smaller breeds, dogs with thin or short coats, puppies, and senior dogs. In some rare cases, especially if a dog has underlying health conditions, extreme cold exposure could trigger symptoms of hypothermic shock, including changes in heart rate, breathing, and circulation. While healthy dogs are generally resilient, it's important to be cautious when it comes to extreme temperature shifts. Respiratory risks Pouring water onto a dog's head increases the risk of water being inhaled. This is especially the case if the dog panics or gasps while the water is being poured. This could, in some instances, lead to aspiration pneumonia, a condition that occurs when foreign substances like water, food, or vomit enter the lungs instead of the digestive tract. Though relatively uncommon, it can be serious if not promptly treated. Psychological stress and behavioural effects Dogs, unlike humans, don't understand the context of social media trends. They might believe being suddenly doused in cold water is a threat or punishment, potentially triggering a "fight or flight" response. This can cause a surge in cortisol (the stress hormone), which may result in behaviour that's out of character, such as snapping, growling, or increased anxiety. In some cases, it could lead to a lasting fear of water, buckets, or even create tension in the bond between dog and owner. Ice cube injuries Some small ice cubes in water bowls can help keep dogs cool in warm weather, however large or broken chunks of ice are a different matter. They can become choking hazards, or if stepped on, can injure a dog's sensitive paw pads, or even cause a slip or fall for owners. Additionally, dogs with sensitive teeth may find chewing ice uncomfortable or painful.
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Vets warn dog owners to protect pet's paw pads on walks in hot weather
The rising temperatures can cause hot pavements to burn dogs' paws whilst out on a walk, but we've found some clever solutions that'll help keep your pet safe and sound in the heat Although we all love the summer and the current heatwave the UK is experiencing, our pets can find it a little more difficult to cope with rising heat. As well as increasing temperatures making pets more susceptible to heatstroke and dehydration, the heat can also cause your pet to burn their paws on the pavement outside. Whilst you may not feel like it's particularly hot outside, paved surfaces like tarmac can be almost double the temperature, leading to painful burns on their paws. In fact, when the air temperature is just 25C, tarmac can soar to an astonishing 52C. Head Vet Sean McCormack at has shared helpful seasonal advice on keeping your dog cool during warmer weather, including a seven-second rule owners should follow to test if the ground is too hot for your dog to walk on. Sean said: "Opt for walks early in the morning or later in the evening when it's cooler. If you're unsure whether the ground is safe, try the palm test: place your palm on the pavement, and if you can't comfortably hold it there for at least seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog." If you need to be out during a warmer period, or are just worried about their paws being burnt at all, you can also invest in some dog shoes to help prevent any risk of burning. Whilst they look adorably funny, they're also very helpful for preventing burning, as well as being great for protecting your pup's paws against damage from glass or sharp rocks on walks, or to stop them slipping in wet conditions during the winter. Amazon has a great selection, including these aptly named Dog Shoes for Hot Pavements, which are £36.99 and come in a choice of five colours. There's sizes suitable for all types of breeds, and the dog shoes have been specially designed with perforated holes to allow air flow and ventilation. The shoes are easy to clean, as well as being quick and simple to pop on and off your dog's paws with a velcro fastening. They also have a non-slip sole and are waterproof, making them great for dogs who love getting into water or running on slippery surfaces like rocks at the beach. Pets at Home also has a more all-rounder pair, with the 3 Peaks All Terrain Rubber Sole Dog Bootie Set of 4 which are £22. Although they provide less ventilation than the rubber pair, they're handy for keeping grit, stones and salt off your dogs paws in the winter, whilst also making sure they have plenty of grip and protection on uneven surfaces. However the best way to avoid any potential risks or burns is to make sure you keep your walking times to cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings and evenings.
