Latest news with #USPCA
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Lidl is launching £4.99 pet essential that will keep your dog cool while relaxing on the patio this summer
AS temperatures continue to soar, it can be difficult for your pooch to spend time outside. However, a budget-friendly Lidl buy can help to keep your dog cool all summer long. 2 You can help your furry friend relax in the hot weather with this handy item. Simply place it on your patio or outdoor area and your pup is sure to be drawn to it. The Zoofari Rectangular Dog Cooling Mat will be available for £4.99 from the middle aisle. Made with recycled materials, this handy mat requires no additional cooling. Simply lay out the mat and don't worry about placing it in your fridge or freezer beforehand. This item doesn't need an power or extra water to keep your pet cool this summer. In fact, you don't even need to switch it on, just have your dog lie down on it. According to manufacturers, the mat provides a "cooling effect for several hours when there's dog body contact". And it will even be ready to use again by your pooch after "just a short break". The product has been described as "versatile" and can be used on beds and in kennels. I transformed my garden patio into summer haven for less than £100 with cheap B&M buys including gadget to keep bugs out This mat measures 50 centimetres by 90 centimetres and can be easily stored after rolling. And as with most Lidl middle aisle buys, this item comes with a three-year warranty. The cooling mat will hit the middle aisle from Sunday, June 22. The animal experts at the USPCA broke down the importance of keeping your pets cool and comfortable during the summer. "Dogs can develop heat stroke quickly and can be fatal," they explained. Dog breeds most susceptible to overheating In general, there are six groups of dogs who struggle most in hot weather... Firstly, those with underlying health problems. Dogs can't sweat like we can, so rely largely on panting to cool down. However, if they have airway or lung impairments, or suffer from fluid balance or hydration issues, then this is more difficult, and their ability to lose heat is reduced, meaning they are at a higher risk of heat-stroke. Overweight animals find it harder to ventilate, and their core temperature rises faster than you'd expect for a lean dog. Very young dogs or very old dogs are also at increased risk of heatstroke, and these owners should be even more cautious in hot weather. Dogs with very thick coats, who are adapted to a colder climate. Dogs such as the Husky or Malamute - and even the Chow Chow - have been bred to keep heat in. However, this comes at the price of being less well able to cope in hot weather. Their thick double coats effectively trap heat, making it the equivalent of us going out in the July heat wearing a fur coat and thermal underwear: they get very hot, very quickly. This problem can be alleviated by clipping (NOT shaving), however, the coat can take a long time to grow back. In a heatwave, though, if you're struggling to keep your dog cool, I'd personally rather have a dog with a thinner coat who's alive than a luxuriously coated dog in the morgue. Short-nosed, or brachycephalic, breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs. These dogs have been bred to look "cute", with big eyes and flat faces. Unfortunately, the result of this has been a narrowing of the airways and a profusion of soft tissue in the nasal chambers and pharynx - we call this Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, and it profoundly affects their ability to pant and lose heat. Like a dog with any other respiratory disease, most members of these breeds are highly prone to heatstroke, and as they are often overweight as well, are at very high risk in hot weather. "It is vital that owners ensure their dog has access to water and cool shaded areas to rest at all times. "It's also important you monitor your dog throughout the day to check changes in their behaviour." They recommended making use of cooling mats to ensure your pooch doesn't overheat. "A cooling mat is great in order to lower your dogs temperature," they explained. "The cooling pad absorbs heat from the dogs body and releases it into the environment." Aldi is also selling a budget buy that will help keep your pooch cool this summer.
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Aldi is selling a summer essential for all dog owners – it's only £6.99 & will keep your pooch cool in the heat
IF your pooch struggles in the heat, there's a fun way you can keep them cool this summer. With Aldi's budget buy, your dog will stay comfortable and entertained in the hot weather. If your pet likes to splash in ponds or enjoys taking a bath, this Specialbuy may be worth investing in. According to manufacturers, it "gives your four legged friends a fun way to cool off this summer". The Collapsible Pet Pool is currently available for just £6.99 from Aldi. It features heat sealed edges to prevent sharpness and is easily washable, making it ideal for all canines. The pool is available from the Aldi middle aisle until Thursday, 12 June. It has a capacity of 20 gallons, measuring 80 centimetres by 20 centimetres. The pool comes with accessories, including a repair kit, a PP water watcher tag, and a manual. It is available in three versions, a tropical pattern, a striped pattern, and an all-blue style. But your pets will have to take turns as the maximum capacity is just one pooch at a time. The animal experts at the USPCA broke down the importance of keeping your pets cool and comfortable during the summer. The clever way you can ensure your paddling pool is kept warm "Dogs can develop heat stroke quickly and can be fatal," they explained. "It is vital that owners ensure their dog has access to water and cool shaded areas to rest at all times. "It's also important you monitor your dog throughout the day to check changes in their behaviour." They recommended making use of paddling pools to ensure your pooch doesn't overheat. "Paddling pools aren't just for children. On a hot day your dog will appreciate a pool to dip his or her paws into," the pros said. More summer risks to dogs EXPERTS are warning pet owners to be vigilant when it comes to taking their dogs out this summer - especially when it comes to taking them to the beach. Dr Rebecca MacMillan says it is important that dog parents are well prepped to ensure a safe trip away with their dog. From consumption of salt water, to open holes, the Gloucestershire-based vet says there are hidden hazards to look out for. Angela Laws, who is head of community at British pet-sitting platform TrustHousesitters, also urges pet owners to 'prioritise safety' and to 'be aware of potential hazards.' Preventing injuries Large holes can be hidden amongst the sand, which can cause injury if your dog trips or falls into it. Dr Rebecca is warning pet owners, as if you are playing fetch with them, your dog might not be 'expecting a hole' as they are running, which can cause them to fall and injure themselves. Talking to the Femail, Dr Rebecca also wanted to be mindful of other beach-going pets if you and your dog choose to dig a hole and to fill it back up before heading off. Food for thought Although you would never dream of drinking the water from the sea, your pets may view it as a large bowl of water for them. However, seawater consumption is extremely dangerous for your dogs according to Dr Rebecca. Drinking saltwater can disrupt the 'balance of electrolyte in the body and cause dehydration,' according to Rebecca. This is also the case for sand as too much sand can cause a painful obstruction, 'which may require surgery.' Check the temperature Just like humans, pets can get heat stroke too. It is most likely to occur when the body's temperature rises above 36C and hits 40C. Dr Rebbeca suggests caution when the weather outside hits 25C, and especially if it's over 27C. She also warned pet owners to do their research on the type of breed of their dog, as some will be much more 'prone to heatstroke.' Dr Rebecca says these dogs include flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs, and large breeds with thick coats. She urges dog parents to make sure their pet is well hydrated, try to keep them in the shade and remember to be aware of their paws burning on the ground. Digging dangers Dr Rebecca there could be anything from discarded BBQ's with hot coals, to broken glass or sharp objects. She said: 'If your pooch is prone to digging, make sure you're nearby in case of any unexpected finds.' "This is an effective way of cooling them down rapidly as dogs absorb and release heat through their paws. They advised using cool water but not freezing water, regardless of how hot the weather. "Some dogs may need a little more encouragement than others," the experts added. They also recommended ensuring your pup has cool, chilled water throughout the day. You can also make use of cooling mats, spray bottles, and cool towels to cool down your dogs.
Belfast Telegraph
10-06-2025
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
Mandatory microchipping of cats in NI ‘could ease pressures on charities'
A plan announced by Daera last month — The Animal Welfare Pathway 'Advancing Animal Welfare in Northern Ireland 2025-27' — aims to reform animal welfare legislation over the next two years. In his ambitious 10-point plan, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir is hoping to examine the case for mandatory microchipping of cats, in line with other jurisdictions within the UK where it has become mandatory. Cats Protection's Northern Ireland cat centre has welcomed the news as a 'huge step forward'. Northern Ireland has the lowest microchipping rates in the UK. According to statistics obtained by the charity, there are currently 250,000 owned cats here, but just 64% (160,000) of these are microchipped. Microchips are the safest and quickest way to reunite a cat with their owner. Without one, they might never be reunited with their family. The centre has 92 cats and kittens being cared for by volunteers, with a further 51 on the waiting list. These range in age from week-old kittens who will be ready for homing once they are old enough, up to 14-year-old cats. Cats Protection advocacy and government relations officer for Northern Ireland Alice Palombo said: 'These plans are a huge step forward for Northern Ireland and we will be doing everything we can to help bring them into action and drive them forward. 'We look forward to working with Minister Muir and his department to make a better life for cats in Northern Ireland. 'It is also great to see a commitment to look into compulsory microchipping for cats in Northern Ireland by examining how this new law has been working in England. 'Northern Ireland consistently has the lowest cat microchipping rates in the UK. 'Microchips are the safest and quickest way to reunite a cat with their owner. Without one, they might never be reunited with their family. 'A cat without a microchip also puts a strain on rehoming organisations like Cats Protection. 'Our team has to try to locate the owners of the cat without a microchip, which takes up space in our pens for cats that need us the most.' News Catch Up - Tuesday 10th June She added cats that are not microchipped have an impact on their trap, neuter and release work which helps control local feral populations. 'When a cat without a microchip comes into the care of a rehoming organisation like Cats Protection, it places a strain on our resources to find the owner,' Ms Palombo added. 'Like most rehoming organisations across Northern Ireland, we have long waiting lists and owned cats without microchips take up space in pens for cats that need us the most.' The USPCA are members of the NICAWG (Northern Ireland Animal Welfare Group) and have also welcomed the minister's plan. A spokesperson for the charity said that responsible cat ownership can help protect wildlife. 'Feral cats often live in difficult conditions without regular food, shelter, or veterinary care, and their instinct to hunt can impact small birds and mammals,' it said. 'Humanely managing stray and feral cat populations through neutering is a much-needed solution. 'Additionally, responsible cat ownership is key in helping to protect our wildlife. 'Simple steps like keeping cats indoors during dawn and dusk can help birds and using quick-release collars with bells will warn potential prey. 'It's important to remember that cats are beloved companions to many. 'With a bit of care, we can protect both pets and wild animals.'
Belfast Telegraph
21-05-2025
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
USPCA assures public ‘injured' rare white stork spotted across NI is in ‘good health'
The bird, which is not native to the region, has been reported in several locations including Belfast, Downpatrick, and even as far afield as Donegal. White storks are known for their large, long-legs and are typically native to parts of Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. They are also best known for their white plumage with black wing feathers and long red beaks and can commonly be mistaken for herons, which are native to Northern Ireland. A wildlife officer was dispatched to assess the stork after its most recent sighting in Belfast and following examination, the bird was found to be in good health and free-flying with no intervention deemed necessary. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. In a statement, the USPCA said: 'White Storks are not native to Northern Ireland and it has obviously drawn attention to itself. We would advise the public not to approach, and give the bird as much space as possible to avoid stress. Dog owners should also be aware around the bird. "The bird should move on at its own leisure if left undisturbed, but if anyone has any further concerns, or believe the bird is in immediate danger, or has become injured, please call 028 3025 1000 as we continue to monitor its wellbeing.' While they are common in countries like Poland, Germany, and Spain, white stork sightings in the UK and Ireland are rare and usually involve birds that have strayed from their usual migration routes.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Belfast: Rare sighting of white stork in Northern Ireland
A rare sighting of a white stork has caught people's attention in various parts of Northern Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) posted on Facebook that it had received "numerous calls from concerned members of the public regarding an "injured stork over the past two days". It seems the bird was spotted in Botanic Gardens, Belfast, parts of Downpatrick in County Down and even in Donegal.A USPCA wildlife officer assessed the stork in Belfast and found it to be "in good health and free flying". Storks are not native to Northern Ireland and the charity has advised the public, especially dog owners, to leave the wildbird alone."We would advise the public, not to approach, and give the bird as much space as possible to avoid stress. Dog owners should also be aware around the bird," it charity added that if left alone the stork will move on, but if anyone has further concerns to contact them. The bird appears to have a metal ring attached to its leg, which might indicate it is from a private collection. The white stork was spotted in Botanic Gardens in Belfast on Tuesday but seemed to be in good spirits, according to onlookers. History of storks on the British Isles White storks are a breeding bird of southern Europe, with a red bill and black and white feathers. A small breeding population live in southern England as part of a reintroduction attempt in 2016, according to the charity British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).The only documented record of a pair of white storks breeding in the UK is from Scotland in 1416, when a pair was reported to have nested on St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. The BTO added that, "since the 1960s, white storks have been recorded in small, but increasing, numbers as scarce migrants, some of which have been considered to be of wild origin, while others are likely to have been released or be birds that have escaped from collections or from reintroduction projects, making it difficult to accurately assess their numbers".
