Current dangers to look out for
As everyone is aware, we have been experiencing some extremely hot days and unfortunately this rise in temperature can cause other dangers for our four-legged companions.
- Blue-green algae
Blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) thrives in high temperatures and with our recent heat increase has been prominent. They cause the water to change colour (blue-green, brown, black and even red) and produce toxins such as neurotoxic, hepatotoxic and dermatotoxic. Gastrointestinal issues are commonly the first signs to show after being exposed to blue-green algae. Signs of liver damage can occur within 24 hours which can lead to death. Neurotoxic effects can manifest extremely quickly and unfortunately death can occur within minutes to hours.
Treatment is vital if blue-green algae is ingested. With dogs who show significant signs after exposure, prognosis is generally poor. Although few, succession rates can occur if caught early enough and after aggressive treatment.
Dogs are commonly affected by cyanotoxins and tend to come into contact through licking or eating algal material or swimming within affected water. Th Environmental Agency Incident Hotline is available for further information 0800 807060.
- Cyanogenic glycoside- containing plants
Hot weather has also meant that plants have been producing fruit earlier than usual. Some plants contain cyanogenic glycosides such as Wild Cherry and can cause tissue hypoxia which prevents adequate oxygen reaching bodily tissues.
Vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort are common signs of ingestion. Depending on the fruit ingested, an emetic can be considered with recent ingestion and vomiting has not naturally occurred. Treatment can include cyanide antidotes and oxygen can be given is cyanide poisoning is suspected.
- Jellyfish
In warm weather, owners enjoy taking their dogs to the beach to cool off in the water and why shouldn't you? Care needs to be taken this time of year as Jellyfish are common. The obvious danger with Jellyfish is their sting, however not all stings are server. an important piece of information to note is that even dead Jellyfish can sting, even weeks after death and so licking or ingestion can result in a sting.
In dogs, effects occur either immediately or within hours of contact. Signs can include vomiting or retching, oedema, hypersalivation and oral irritation, pain and discomfort, pyrexia and diarrhoea. Serve cases can include tremors, panting, dysphagia, choking, coughing and polydipsia.
Depending on where stung, skin irritation can occur.
Treatment is supportive. If the Jellyfish and dog are still in contact, pull off (do NOT rub off) with a towel or poo bag. The area should be irrigated with seawater, not fresh. Rubbing and fresh water can cause the sting cells to fire. Veterinary treatment can be given but normally, cold packs are applied to the affected area to bring some relief.
