Latest news with #Whippets
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Inside deadly ‘Whippets' epidemic which leaves victims brain damaged and incontinent… as dangerous craze spreads to UK
LURED in with child-like fruity flavours, a dangerous party drug has left a trail of destruction in the US - with fears it could spread to the UK. Known as whippets, canisters of nitrous oxide can legally be bought in shops - and in many states, children are able to buy the poisonous gas. 17 Online clips show US teens inhaling Galaxy Gas at school Credit: Instagram 17 Rachel Kelly, from Chicago, Illinois, was left with brain damage after she inhaled nitrous oxide straight out of the canister every day Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 17 Jordan Micu, from North Carolina, suffered seizures and learned to walk again after she got hooked on laughing gas Credit: Kennedy News 17 Possession of nitrous oxide became a criminal offence in the UK in 2023 Credit: Getty Nitrous oxide - also known as NOS - is most commonly inhaled via a balloon, but youngsters are now buying flavoured whipped cream canisters and inhaling them directly from the nozzle. Rather than 8g metal canisters littering the streets, whopping cans contain as much of 2kg of gas - meaning users can inhale massive quantities. The most notorious brand in the US is Galaxy Gas - which comes in child-friendly flavours such as mango smoothie, blueberry, strawberry cream and vanilla cupcake - similar to the marketing of disposable vapes. It became wildly popular among American teens, peaking last year when it was widely glorified in rap videos and social media clips. Read more world news LUCKY FIND Moment missing journalist is found & rescuers reveal how he survived for 5 days Footage of a user inhaling Galaxy Gas racked up 40million views - and inspired countless copycats. A viral song titled "Whippets" is available to watch on YouTube - showing youngsters bragging about their use of Galaxy Gas and repeatedly inhaling from the huge canisters. Although the canisters are intended for food use, guests have also tried it on the Joe Rogan podcast and Kanye West has spoken about his addiction to the substance. After furious backlash, the brand has withdrawn its products from the market and is now only available from a very limited selection of stores - but others are replacing it. In 2023, the UK government made nitrous oxide a Class C drug - but it's mostly failed to rid the streets of discarded metallic canisters. Balloon-huffing revellers still openly inhale at festivals, parties and in the streets. Laughing gas 'epidemic' sweeping party island with tourists left foaming at mouth, having seizures & permanently scarred In serious cases, users have become heavily addicted to the high and left needing rehab or hospital treatment after racing through as many as 15 canisters per day. But in the US, possession of nitrous oxide is legal - and authorities are struggling to crack down on the deadly craze. Between 2023 and 2024, there was a 58 per cent surge in reports of exposure to nitrous oxide in America according to official data. The number of deaths from nitrous oxide also rose by a staggering 110 per cent from 2019 to 2023. Rachel Kelly, from Chicago, inhaled so much nitrous oxide straight out of the canister every day that parts of her brain died and she was left in a wheelchair. 17 Rachel Kelly forked out $220 every day to inhale eight two-litre tanks of 'whippets' Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 17 Barmaid Rachel was left in a wheelchair from her laughing gas addiction Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 17 Whippets can easily be bought in shops - with authorities struggling to crack down on the craze Credit: FOX29 17 Videos of teens inhaling Galaxy Gas are viewed by millions of children online Credit: Getty She first tried the substance aged 21 and by 2023 the 29-year-old was paying $220 a day to inhale eight two-litre tanks. Rachel said "everyone" was using the drug and it was easy to buy at a local convenience store. But her habit left her in hospital unable to go to the toilet or walk on her own - forcing her to spend a month in a rehabilitation centre. Jordan Micu, 30, from North Carolina, was also left suffering seizures after getting hooked on the canisters as a 21-year-old college student. They're obviously being marketed to appeal for young people and not for its intended use Fiona Spargo-Mabbs In the US, shops often offer deals and colourful canisters can easily be found in smoke shops - despite their intended use for food production. Imyouski, 22, told GQ: "It's like an epidemic, all the young folks are on them. "It's too obtainable, I could literally drive down the street right now and go grab me how many I want." And in the UK, canisters are also widely available to purchase online. A range of brands have emerged with similar whacky flavours and bright marketing available online in the UK. 17 Baking Bad offers four different whacky flavours in vivid colours Credit: Baking Bad 17 Miami Magic also has sweet flavours and graphic marketing - like Galaxy Gas Credit: Miami Magic "Baking Bad" and "Miami Magic", both cream charger brands available online in the UK, have recently released new flavoured ranges. Baking Bad offers candy, strawberry, blueberry mango and watermelon lemon flavoured gas. Miami Magic, meanwhile, boasts rainbow, watermelon, blue raspberry and strawberry guava editions. The fruit combo flavours in particular are similar to many vapes that have hit the market in recent years. Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, founder and director of drugs education charity the DSM foundation, told The Sun: "I googled nitrous oxide in the UK and it came up with a whole load of places you can buy it. "These social media trends or videos that go viral and are seen by loads of people. "It's a concern, it's always a concern. They're being marketed with cartoon characters, GTA imaging on the outside of canisters. "They're obviously being marketed to appeal for young people and not for its intended use." I think young people just see it as a bit of fun at first but then use it for self-medication for depression and anxiety Dan Gibbons Fiona, a member of the government's advisory council on the misuse of drugs, added: "Things that come from the states and social media, there can be so many influences in terms of the decisions young people make. "The exposure that young people have to drugs on social media is something I am concerned about." Dan Gibbons, from UK-based solvent abuse charity Re-Solv, told The Sun: "Galaxy Gas has not come across our radar as much in the UK but you can get it here. "I think young people just see it as a bit of fun at first but then use it for self-medication for depression and anxiety." 17 Meg Caldwell died in her car after getting hook on laughing gas Credit: NEWS 6 17 Canisters are widely available in smoke shops in America - making it easily accessible Credit: FOX29 17 Galaxy Gas has become a popular method to inhale nitrous oxide in the US Credit: Instagram 17 Galaxy Gas is sold in child-friendly flavours like Mango Smoothie He said he wouldn't be surprised if the huge canisters start to make an appearance at British festivals after being heavily promoted online in the US. Dan says Re-Solve has even seen an increase in referrals for laughing gas addiction since the government ban was imposed. Dr Gail Saltz told us: "There are teens who have suffered permanent neurological loss as a result of this behaviour. "And it certainly can kill you." The doctor explained that inhaling the gas can lead to a range of very serious medical problems - and even death in the most severe cases. She explained: "When you inhale high pressure nitrous oxide, you are not getting any oxygen to the brain - so that's oxygen depravation. "And that can cause a heart attack, a stroke, injury to the brain. "More persistent use can lead to other issues such as B12 deficiency, anaemia, and other neurological problems." Meg Caldwell, a horse rider from Florida, started using nitrous oxide recreationally while at university. But her usage got heavier to the point it "started ruining her life". After an overdose, Meg, 29, temporarily lost use of her legs and was left incontinent, but carried on spending hundreds of dollars a day on the gas. She died in November last year in a car park outside a vape shop. Her sister Leigh Caldwell told Boston 25: "She would spend $300, $400 at a smoke shop in a day. "Her whole life had become derailed due to her addiction to this drug." Another sister, Kathleen Dial, told the BBC: "She didn't think that it would hurt her because she was buying it in the smoke shop, so she thought she was using this substance legally." Meg's family has now filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers of nitrous oxide and seven Florida smoke shops to stop retail sales of the drug. Galaxy Gas is named in the lawsuit. Drug addiction counsellor Kim Castro said that she's had four clients who have died from nitrous oxide poisoning. She told Boston 25: "You really don't know when you'll stop breathing, when you'll lose consciousness, when your body will stop functioning. It's pretty scary." In March, the FDA released a warning advising consumers not to inhale nitrous oxide products, including Galaxy Gas and other brands. 17 Discarded canisters of nitrous oxide piled up at Glastonbury festival at Worthy Farm Credit: AFP 17 In the UK, nitrous oxide is commonly used by inhaling balloons filled with small metal cartridges 17 Recreational nitrous oxide has been banned in the UK Credit: Instagram Dr Saltz said that sucking laughing gas to get high is not a new phenomenon, but there's been a surge in the past three to five years thanks to a "new twist" in the market. She said: "The new addition in recent years is flavours, which has made it more appealing to younger and younger people. "It seems like it's being literally marketed to this group of people. It makes it seem not dangerous and more innocuous." The doc agrees that social media has supercharged the spread of the drug amongst youngsters - allowing it to be glorified, but also popularising "challenges" involving the gas. She also warned of the danger of "copycat companies" who have "caught onto the fact that young people will buy this and use it for abuse". The doctor insisted there are some obvious ways to fight back against the gas falling into teens' hands. She said: "Selling to underage individuals is something that is frequently abused - and that of course shouldn't be happening. "We should be putting more warnings on the packaging so that the adult who is buying it is warned - because they may not realise what their teen is actually asking for. "And I wish that the companies would not be able to market to young people. "Once you've identified something as used for abuse, governments should have the ability to say to a company: 'This is what you can do, this is what you can't do.' For the greater societal good." Dr Saltz also explained that laughing gas is "easier to hide than abuse of many other things". She said: "It has no smell, it seems innocuous because it can be used for food preparation. It's not expensive, and the high is short."
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Too Cold For You? It's Too Cold For Your Pet Too, Says Petdirect Vet
Press Release – Petdirect Auckland, NZ – Tuesday 27 May 2025 – As New Zealand heads into its coldest months, Petdirect's in-house veterinarian, Dr. Olja Jovovich, is urging pet owners to treat winter as seriously for their pets as they do for themselves. Her key advice? 'If you're feeling the chill, your pet probably is too—keep them warm, dry, and comfortable,' says Dr. Jovovich. From shivering Whippets to indoor-bound grumpy cats, winter poses risks that many pet owners overlook. Dr. Jovovich shares essential tips to ensure pets stay healthy and happy when temperatures drop. How cold is too cold? 'A good rule of thumb is this: if you need a jacket, your dog might too,' says Dr. Jovovich. Below 10°C, small, short-haired, or senior dogs should always wear a warm coat when heading outdoors. While cats don't need jackets, they do need shelter, warmth, and the ability to come indoors freely. Signs your pet is feeling the cold Common signs include shivering, a hunched posture with tail tucked in, cold ears and paws, sluggish movement, and reluctance to go outside (which may lead to toileting accidents indoors). 'If your cat doesn't have a litter tray, they're even more at risk of developing stress-related health issues,' adds Dr. Jovovich. Winter-proofing your home Dr. Jovovich suggests raising pet beds off cold floors, using pet-safe heat pads (never electric blankets), and making sure cats have clean indoor litter trays. She recommends keeping pets stimulated with puzzle feeders. 'Rainy days don't have to mean lazy days,' she says. 'Mental stimulation can be just as important as physical exercise. Interactive puzzle toys are a great way to keep your pet's brain engaged and help prevent boredom during those indoor days.' Don't forget the paws 'Cold weather can cause painful irritation to your pet's paws, especially in colder parts of New Zealand, like down south where frosty conditions are common,' warns Dr. Jovovich. She recommends wiping or washing paws after walks, applying paw balm before and after outings, and using booties in particularly cold conditions—if the dog tolerates them. Short-haired, thin-coated, small, senior, or low-body-fat breeds—like Whippets, Greyhounds, Chihuahuas and Miniature Pinschers—should wear jackets when outdoors in the cold. Food, supplements and hydration Unless a pet's activity increases significantly in winter, there's no need to adjust their diet. Dr. Jovovich notes that most pets on a balanced or prescription diet won't need extra supplements. However, hydration still matters: 'Heaters dry out the air, so consider offering more wet food and using water fountains to encourage drinking—especially for cats.' Common seasonal risks Dr. Jovovich sees a range of winter-related issues, including: Urinary problems in cats from 'holding on' due to cold or lack of litter trays Arthritis flare-ups, especially in older pets Unnoticed weight gain from lower activity levels Dry skin and dull coats, particularly in areas with drier air Breathing issues in flat-faced breeds exposed to cold or dry conditions Dr. Jovovich's final tip for all pet owners: 'If you're cold, your pet probably is too—keep them warm, dry, and comfortable this winter.'' About Petdirect Petdirect's mission is to become New Zealand's most trusted and convenient destination for pet owners. Launched just as the country entered its first lockdown in March 2020, Petdirect quickly emerged as a leader in the online pet specialty space. By combining a wide range of premium products and services with exceptional customer care and consistently competitive pricing, Petdirect built a loyal customer base and earned the top spot in the online pet specialty market by July 2023.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Too Cold For You? It's Too Cold For Your Pet Too, Says Petdirect Vet
Press Release: Petdirect Auckland, NZ – Tuesday 27 May 2025 – As New Zealand heads into its coldest months, Petdirect's in-house veterinarian, Dr. Olja Jovovich, is urging pet owners to treat winter as seriously for their pets as they do for themselves. Her key advice? 'If you're feeling the chill, your pet probably is too—keep them warm, dry, and comfortable,' says Dr. Jovovich. From shivering Whippets to indoor-bound grumpy cats, winter poses risks that many pet owners overlook. Dr. Jovovich shares essential tips to ensure pets stay healthy and happy when temperatures drop. How cold is too cold? 'A good rule of thumb is this: if you need a jacket, your dog might too,' says Dr. Jovovich. Below 10°C, small, short-haired, or senior dogs should always wear a warm coat when heading outdoors. While cats don't need jackets, they do need shelter, warmth, and the ability to come indoors freely. Signs your pet is feeling the cold Common signs include shivering, a hunched posture with tail tucked in, cold ears and paws, sluggish movement, and reluctance to go outside (which may lead to toileting accidents indoors). 'If your cat doesn't have a litter tray, they're even more at risk of developing stress-related health issues,' adds Dr. Jovovich. Winter-proofing your home Dr. Jovovich suggests raising pet beds off cold floors, using pet-safe heat pads (never electric blankets), and making sure cats have clean indoor litter trays. She recommends keeping pets stimulated with puzzle feeders. 'Rainy days don't have to mean lazy days,' she says. 'Mental stimulation can be just as important as physical exercise. Interactive puzzle toys are a great way to keep your pet's brain engaged and help prevent boredom during those indoor days.' Don't forget the paws 'Cold weather can cause painful irritation to your pet's paws, especially in colder parts of New Zealand, like down south where frosty conditions are common,' warns Dr. Jovovich. She recommends wiping or washing paws after walks, applying paw balm before and after outings, and using booties in particularly cold conditions—if the dog tolerates them. Short-haired, thin-coated, small, senior, or low-body-fat breeds—like Whippets, Greyhounds, Chihuahuas and Miniature Pinschers—should wear jackets when outdoors in the cold. Food, supplements and hydration Unless a pet's activity increases significantly in winter, there's no need to adjust their diet. Dr. Jovovich notes that most pets on a balanced or prescription diet won't need extra supplements. However, hydration still matters: 'Heaters dry out the air, so consider offering more wet food and using water fountains to encourage drinking—especially for cats.' Common seasonal risks Dr. Jovovich sees a range of winter-related issues, including: Urinary problems in cats from 'holding on' due to cold or lack of litter trays Arthritis flare-ups, especially in older pets Unnoticed weight gain from lower activity levels Dry skin and dull coats, particularly in areas with drier air Breathing issues in flat-faced breeds exposed to cold or dry conditions Dr. Jovovich's final tip for all pet owners: 'If you're cold, your pet probably is too—keep them warm, dry, and comfortable this winter.'" About Petdirect Petdirect's mission is to become New Zealand's most trusted and convenient destination for pet owners. Launched just as the country entered its first lockdown in March 2020, Petdirect quickly emerged as a leader in the online pet specialty space. By combining a wide range of premium products and services with exceptional customer care and consistently competitive pricing, Petdirect built a loyal customer base and earned the top spot in the online pet specialty market by July 2023.
India.com
07-05-2025
- General
- India.com
Speed Demons: 8 Dogs Born To Run And Explore
Muskan Kalra May 07, 2025 Known as the 'royal dog of Egypt,' Salukis are incredibly fast and enduring, able to run up to 42 mph across long distances. The fastest dog breed, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 mph. Bred for racing, they're sleek, agile, and surprisingly gentle. A smaller cousin of the Greyhound, Whippets can hit speeds around 35 mph. They're quick sprinters and love short bursts of high-speed play. A favorite for police and military work, these dogs are fast (up to 30 mph), highly trainable, and built for endurance and high-intensity tasks. Energetic and fast (up to 40 mph), Vizslas thrive in active households and love running, hiking, and retrieving. Small but mighty, they can run up to 25 mph. Their boundless energy and fearless nature make them great for fast-paced activities. While not the fastest in straight sprints (around 30 mph), their agility, stamina, and intelligence make them ideal for action-packed adventures. Muscular and fast (30–35 mph), Dobermans are not only great guardians but also excel in obedience and agility sports. Read Next Story
