Urgent vet warning over five hazards that could kill your dog this summer – how to keep them safe
VETS have issued an urgent warning over five hazards that could be deadly to your dog this summer.
Hot weather, barbecue season and creepy crawlies can all pose a threat to your , according to the experts.
With forecasters predicting clear skies and sunshine well into this month, it's important for pet owners to know what to look out for to keep their beloved furry friends safe.
One peril directly related to warmer weather is heatstroke, which can cause dogs serious health issues.
Experts at said: "Dogs are not as good as humans at dealing with high temperatures, as they find it harder to cool down.
"It's important to pay attention to the signs that your is too hot (e.g. panting excessively and lethargy) and take the necessary precautions to avoid heatstroke."
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Protective measures include making sure your pooch has a good supply of cool water, taking low-intensity walks early in the morning or late at night or even skipping the exercise altogether for a day or two.
Likewise, owners should never leave dogs in hot cars unattended.
Travis Launaux, assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of , told : "There's a greenhouse effect inside the car that can increase temperatures quickly — an animal can die in 5 minutes."
With that in mind, as the mercury creeps up it may be tempting to let your dog splash in the sea to cool down on a trip to the beach.
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However, it's equally important to be aware of the risks this poses, especially if your pet is in open water.
Experts at online clinic explained: "If a dog falls into the water from a boat, pool edge, or dock it can be very difficult to get them out of the water, especially if it is a heavy dog.
"A dog that gets into the water will swim as long as they can, but after a while will become exhausted.
"To help a dog that has aspirated water (inhaled water into its lungs), a quick response is needed. For small dogs, hold them vertically, with their head pointing down towards the floor, to enable water to drain out by gravity.
"For larger dogs, place them on one side, ideally on a downhill slope with their head and neck lower than their trunk, so that the water can run out.
"Carefully pull the tongue forwards and place it hanging out of one side of the mouth. Check that there is nothing inside the mouth and that the airways are clear."
It is also important to dry the dog to prevent hypothermia.
On top of the direct risks from warmer temperatures, they also provide ideal conditions for animals and plants that can be deadly to dogs.
Cold-blooded reptiles like snakes will often come out in the daytime to warm themselves and many can deliver a venomous bite if approached.
Similarly, plants like giant hogweed and ivy can cause nasty injuries if your pooch brushes up against them, while even simple crops and flowers like daffodils and onion plants can be poisonous if they eat them.
With dogs being naturally curious pets who like to explore, owners are encouraged to keep an eye on them at all times, especially in grassy and overgrown areas.
Finally, summer means one thing for Brits and that's barbecue season.
While grilling is a national tradition at this time of year, dog owners need to be careful with what they lets their pets steal from their plates.
First Vet explained: "As a dog owner, it’s important to dispose of waste and leftovers carefully so that our dogs can’t eat potentially dangerous items.
"Use a strong and sealable bag for trash and dispose of it in a bin or secure it in a safe place where dogs can’t reach.
"Bags of garbage can contain sharp pieces of glass, wooden skewers or metal grills, as well as packaging and food scraps, such as bones.
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"If chewed and swallowed, pieces of bone can puncture the delicate stomach or get stuck in the dog's mouth, esophagus, or further down the intestine.
"Corn cobs are also not digestible, and therefore can easily get stuck in the intestine."