Latest news with #doghealth
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers to follow puppies through their lives
A dogs charity is urging owners of puppies from across Devon and Cornwall to sign up for a research study to better understand their health and behaviour. The Dogs Trust needs puppies under 16 weeks old to join its Generation Pup study, the first ever to follow dogs of all breeds for their whole lives. Jane Murray, welfare project and grants deputy head of research at the Dogs Trust said the study hopes to better understand "how early life experiences influence the health and behaviour of dogs throughout their lives". The charity said by collecting information about puppies such as their environment, family, health, behaviour and experiences, it can build a picture of a whole generation of dogs. The charity added that it has almost reached its milestone of recruiting 10,000 puppies, but is still looking for a few hundred more to join the project. Researchers could investigate whether aspects such as environment, social interaction, diet, exercise or daily routine may be important in the development of a range of health and behaviour conditions which impact on the welfare of our dogs. Recent data submitted by owners when their dogs were six, nine, 12, 15 and 18 months old, found that the highest proportion of dogs showing one or more undesirable behaviours was for the 12-month-old dogs, with barking, recall issues, pulling on the lead and jumping up the most frequently reported behaviours. Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ More on this story Dog rescue charities call for government support Puppy raisers sought to help train more guide dogs Prince William celebrates birthday with puppy photo Related internet links Dogs Trust
BBC News
20-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Researchers to follow puppies through their entire lives
A dogs charity is urging owners of puppies from across Devon and Cornwall to sign up for a research study to better understand their health and behaviour. The Dogs Trust needs puppies under 16 weeks old to join its Generation Pup study, the first ever to follow dogs of all breeds for their whole lives. Jane Murray, welfare project and grants deputy head of research at the Dogs Trust said the study hopes to better understand "how early life experiences influence the health and behaviour of dogs throughout their lives".The charity said by collecting information about puppies such as their environment, family, health, behaviour and experiences, it can build a picture of a whole generation of dogs. The charity added that it has almost reached its milestone of recruiting 10,000 puppies, but is still looking for a few hundred more to join the could investigate whether aspects such as environment, social interaction, diet, exercise or daily routine may be important in the development of a range of health and behaviour conditions which impact on the welfare of our data submitted by owners when their dogs were six, nine, 12, 15 and 18 months old, found that the highest proportion of dogs showing one or more undesirable behaviours was for the 12-month-old dogs, with barking, recall issues, pulling on the lead and jumping up the most frequently reported behaviours.
Daily Mail
19-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Expert issues urgent warning over common plant in the UK that could be FATAL to your dog
An expert has issued an urgent warning to dog owners over a plant and which could prove fatal to their pooches. With fields drying out, and wild grasses going to seed, foxtails - the sharp, barbed tips of certain grasses - are becoming increasingly prevalent in the UK. While they may appear harmless, they can burrow into dogs' paws, ears or skin and cause painful infections. And this time of year sees grass seed injuries in dogs spike, with July, August and September seeing the highest number of cases, according to Simon Crawshaw, dog nutrition expert at grain-free dog food supplier Hilltop Pet Food. One third of all grass seed injury claims last year were made in July alone. Simon noted that knowing the signs can make all the difference if your dog is already affected. He said: 'Foxtails might seem harmless, but once they embed into a dog's skin or ears, they can cause serious problems. 'They don't break down naturally and can travel deeper into the body, sometimes leading to infections or abscesses. Catching them early is crucial, especially after walks through fields or long grass.' He shared tips with dog owners so they can keep vigilant and try to reduce the riak of their pets being affected by the plants. When it comes to what to look out for, Simon noted that foxtails are most common in long, dry grasses, especially in fields, countryside paths, and parks that haven't been cut back. They tend to attach themselves to fur and then migrate into the body. Common signs of foxtail-related injuries include: sudden limping or paw licking; redness or swelling between toes; head shaking or ear scratching; sneezing, coughing, or nasal discharge (if inhaled); and sudden sensitivity around the groin or armpits. According to the expert, people who notice any of these symptoms in their dog should take their canine to be checked by a vet. The sooner a foxtail is removed, the lower the risk of infection or deeper migration. When it comes to protecting your dog during foxtail season, Simon recommends making a few small changes to your routine during the summer months. 'Dogs with longer or curlier coats are more at risk, as foxtails can get lost in the fur and go unnoticed,' he said. 'A simple brush-down after each walk can save you a lot of stress and a potentially costly vet bill.' He added that when it comes to fighting injury in general, dogs should be fed an optimum diet and kept in peak condition, as a dog's overall health can impact how they recover if they do get injured. 'Dogs on a high-quality, nutrient-rich diet tend to heal faster and have stronger immune responses,' he explained. 'Good food won't stop a foxtail, but it can support their recovery and reduce the risk of infections getting worse.' Simon also noted that while foxtails 'might not be on every dog owner's radar', they're one of the most common summer hazards for UK dogs, especially now, as grasses dry out and go to seed. He noted that a quick check after walks, a bit of fur maintenance, and awareness of the signs can 'go a long way in keeping your dog safe and happy this summer'.
Telegraph
19-07-2025
- 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.'
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Aussie pet owners warned over hidden risk after four dogs die within a week
Pet owners on the east coast are being warned to be on alert amid a spike in cases of a nasty disease that can kill dogs if left untreated. Four have reportedly died in the space of just days this week. The four dogs died in the NSW Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven regions as a result of canine leptospirosis — a serious bacterial disease spread through contaminated water. Humans can contract it, and it's known to be fatal in dogs if not detected early. It targets vital organs — most commonly the liver and kidneys — leading to potentially lethal complications, said Dr Bing Zhu, Internal Medicine Specialist at SASH Bladder and Kidney Centre. In an interview with Yahoo News, she explained that symptoms in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, lethargy, muscle tenderness, and in severe cases, jaundice or kidney failure. She said leptospirosis is most commonly spread through water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents. What is leptospirosis, and how does it spread? Zhu warned the disease is more common in warmer, wetter climates, especially following periods of heavy rainfall. Vaccination is available and strongly recommended in high-risk areas. "If I saw my dog walking along and there was a puddle on the ground, especially in an area that had rodents, I wouldn't let them drink from it," she said. "I'd try to discourage it. But at the same time, you can't clean every single surface. They're going to go on the grass — rats are going to pee on the grass as well — so you can't completely avoid exposure. "The best thing that pet owners can do is make sure their dogs are vaccinated." Vaccination is not going to stop the disease from taking hold, Zhu said. However, it can significantly reduce how sick they get from it. "So it means that if they're vaccinated, they might be in the hospital for a few days with antibiotics," she said. "But if they're unvaccinated, they might go into really bad kidney failure, where you need dialysis to survive. That's the difference between being vaccinated versus not. "Take your pets to the vet earlier — don't wait. If your pet's unwell, especially in the rainy season, and you've got rodents around, don't wait a week or two of them being off-colour." Zhu recommended requesting a blood test if the dog has been off for a day or two. "The earlier you get this disease diagnosed and start antibiotics, the better chance you have of essentially getting through without anything major," she said. The specialist said that while leptospirosis isn't considered a common illness, it is present across much of Australia and tends to appear in seasonal spikes, coming in waves, often during rainy periods. "When rainwater collects and dogs sniff, lick, or flick at the ground, that's when cases start to rise," she said. At her clinic alone, Zhu estimates they treat between five and 10 cases a year, noting that many more are diagnosed at other veterinary hospitals. "It's not something we should dismiss as rare,' she said. 'It's uncommon and unfortunate, but any vet seeing a dog with kidney failure should have it high on the list of things to test for." What is the survival rate among dogs? In Australia, while official data on canine leptospirosis outcomes may still be limited, Zhu said information shared within the veterinary community suggests the fatality rate could be as high as 80 to 90 per cent. She said that many dogs are euthanised, often because the disease is detected too late, or they've progressed to a dialysis-dependent state. In some cases, dogs are treated with IV fluids but without a full understanding of how to manage kidney failure effectively. Zhu said excessive IV fluids can actually worsen the condition, pushing dogs into dialysis dependence. "Ideally, the moment a dog shows signs of illness, they should be taken to a vet," she said. Pet owner's warning after common mishap leaves dog fighting for life Aussie vet's stark warning to pet owners after 'terrifying' spike in cases Aussie woman's desperate $20,000 act to save beloved cat "Even the slightest changes in bloodwork should prompt a referral to a specialist — even if treatment isn't pursued there, early intervention improves the chances of recovery." She added that the cost of dialysis remains a major barrier. "Many of these dogs could survive if we had the resources to support them through dialysis, but the financial burden (around $30,000) is just too much for most families in today's economy." Yahoo News Australia has contacted the Southern NSW Local Health District for comment. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
