Spring Hazards for your dogs

Spring is the time when adders, the only poisonous snakes in Scotland, are at their most active. With the recent relaxation of Covid restrictions, many people will be venturing into the countryside with their dogs, so it is important to be aware of possible adder bites. However, adders will only bite in self-defence, or if they are accidentally stood upon so cases of adders biting dogs are really not that common. This link gives useful information about adder bites and what you should do if you think your dog has been bitten. Adder bites in dogs: What to do if your dog is bitten by an adder | Vets Now (vets-now.com)

What is much more common as the temperature warms up are tick bites. Ticks can carry the organism that causes Lyme Disease in animals and humans. Of course, as Therapet owners, you will be adhering to the Health Protocol by having your dogs on external parasite and worming prevention programmes. However, there are many new and advanced products on the market now, and it may be advisable to contact your veterinary practice to get the most up-to-date advice. In addition to this, you should check your dogs for the presence of ticks after walks in tick habitats such as long grass and remove them. If you are unsure how to do this, veterinary nurses at your local practice will show you how and will be able to supply a small and inexpensive tool to aid this. The same applies to yourself of course.

This article appeared in our Bulletin No. 101 April 2021 - read bullentin in full here

See previous article listed on - TICKS - LYME DISEASE – AWARENESS!

Picture above credited to Vetsnow