Christmas is coming… and our thoughts turn to what pet owners can do to have an enjoyable time of year with their dogs. The team at Avenues Vets have shared their top 5 UK places to take dogs as well as alternative fun you and your dog can have closer to home.
If, after reading our article you have a favourite dog walking hotspot or home activity we’ve not covered, why not share it with other dog owners in Lanarkshire via our Facebook page?
Share your dog tips on Facebook
We’ve also got some fun activities you can try at home with your dog – download it now!
Dog walking hotspots in the UK
If you and your dog enjoy getting out regardless of the weather, here are our Glasgow team’s top 5 suggestions for where you can go together this month:
1. The Lake District – This is one of the most stunning places all year round and pet owners travel for miles to take their dogs on the long, beautiful walks.
2. Cornwall – We often think of Cornwall as a summer destination, but winter is the real time to play as many of the beaches closed to dogs in summer are now open to welcome canine visitors.
3. Snowdonia National Park – Also famous for its beautiful scenery and long walks, Snowdonia is a beautiful place to take your canine friend for a ramble. Be extra careful in icy conditions though as driving there and walking can be tricky.
4. The Cairngorms – This mountain range in Scotland is a dog walker’s paradise; you can even go monster hunting with a cruise on Loch Ness!
5. Cotswolds Water Park – This is a beautiful place to walk dogs; they will need to be kept on a lead in most areas to protect the wildlife but it’s still worth the visit.
If you are planning to be out and about during December with your dog, our Glasgow vet nurses advise you to always plan ahead:
- Make sure you are familiar with the walking route you are taking and the daylight hours as these may vary across the UK – it’s unwise to explore outside of daylight hours.
- Always take a first aid kit for both you and your canine partner.
- Ensure you have all the supplies you will need to keep dry and warm. Ruff & Tumble dry coats (and other available brands) can be helpful to warm your dog after their activity.
- Our Vet at our Glasgow practice, Nicola Armstrong, also advises that you should always consider your pet’s health and abilities, especially if they are older, before planning a new adventure.
Local dog friendly walks
If you don’t fancy going on a big adventure this close to Christmas, or are worried about the short days and potential bad weather, our team have come up with some ideas for entertaining your dog a little closer to home:
- Most local garden centres and an increasing number of cafes in Lanarkshire are dog friendly and enable your dog to hang out with you while you shop, potter around, or relax with a hot drink and cake.
- You’ll be surprised how fun a trip to the pet shop can be for your dog – all their favourite smells and the chance to find a rogue dog biscuit on the floor? Paradise for dogs!
- Many National Trust locations and other attractions in the UK allow dogs in parts of their grounds if you want to walk them somewhere out of the ordinary.
Dog fun at home
The team at Avenues Vets have also got the perfect solution if you just fancy an indoors day or want some ideas to supplement your dog’s usual activities including tricks for treats, and timed laps around the house! Download these here:
Try these Winter Indoor Dog Activities
With Christmas around the corner, you might be thinking about Christmas gifts for your dog too. Our vet nurses recommend searching for dog boredom puzzles and toys. The more interactive the game can be, the better stimulation for your dog, especially in months where you may not be getting outdoors as much and need something to help fight boredom.
Scatter feeding, where you scatter your dog’s mealtime biscuits across the floor can make things more interesting, especially if you play hide and seek with some of their biscuits too!
Whether it’s getting out and about, games at home, or toys and gifts to put under the Christmas tree, it’s important to make sure your dog is safe and happy.
Remember to share your top dog-friendly places to go in Lanarkshire and beyond on our Facebook page!
With winter on the way and cold temperatures setting in across Lanarkshire, it is important to know the limits of our faithful companions. The cold weather can pose serious risks for our pets, so the team at Avenues Vets have outlined some tips to keep your dog healthy, comfortable, and safe in the coming months.
Can you walk your dog in the snow?
Our vet nurses can confirm that you can walk your dog in the colder temperatures including in the snow. However, there are some precautions you should take beforehand.
- Consider dog sweaters, jackets, boots, or socks to place a barrier between them and the cold. This will keep them warmer and dryer – monitor your pet to avoid overheating.
- Mix up your dog’s walking routine to get them moving more – you can use objects on the walk such as lampposts to walk them around.
- Limit walks to 15 – 20 minutes to avoid the harsher effects of the cold.
- Look for cues such as whining, shivering, or hard skin – dogs can get frostbite too!
- Alternative forms of exercise should be encouraged such as indoor play if the weather is below freezing in Lanarkshire.
- Even though some dogs are more tolerant of cold weather, you should not leave them outside for long periods of time with no warm retreat.
- Keep your dog’s toe hair clipped to prevent ice from getting stuck in their fur making it painful/difficult to walk.
- Walk your dog in the day when it is a bit warmer.
- Try and prevent them from grazing or licking ice and snow – these commonly contain toxic chemicals that can be fatal for your pet if ingested in certain amounts.
- Wipe your pet’s legs, paws, and stomach after a walk – this will:
- remove harmful chemicals before they have chance to lick them
- remove grit and rain/ice water that can irritate them
- help to minimise the risk of cracked paws
- warm your dog up a bit if you use warm water
How cold is too cold to walk your dog?
Our Glasgow veterinary nurses advise that generally, any temperature below -4 degrees Celsius is dangerous for dogs of all shapes and sizes; above that you should be able to make a good judgement on which precautions to take.
It is important to remember all dogs are different – older, younger, small to medium breeds, and short-haired dogs are more at risk of developing frostbite or hypothermia on winter walks, so keep that in mind. If the temperature is uncomfortable for you outside (without six layers and a thick padded coat on), it is likely to be uncomfortable for your dog.
Remember though, you and your dog can also make great memories in the snow, so have fun!
If you have any extra tips, or just want to show off your dog in their new winter coat, go ahead and share them on our Facebook page.
A pre-winter health check can help to ensure your pet is fit and ready to take on the frosty season ahead. Call us on 0141 643 0404 to book one now.
Getting your dog ready for firework season should ideally start well before the end of October. Loud bangs and bright flashes can feel scary to even the most confident and assured dogs.
The nursing team at Avenues Vets have pulled together their advice on how to help your dog cope when there are fireworks in Lanarkshire, or wherever you are staying. Their advice covers what you can do in the months and weeks leading up to the dreaded firework season, which is typically from the end of October through to the start of January.
Download our guide: How to build a dog den
Before we dig in, are your dog’s microchip details up to date? Did you move house or change your number recently? If your dog does run off after getting spooked, your chances of being reunited with them are higher if your details are correct. You can either check on the microchip database your pet is registered to – Petlog, PETtrac etc. – or we can scan your dog and check for you – get in touch to arrange this.
How to prepare your dog for fireworks
Now your microchip is sorted, it’s time to work on helping your dog hopefully get used to the sights & sounds of fireworks, or at least get through the events with minimal stress. Read our Vet Nurses’ advice on how to do this below.
From a puppy or months in advance
Work on noise desensitisation techniques
Ideally, you will have started practicing noise desensitisation techniques with your puppy during their key socialisation phase of 8-14 weeks of age and carried on with this training as they got older. If not, even a few months before firework season can be helpful. It may be too late to see results for this year, but you can start this now for the future: download ‘Scary Sounds’ – a Sound Training Therapy Program by Sarah Heath.
4 weeks in advance
Consider calming products
Talk to one of our Glasgow Nurses about pet calming products such as plug-in diffusers, sprays, and collars. These devices mimic the appeasement pheromones of pets, to encourage feelings of calm and contentment. With most products, you need to start using them a few weeks in advance of the event for the best results.
If you know your pet will be absolutely terrified of fireworks, perhaps they tremble uncontrollably, continuously bark or excessively drool, then we may be able to prescribe some calming medication.
Get in touch to discuss calming solutions for your dog.
1 week before
Create a safe space
Our Woodside Avenue Vet Nurses advise that it is wise to create a safe space for your dog at least a week in advance – it could even become a permanent fixture. This will give your dog a safe haven to retreat to if they feel scared. You can encourage them to relax in this space by placing treats or toys inside. You should leave them be whilst they are in there, but the occasional ‘check-in’ is fine.
To help you, our team have put together a guide on ways to create a safe space for your dog. You can download this here:
On the day
Batten down the hatches!
Here is our Vet Nurses’ advice on how to help your dog cope and avoid dangerous situations on a ‘firework day’.
- Exercise your dog during the day; keep them on a lead on the most likely ‘’firework days’ so they can’t bolt if one is set off early.
- Keep your pet indoors at night and make sure they can’t escape via your garden or front door if opened.
- Secure doors, shut windows, and close the curtains to dampen the noise and keep the flashes out of sight.
- Turn the TV or radio volume up a little to drown out the loud bangs.
- Don’t leave your pets home alone too long and definitely leave background noise on if you go out.
- Act as normal as possible around your dog – any extra cuddles will reinforce negative behaviours.
We hope you found this advice from our nursing team helpful and are ready to get into action. Remember to check out our Dog Den Building Guide here.
As any responsible pet owner will tell you, keeping your pet fit and healthy is super important. When you’re doing a great job keeping on top of vaccinations, parasite protection, nutrition, enrichment, and exercise, what else could you be doing for your canine companion?
Vet Nicola Armstrong, who sees hundreds of dogs every year at our practice in Glasgow, explains that regular health checks really matter and not just those your dog gets at the vets.
If you have any concerns about your dog’s health right now, book a check-up and our team can help.
Spotting dog health problems
Spotting dog health problems early can play a big part in keeping your dog healthier for longer, according to Nicola. The earlier an issue is spotted, and veterinary help is sought, the sooner treatment can be started – lifesaving treatment in some cases.
Of course, your dog will get a nose-to-tail health check at their annual vaccination appointment at Avenues Vets, and many owners book interim checks every six-months too. However, as dogs age faster than humans, a lot can happen in a short space of time.
Nicola therefore recommends that dog owners should regularly ‘check in’ with their dogs at home and look for anything out of the ordinary.
There are many different conditions that can affect dogs such as:
- Heart disease
- Kidney/liver disease
- Orthopaedic issues such as osteoarthritis
- Hormone related problems
- Skin issues
- Ear infections
- Dental disease
- Obesity
- Cancer
- and more
Chronic dog illnesses creep in very slowly and signs can be more difficult to spot as they start so gradually. Nicola shares signs to look out for that may indicate an issue:
- Weight loss or gain
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in toileting
- Increased / decreased drinking
- Behaviour changes
- Skin / coat changes
- Lumps appearing or growing
7 areas on your dog to check at home
By checking your pet over regularly at home you can help to spot any signs of your dog’s health changing. Weekly grooming is a good time to do your own ‘dog health checklist’, which will help you learn what is normal for your dog. As part of your checks at home you should look at:
- Eyes should be bright and clear and the skin around the eyes a salmon pink colour. Some discharge from the eyes is normal, but anything excessive, green, gloopy, or causing your dog irritation needs looking at.
- Ears should look clean and have no strong smells, swelling, discharge, or pink/redness. Your dog shouldn’t be scratching or shaking their head a lot.
- A moist and soft nose is good, discharge or cracking of the skin – not so good.
- Their mouth… bad breath is a sign of dental disease so have a good sniff. Broken teeth, staining, red/inflamed gums, and a build-up of tartar are also signs of a problem. Healthy gums are typically moist and a salmon pink colour, or darker if that’s normal for your dog.
- Their skin/coat should have a healthy shine and no dandruff, matting, parasites, bald patches, or bad smells – it can dull with age. Have a good feel for lumps and bumps.
- Feet should have no overgrown fur in-between pads and nicely trimmed nails.
- When checking weight, you should be able to feel the ribs but not see them and your dog should have a defined waist.
If you spot changes in any of the above or are concerned, then it is best to get these checked over by one of our Vets to make sure there are no problems starting.
Dogs are very complicated animals that have a lot of emotions. It can often be very difficult to fully appreciate exactly how your pet may be feeling and what can sometimes trigger unwanted dog behaviours. The team at Avenues Vets have some helpful advice on dog behaviour below including where to seek help in Glasgow.
The first port of call if you are seeing unwanted dog behaviours should be your Vet. They will give your dog a full health check to see if there are any medical issues that could be a factor. Book a consultation with one of our Vets here in Glasgow.
What your dog is trying to tell you
Facial expressions and body posture can say a lot about how a dog is feeling in a scenario. This is a good place to start when trying to understand your dog better.
Take a look at the Guide (link below) created by the RSPCA; you can see that when a dog sits with a relaxed body posture, smooth hair, mouth open and relaxed, ears in a neutral position, a wagging tail and eyes in a normal shape, they are happy. With a few subtle changes, such as a lowered head, ears back, tail tucked in and not making eye contact, the dog is worried.
Download the RSPCA’s Guide to Dog Behaviour
By understanding these expressions and postures and the subtle changes between them, you can get the best picture of how comfortable the dog is and how you should then approach them.
Unwanted dog behaviours
Vet Nicola Armstrong advises that whilst understanding posture and emotions of pets is important, there are behaviours that may be dangerous or unwanted such as:
- Food aggression
- Barking aggressively at other dogs/people approaching
- Jumping up
- Fear of certain things
- Reactive at other dogs in different scenarios
- Not wanting to be handled in certain ways
The list of unwanted behaviours can be extensive and subjective as behaviours can be interpretated and tolerated differently. This will depend on who you are, your lifestyle, and what your expectations of your pet are.
Sometimes, a bit of help can be needed to make sure that behaviours are not becoming uncontrollable and causing a pet distress, and to train your pet to behave in a more desirable way.
Getting help for your dog in Glasgow
Pet owners may start by looking for help from a behaviourist or a dog trainer – two very different professions. It is important to understand the differences between both to understand who you may need help from. A behaviourist is looking at why an animal performs a certain behaviour, often a behaviour that is unwanted and if left could cause further complications later. A trainer is looking to teach a dog how to do certain behaviours, this could be anything from the basics of ‘sit’ and walking on a lead, to more advanced commands.
If your pet is doing something that concerns you then you will most likely need to seek a behaviourist. However, it is very important that your dog is assessed by a Veterinary Surgeon first before seeking a behaviourist’s services. This is because many unwanted dog behaviours such as reactivity and aggression can start because of pain or another type of medical issue. For example, if your dog knows they have sore elbows and a dog coming near them to play will cause them pain, your dog may become reactive because of this.
Contact us to book a Vet consultation for your dog at our Glasgow practice.
Once your pet has been assessed by one of our Glasgow Vets, a decision can be made on whether the problem behaviour is truly a learned behaviour, or if there is any indication of a medical issue behind it.
If you do need to search for a dog behaviourist or trainer in Lanarkshire it is important to understand that these professions are not regulated. Therefore, you want to be confident that whoever you are taking your dog to is adequately qualified and experienced.
The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) and the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) are good places to start as their members are certified and accredited to a certain level.
Ultimately, it will be extremely beneficial to you and your dog to make sure you understand what they may be trying to tell you. Simple expressions can show you when a situation could escalate.
If you ever have concerns about your dog’s behaviour, book an appointment with one of the Vets at our Glasgow practice to get initial advice. It is best not to leave these things to fester as problems can become worse down the line and cause further stress to both you and your pet.
With summer just around the corner, you may be thinking about holiday plans. If you are taking your dog away with you, planning what they will need for the trip ahead of time will help to ensure your holiday is ‘smooth sailing’ or at the very least, you’ll be prepared for most eventualities. To help you, the dog-loving staff at Avenues Vets have put together some advice for your dog-friendly summer holiday below.
If you need to update your dog’s vaccinations, flea & worm treatment, or anything else before your trip, book an appointment at our Glasgow vet practice.
Book a pre-holiday appointment
Taking your dog on holiday this summer
Taking your dog on holiday with you can be an exciting idea; not only do you get the enjoyment of bringing them along for the fun and not being apart from them, but your dog will get to experience lots of new sights and smells! To help you prepare for a happy and easy dog-friendly holiday, take a look at The Avenues Vets’ list below.
Dog-Friendly Holiday Prep List
Car travel
- Safety – Use a harness, seatbelt, and car seat, or a crate; ensure you can take toilet breaks without leaving your dog in a parked car on hot days
- Sickness – Get your dog used to car travel in advance; talk to us if they have severe travel sickness on 0141 643 0404
- Comfort – Plan plenty of toilet & refreshment breaks for your dog along the way; travel early or late to avoid the heat wherever possible
Suitable living accommodation that allows pets
- Safety – Will stairs or outdoor steps be a hazard? Is there an enclosed garden?
- Comfort – Where will your dog sleep and go to the toilet (if there is no garden)?
- Damage – Could your dog damage light-coloured furnishings?
- Camping – Will your dog be safe in your tent with you at night?
Essentials – Take first aid kits, local Vet contact details for your destination, food supplies, bowls, bedding, any medication they are on including scheduled flea & worm treatments, doggy shampoo and towels, plenty of poop bags, lead & collar (with ID tag), and anything else your dog usually has.
Sun safety – Take pet sunscreen, make sure your daytime plans don’t put your dog in the hot sun for long periods; always take water on your trips out and provide shade.
Daily plans – Are there lots of dog-friendly places to go? Check local dog beach bans. It’s normally a ‘no-no’ to leave your dog unattended in holiday accommodation.
Parasite prevention – Up-to-date worming, flea, and tick control, and vaccinations
Overseas travel – Your dog will need an Animal Health Certificate, rabies vaccine (at least 21 days before travel), a health check by an Official Veterinarian (OV) qualified to certify pets ‘fit to fly’, and potentially other documents and treatments depending on your destination(s).
So, there you have it, The Avenues Vets’ comprehensive planning guide for a fun, safe, and easy dog-friendly holiday this summer. We hope you and your dog have a fantastic time away and our team look forward to hearing all about it at your next visit to our Glasgow veterinary practice.
Remember, if your dog needs anything before you go, or you just want them to have a health check to put your mind at rest, get in touch to book.
If your dog has been microchipped, do they need to wear a collar and ID tag? If your dog always wears a collar and ID tag, do they need to be microchipped? Veterinary Surgeon Nicola Armstrong, is here to clear up any uncertainties on this topic.
The short answers are Yes and Yes, if you don’t want to risk being prosecuted and fined. But what are the other costs of non-compliance?
Why microchip dogs?
June is National Microchipping Month and the perfect time to remind dog owners about this topic. Since 2016, there has been a UK law on microchipping dogs from 8 weeks of age. This is typically done by the breeder, who must then update the microchip log with the new owner’s information.
A microchip might be tiny (about the same size as a grain of rice), but its purpose is mighty, explains Nicola. If your dog should ever go missing and isn’t wearing their collar and tag, a microchip can make all the difference in reuniting you. Vet practices, dog wardens, and some animal rescue centres can use a microchip scanner to reveal the owner’s details. This is also really helpful when a stolen dog has their microchip routinely scanned.
For dogs picked up as strays or scanned by the dog warden for something else, owners have 21 days to get them microchipped before a criminal prosecution is actioned with a fine of up to £500.
It is also a legal requirement to keep your contact information up to date, and extremely helpful in reuniting you and your dog.
If for any reason your dog has not been microchipped, or you just want to have their microchip scanned and the details checked, contact our Woodside Avenue team on 0141 643 0404 who will be happy to help.
Dog ID tags UK law
According to the Control of Dogs Order 1992, all dogs must wear a collar and ID tag when out in public, which must detail their owner’s name and address. This dog ID tags UK law applies whether your dog is on a lead or not. Contravention of this order is an offence and risks a fine of up to £2000.
If your dog is involved in an altercation, an accident, or runs off, a dog ID tag is the quickest way for someone to contact you about your dog.
Dog ID tags can be quite small, especially if you have a small dog. Nicola advises that phone numbers can be helpful on there too and recommends having your own version of this engraved:
SMITH, 10,
EXAMPLE DRIVE
WV11 8HG
07770 123456
A phone number can be very useful on a dog tag – and don’t forget, the tag has two sides that can normally be engraved.
On the topic of dog thefts, which have risen significantly since the first COVID lockdown, some of The Avenues Vets’ clients have told us their top tips for dog ID tags:
- Don’t have your dog’s name engraved on their ID tag – this will and give thieves a head start
- Include CHIPPED & NEUTERED on the tag if it will fit as this may put thieves off – many dogs are stolen for breeding
So, why not put microchipping and ID tag at the top of your to-do-list, and give your dog the best chance of a swift reunion with you whilst staying on the right side of the law?
Preparation can mean the difference between life and death in first aid scenarios, according to our Vet, Nicola Armstrong. This is why the team at Avenues Vets are recommending that all dog owners in Lanarkshire get themselves a pet first aid kit.
First though, check out our First Aid Tips for Dog Adventures – a guide to recognising conditions that need first aid and immediate veterinary care. Download it via the button below and save it on your phone. You could share it with friends & family by email or on Facebook too.
Download our Dog First Aid Guide
Whilst as owners we should aim to get our pet veterinary care as quickly as possible in an emergency, there are often scenarios where this is problematic. Imagine that your location or circumstances prevent you from getting to the clinic quickly, or your dog’s injury is life threatening and needs an interim measure to protect them before they can travel.
Nicola advises that having a pet first aid kit to hand is crucial in being able to offer vital support when it is needed most. It also gives you piece of mind that you have the tools available to help your pet in the first instance.
Pet first aid supplies – what should your kit contain?
There are many different types of pet first aid kits. How comprehensive yours need to be will depend on what you are doing or where you are. If you are fairly local, you may carry a smaller kit compared to being on a holiday away from local amenities.
Useful pet first aid supplies include:
- Bandages – different types (first aid courses can teach how to bandage properly)
- Blunt-ended scissors
- Wound wash – saline preferable
- Cotton wool
- Tweezers
- Tick removal tools
- Wound dressing
- Self-adhesive tape
- Vinyl gloves / alcohol gel for sanitising hands
- Foil blanket
- Thermometer
- Antiseptic wipes
- A blanket to use as a stretcher
- Any medication your pet receives
- Details for your local Vets – here are ours
- Details for local vets for the area you are visiting
Having this equipment to hand means you are well prepared for the most common emergencies – download our dog first aid tips to learn what these might be.
Why some of the above items are so important
Nicola explains that different types of bandages can help to stop bleeds, slow down blood loss, or protect a wound whilst transporting your pet. Tweezers can help you remove thorns or stings; never remove any big items that could be going through an artery, and use a special tick removal tool for dog ticks. Gloves and alcohol gel will help to ensure you are clean when cleaning wounds with the saline.
When it comes to blankets, Nicola shares why you need two types in your pet first aid kit. Foil blankets are useful for helping to keep your pet warm and preventing shock after a trauma. Using a blanket as a stretcher is also very important for any injuries to the spine or limbs. If you can carry your pet on a stretcher, they will be more supported and comfortable then carrying them in your arms.
Keeping details of both your Vet practice and a local Vet if you adventuring far from home, will mean you are not frantically searching for the details of an emergency Vet.
Learn your DR ABCS
Whenever faced with an emergency always remember DR ABCS:
- Danger – keep safe from the environment or your pet; a scared dog or any other animal may lash out
- Response – check if your dog is responsive by calling their name
- Airway – is their airway clear?
- Breathing – are they breathing?
- Circulation – do they have a pulse or heartbeat?
- Send – send someone to go and find help
Always ensure wherever you go, no matter how close to home you are, that you carry your pet first aid kit. Also, remember to replace items you have used – there is nothing worse than needing something in an emergency and it not being in your kit!
Nicola’s final piece of advice for dog owners in Lanarkshire, is to learn how to recognise common dog health emergencies – download & share our helpful guide below.
Cats and dogs are naturally inquisitive animals. This has many benefits but can also get them into trouble! A common problem in the spring and summer months is Bee or Wasp stings. Our Head Vet Nicola Armstrong, has some advice for Lanarkshire owners of cats and dogs on this topic.
To help you tell the difference between bees, wasps, and hornets, our Glasgow vet nurses have put together a handy guide for you to download.
Why do bees sting cats and dogs?
Often in the warmer months we spend more time outdoors and naturally our animals will then spend more time nosing at the flowers. This is typically how cats and dogs get stung as their inquisitive noses disturb the bees and wasps collecting pollen. Trying to catch a buzzing insect can also seem like a fun game…until they get stung!
Signs that your cat or dog has been stung
In most cases, owners will not actually see the stinging occur. Instead, you may see your pet suddenly shaking or pawing at their head or body, or they have a swollen face all of a sudden.
Typical bee and wasp sting symptoms include:
- Swelling (often around the muzzle where they have been sticking their nose in)
- Constantly licking either at a specific area or their lips if the sting is inside the mouth
- Redness around the area where the sting went in
- Pawing at the area
- Vocalising more than usual
Severe symptoms could include:
- Breathing difficulties, especially in brachycephalic breeds if the sting is around the throat area
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Allergic reaction such as anaphylactic shock (although this would be very rare)
How to treat a bee or wasp sting on a cat or dog
Unless you saw the stinging occur, it will be difficult to tell if your pet was stung by a wasp or a bee. Either way, you can use first aid tips below.
First, you want to make sure the sting is removed. Our Glasgow vet nurses suggest using something flat like a credit card to scrape the sting off your pet’s skin and dispose of it. Avoid using tweezers to pull the sting out as they could squeeze venom into your pet.
Second, if you do know whether it was a bee or a wasp, you could apply the correct substance to soothe the pain;
- Wasp = vinegar/lemon juice
- Bee = bicarbonate of soda & water paste
Do you know the difference between a bee and a wasp? Download our Know Your Insects Guide
If you do not know the culprit, or after you have used the above first aid advice, you can then apply a cold pack to the swelling.
When to call a Vet
If you are at all concerned, especially if the swelling is causing further distress to your pet or is likely to affect an airway, you should always ring a Vet for advice. Our Woodside Avenue veterinary team are here to help, just give us a call on 0141 643 0404.
Some pets may need pain medication, which can be prescribed by one of our Vets too.
Lanarkshire pet owners sometimes ask if they can use antihistamines to help with the reaction; these can only be prescribed by the Vet to ensure the correct dosage is given, and because some ingredients could possibly be fatal in some brands.
Just to be safe this season, why not print our Know Your Insect guide and stick it on your fridge to help you spot the differences between bees, wasps, and hornets?
Remember to share this advice with your pet-loving friends on Facebook!
Spring is the ideal time to spruce up your garden after a gloomy winter. It is also your chance to garden with your pets in mind, so you can have a pet-friendly space all year round.
The team at Avenues Vets have collated some important ideas below to help Lanarkshire pet owners make their garden a safe space for their four-legged friends. With our no-fuss guide, you can pet-proof your garden and keep your dogs, cats, or rabbits happy and healthy all year long.
Plants are an integral part of many gardens but some can be harmful, even deadly. Our Glasgow Vets have also put together this helpful guide to highlight the signs to look out for, what to do if you suspect poisoning, and common toxic plants. You can download our guide here:
Pet-proofing your garden is mostly about making it safe for exploration. Look at your garden as a whole and imagine your pet exploring it. Remember, animals are curious and mostly led by smell, so if your dog, cat, or rabbit can physically reach somewhere, it is not ‘off limits’ to them.
Below is a comprehensive list of ways to make your garden safe. Adopting these strategies to pet-proof your garden now will make life easier later and ensure your pets have a safe outdoor space to enjoy all year long.
How to pet proof your garden
The Avenues Vets’ team suggests your to-do-list should include:
- Pet proof your garden fence and fix any gaps in boundaries where your pet could escape through.
- Get rid of broken bottles, sharp stones, and other obvious hazards.
- Tidy away tools and anything you do not want your pet ‘playing’ with or nibbling.
- Relocate or reorganise piles of bricks or wood so they can’t topple over.
- Make places your pet could get trapped inside or under inaccessible and close shed doors.
- Fence off areas your pet could fall from and any bodies of water.
- Put harmful substances on high shelves and behind cupboard doors.
- Choose pet-safe plants and remove toxic plants for pets – remember that parts of plants can be spread throughout your garden by wildlife and wind.
- Remove/relocate bulbs that could harm pets – cover soil in netting so pets can’t dig them up.
- Grow vegetables in raised beds – put netting over to keep out curious paws and noses.
- Only use pet-safe products to repel insects, slugs, and snails.
- Don’t leave pet bowls and toys out overnight – slugs/snails can cause lungworm in dogs.
- Lawns: beware as grass seeds can get lodged in eyes and cut grass is toxic when eaten.
- Clean up any animal faeces (not just your pet’s) to avoid your pet eating it and becoming unwell or potentially contracting worms.
- Remember that wildlife frequents your garden too and may drop food that contains bones, raw meat, raisons, or other toxic ingredients – check your garden before letting your pet out.
- And finally, monitor your pet’s time outside. Head Vet Nicola Armstrong cannot stress this enough – accidents and escape attempts can happen fast.
If you have followed this list, your garden should be a safe and happy place for your pet to hang out in. You could go a step further by creating dedicated areas in your garden for digging, playing, relaxing, and toileting of course, maybe even connected by a pet-friendly garden path. This creates a harmonious outdoor space that works for you and your pets.
Remember to download our Pet Plant Poisons Guide below. Also, why not share our article on pet-proofing your garden with your pet-loving friends and family on Facebook or email?
