Archive for the ‘Dogs’ Category

Beware of Heatstroke in Dogs

Did you know that dogs are at much higher risk in hot weather than humans are? As a result, they can easily suffer heatstroke in hot weather (and it’s not always just in summer), becoming ill, or even fatal consequences from overheating.

Why don’t dogs cope well with the heat?

Humans can lose heat by sweating – as the water in sweat evaporates, we cool down. We also wear loose-fitting clothing, that acts as a barrier to the sun’s rays, and traps a layer of cooler air between us and the outside air.

Dogs, however, are descended from wolves – animals that are well adapted to live in cold, arctic countries. They only have sweat glands on the tip of their nose and on their pads, and their coats are designed to keep heat in, not out. As a result, they struggle to lose heat when their body temperature rises – the only way that they can cool down is by panting.

Why isn’t panting enough to stop them from getting overheated?

Panting works fairly well for a short time – but it uses up a lot of water. Sooner or later, the dog will become dehydrated and won’t be able to salivate anymore, then their temperature climbs rapidly and dangerously. 

What effect does overheating have on the dog?

Well, firstly, it leads to dehydration – many dogs who die of heatstroke actually die of shock as their body becomes dehydrated, leading to the collapse of their circulatory system. However, in exceptionally hot weather, even well-hydrated dogs can die, as their body temperature climbs faster than they are able to lose heat.

In this situation, the high body temperature literally cooks their blood, brains, and internal organs, resulting in abnormal clotting, brain damage, multi-organ failure, and then death. While a dog’s normal temperature is about 38.5C, a core temperature of 41C can lead to permanent brain damage, and the higher it goes, the more severe the damage and the faster it occurs.

What are the major risk factors?

The biggest risk is hot weather, but of course, in the summer, it’s hot throughout much of the day! The other major risk is breed – short-nosed dogs like Pugs and Bulldogs find it much, much harder to pant effectively than their long-nosed cousins. This is because their short noses lead to long soft palates and narrow nostrils, restricting airflow.

Other important factors include lack of shade and lack of water. In the midday sun, in summer, dogs can become dangerously overheated in minutes if they cannot find shade. Exercise in the heat of the day is also a problem – the more a dog exercises, the more heat their body generates, so the faster they reach the danger zone.

Most dogs, with adequate water, can maintain their core temperature up to an air temperature of about 32C – in short-nosed breeds, however, even this may be a struggle, so you need to be extra vigilant.

So what are the symptoms of Heatstroke?

The most common symptoms include:

  • Exceptionally heavy panting
  • Serious drooling or (if they’re dehydrated) sticky, or even dry gums
  • Lethargy or unusual drowsiness
  • Wobbliness or difficulty balancing
  • Abnormal behaviour
  • Vomiting
  • Collapse
  • Muscle tremors, twitching, or seizures

What should I do if my dog seems to be overheating?

When treating heatstroke in dogs, it’s crucial to prioritize cooling them down immediately before contacting your vet. Immerse young, healthy dogs in cool water, while older dogs or those with underlying health issues should be doused in cool water and then fanned. Avoiding using wet towels, as they are less effective.

Once you begin the cooling process, contact your local Goddard veterinary practice, or if it’s after hours, reach out to the nearest Goddard veterinary 24-Hour Emergency Hospital for further guidance.

Can it be treated?

It depends on how severe it is – we will work to gradually reduce their temperature, and help to treat the dehydration and shock. However, in many cases there will be permanent brain or organ damage; sadly, most studies put the mortality rate at about 50%.

How can I keep my dog safe?

Prevention is the key! On a hot day…

  • Always allow your dog access to shade
  • Make sure your dog always has water available
  • Keep at-risk dogs, especially short-nosed breeds, indoors out of the heat during the day
  • Spray hot dogs with cool water before they become ill, to help them cool down
  • NEVER leave a dog in a car, even in the shade as temperatures can rise to dangerous levels within minutes
  • Exercise your dog in the early morning or late evening, when it’s cooler
  • Watch out for the warning signs…

If you think your dog is at risk of heatstroke, call us for advice or help.

Practice Finder

Ten tips for keeping your pet safe this summer

We know you want to do all you can to keep your pet healthy, happy and safe this summer. There are a few things to think about to keep them from harm — we’ve listed our top ten tips below!

Tip number 1: Barbecues

  • Burns are common in both dogs and cats. Make sure your pet can’t get near the barbeque until it has cooled down.
  • Skewers and chicken bones in leftovers or in the bin are a big problem for dogs if they get to them. They may not even realise they have eaten them with the meat but they can do massive internal damage. To prevent this, make sure that skewers or chicken with bones aren’t left in your dog’s reach, or are put in a container. It’s also wise to take the bin out straight away to stop them from getting to any meat and skewers left in there. We know they’ll sniff them out otherwise, given the chance!

Tip number 2: Heatstroke

  • Hot cars are a common cause of heatstroke in dogs, which can be fatal. Never leave a dog in a car in hot weather, even if it is shady and you only intend to be 5 minutes. It isn’t worth the risk.
  • Shade and water is key at this time of year to prevent heatstroke. All of your pets should have this at all times in hot weather. If you are going out with your dog consider taking an umbrella and a pop-up water bowl so that they can rest in the shade and have a drink wherever you go.

Tip number 3: Hot pavements

Hot pavements can burn dogs’ paws. Ideally only take your dog out for a walk in the morning or evening when it is cooler. Also, you can try and walk on the grass instead. If you are unsure if it is too hot, follow the 7 second rule – you will soon know if it would burn their paws! Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds, if it’s too hot for you – it’s too hot for them.

Tip number 4: Summer travels

It’s very important that when you are going away, your pet will be safe — if they’re coming with you or not!

  • If your pet is on regular medication, then make sure that you come to see us before you go away so you don’t run out.
  • If your pet is coming with you on holiday and you are travelling by car, then you need to schedule in lots of breaks (ideally at least once an hour) so that your pet can get out of the car, go to the toilet and just stretch their legs. Always make sure there is plenty of water for them to drink. Be prepared for travel sickness, many dogs and cats get travel sick. If they are beginning to look unwell then pull over at the next services to let them get some air and start to feel a little better. A long journey can be much more stressful than we can imagine, you can use pheromone sprays to reduce stress – get in touch with our team if you’d like more advice.
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Tip number 5: Staying in the cattery or kennels

Make sure your pet is fully vaccinated, flea treated and wormed before they go in, you don’t want them to come out sick or infested! If your dog is going to stay with a sitter, or dog walker it’s advised that your dog gets the kennel cough vaccine, which is a quick and painless spray up the nose.

Tip number 6: Going abroad with your pet

If you plan to take your pet abroad then you will need to come in and see us in advance of your trip. Pets must have an Animal Health Certificate to travel and to qualify they will need a rabies vaccination and wormer in advance of the trip. Our vets will also give you advice about travelling and others risks when abroad.

Tip number 7: Flystrike

Rabbit owners, this one’s for you! Flystrike is where flies lay eggs on moist areas (often the back end), which then hatch to become maggots. This is very painful, as the maggots eat their way into the poor rabbit’s flesh. Any rabbit in the summer is at risk of flystrike, especially those with a wet or dirty back end as this attracts the flies. If you notice your rabbit has flystrike, ring us straight away. To prevent this, you need to check your rabbit’s bottom every day and clean it up. This should stop the flies from being attracted to that area and means you can catch it early if there is any flystrike.

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Tip number 8: Fleas

Fleas are very common at this time of year and if you have a pet that goes outdoors then it is inevitable for them to get fleas. You can’t always see fleas on your pet when they have them, so it is always best to treat whether you can see them or not.

  • It is important that you treat your pet regularly (once a month normally but check the product you are using) and ideally with a prescription-strength product bought from us – that way you can be sure it is safe to use and is going to work!
  • If your pet already has fleas your house will also be infested. You will need to wash all bedding at a high temperature, hoover thoroughly including crevices in sofas and treating the house with insecticidal flea spray.

Tip number 9: Ticks

These little bloodsuckers carry some very nasty and potentially fatal diseases such as Lyme disease and, more recently, babesiosis. This is mostly a risk for dogs that go walking through long grass (don’t forget about those pesky grass seeds either!). To prevent diseases from ticks, you can regularly treat for ticks (you can get a combination product with the flea treatment) and check your dog over every time you come back from a walk. We can always give advice on tick removal and there are specific tick removal tools, this allows you to be sure you have removed it all and have not left the mouthparts in.

Tip number 10: Suncream

In the summer months, the UV rays from the sun can be a problem for our pets, just like us. There is a form of skin cancer that can be caused by too many UV rays, especially in our white (or pink nosed) pets. You can buy pet-friendly sun cream at most pet supermarkets and this only really needs to be applied to the nose and ears (especially important in cats).

How to protect your dog from grass seeds

At this time of year grass seeds are a common problem and can pose a real threat to dogs if left unfound or untreated as the seeds can work their way into the skin and become infected or cause lameness. The tops of long grass stems found in gardens or parks can become very dry during the summer months and will easily attach themselves to your dog’s fur as they walk past, without you even noticing. Paws, ears and under the armpit are the most common affected areas, so what can you do to protect your dog from grass seeds?

How do I tell if my dog has an issue with a grass seed?

Your dog may show signs that it is being irritated by a grass seed such as:

  • excessively biting or licking the affected area, especially in between the toes
  • shaking their head if there is a grass seed in the ear, or pawing at the head
  • sneezing excessively if there is a seed up the nose
  • a closed, uncomfortable eye

If the grass seed has pierced the skin, you may notice swelling around the affected area.  Occasionally, the only sign of a grass seed infection might be lethargy or loss of appetite if the grass seed has penetrated into the internal body cavities of the chest, throat or abdomen.

Are all dogs affected by grass seeds?

Yes, all dogs can be affected by grass seeds, but especially those breeds that have longer fur and feathered toes. It is best to check your dog over as soon as you get home from your walk to catch any stray seeds that may have attached themselves and dispose of them.

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What if I cannot remove the grass seed?

A grass seed that is seen on the surface of your dog’s fur is easily removable, but if you notice the grass seed has burrowed its way into the skin or if you think you dog has a grass seed in their eye or ear, contact your local Goddard Veterinary Practice immediately.

How can I protect my dog from grass seeds?

  • Try and avoid letting your dog roam or jump around in long grassy areas
  • Check your dog over with your hand when back at home, paying attention to the feet, the inside of the ears and the armpit
  • Brush out any seeds you may find and dispose of them in a bin
  • Look out for any signs that a grass seed may be irritating your dog
  • Have your dog regularly groomed if the coat is prone to matting, or has a long coat.

Long grassy areas are also a haven for ticks and fleas, so be sure to keep your preventative treatment up to date and dog protected.

I need more advice, what should I do?

Call and speak to one of the team for advice or book an appointment. We’re here to help.

Practice Finder

Winter Dog Safety Tips: How to Keep Dogs Safe in Cold Weather

Spotting the Signs & Staying Safe

As the temperatures drop in London, it’s natural to worry about your dog feeling the cold. Hypothermia in dogs doesn’t happen often here, but other winter dangers are more common. These include antifreeze poisoning and slipping when walking at night. Here’s a short guide to keeping your dog safe.

1. Hypothermia: What to Watch For

  • Shivering or trembling — often the first sign.
  • Cold ears and paws — these may feel very chilled to the touch.
  • Lethargy or reluctance to move.
  • Serious symptoms like slow breathing or heartbeat, loss of balance, or collapsing require immediate medical attention.

What to do if you suspect hypothermia

  • Move your dog into a warm, dry space.
  • Use blankets or wrapped warm (not hot) water bottles to warm them gradually. Avoid direct high heat and have 5cm of padding between water bottles and skin contact to avoid thermal burns. 
  • Call your local branch for advice or one of our 24-hour hospitals if the branch is closed or out-of-hours. 

2. Antifreeze Poisoning: A Greater Winter Threat

Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) — and some screen-wash or de-icing fluids — can be extremely toxic to dogs. It often tastes sweet and looks like water, making it more likely to be licked from puddles or spilled containers. Even small amounts can be fatal.

Signs of Antifreeze Poisoning

  • Vomiting
  • Wobbly, “drunk” behaviour
  • Excessive drinking and urination (initially)
  • Lethargy
  • Fast breathing
  • Seizures or collapse
  • Later: signs of kidney failure

What to Do If You Suspect Poisoning

  • Move your dog away from the spill or puddle.
  • Call your vet immediately, even before symptoms appear. Describe what happened, what the substance is (if known), where it is, and when exposure occurred.
  • If safe, wash your dog’s fur and paws with mild soap and lukewarm water, then dry thoroughly.
  • Don’t try home remedies (e.g., no self-induced vomiting or giving medication) — early veterinary care is critical.

Prevention Tips

  • Store antifreeze, de-icer and screen-wash securely in sealed, clearly labelled containers.
  • Clean up any spillages promptly.
  • Avoid walking near parked vehicles, garages or drains, where leaks are more likely.

3. Walking After Dark or in Cold Weather: Keeping Safe on Winter Dog Walks

  • Visibility matters: Use reflective gear for both you and your dog — collars, leads, coats — and consider clip-on LED lights.
  • Consider winter coats for your dog and never leave them in the car for long periods during winter
  • Choose safe routes: Stick to well-lit, quieter paths and avoid busy roads, especially in low-visibility conditions.
  • Shorten walks when the weather is really harsh, or if your dog is very young, old or lightly coated.
  • Check and clean paws after walks: Salt, grit or chemicals used for de-icing can irritate or be toxic if licked. Wipe or wash paws if needed.
  • Stay on lead near roads or areas where chemical spill risk is higher.

In conclusion…

Hypothermia might not be the biggest winter danger for dogs in London. But antifreeze poisoning and risks from walking in the dark are serious. The good news is that these issues can mostly be avoided. Stay alert, take some common-sense precautions, and you’ll help keep your dog warm, safe, and happy all winter long.

Sources & Further Reading:
• Dogs Trust – Cold Weather Advice: dogstrust.org.uk
• PDSA – Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs

Fireworks and Your Pet

Fireworks season is fast approaching and although we may enjoy it as humans, it may be a little stressful for our furry friends. See below our advice on keeping your pet happy and safe during this time, or have a look at our top 10 tips on keeping your pet safe this firework season. 

ALWAYS

  • Keep dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off.
  • Close all windows and doors and block off cat flaps to stop pets escaping and to keep noise to a minimum. Draw the curtains, and if the animals are used to the particular sounds of TV or radio, switch them on.
  • Make sure your pet is microchipped so should they run away you are more likely to be reunited with them.

NEVER

  • Walk your dog while fireworks are going off.
  • Leave or tie your dog up outside while fireworks are being let off.
  • Take your dog to a firework display. Even if your dog does not bark or whimper at fireworks it doesn’t mean they are happy.
  • Shout at your pet if they are frightened as this will only make them more distressed.

DOGS

To further minimise distress, we suggest you install an Adaptil® diffuser in your home. The Adaptil® diffuser works like a plug-in air freshener, continuously releasing an odourless natural pheromone which helps to keep your pet feeling safe and calm. The diffuser contains a natural solution and there is no sedative effect. Xylkene® is an oral tablet which can also be used to help relieve anxiety without the use of potentially sedative drugs. In severe cases we may need to prescribe a sedative. Please discuss this with one of our veterinary surgeons.

CATS

A Feliway® diffuser is the feline equivalent to the Adaptil® diffuser. Feliway® releases feline facial pheromone, mimicking the cat’s own pheromones, helping to create a state of calmness and well-being, allowing reactions to stressful situations to be better controlled. Xylkene® can also be used in cats to help relieve anxiety without the use of potentially sedative drugs.

SMALL ANIMALS

Rabbits and guinea pigs living outside should not be forgotten. They can also become very stressed from loud noises. Bring small animals indoors or into an outhouse to muffle the sound of the fireworks, helping them feel safe and calm.

If you are concerned or would like further advice, please speak to your local Goddard vet soon.