Latest news with #doghealth
CTV News
2 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Hamilton dog park shuttered due to concerns over contaminated soil
A City of Hamilton sign is pictured above in this file photo. A Hamilton dog park has been closed as a 'precaution' following concerns about potentially hazardous soil at the site, according to a report from city staff. The Birch Avenue dog park was shuttered after city staff said results from soil samples at the leash-free site found 'exceedances on some criteria of the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks current standards for parkland.' In a report sent to city council last week, staff say the soil poses 'no imminent danger to people,' but the impacts on dog health 'remain uncertain.' 'Effective immediately and out of an abundance of caution related to protecting health of dogs, the dog park will be closed to the public until further notice,' the staff report read. 'The fully fenced dog park will be locked and a closure notice sign will be placed at the entrance. These precautionary measures are based on the initial soil screening information.' The soil screening was undertaken following a complaint in May 2024 from an area resident who was concerned that the soil condition was negatively impacting the health of dogs using the park, possibly leading to illness and even death. The dog park, city staff said, opened in 2010 and was previously used as a disposal location for non-hazardous fill, including brick, rubble, and concrete. 'When the park was established, site background studies were reviewed and determined to meet the standards at the time for park use,' the report read. A consultant has been engaged to conduct further review of the tests with a 'dog as the target species in mind,' the report continued. 'Once comprehensive testing and information is available, next steps can be better understood and planned,' staff concluded. 'It is recognized this closure will be an inconvenience and ask for patience while further testing is completed.'
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
What is rat lungworm disease and why are cases rising in dogs in Australia?
Cases of rat lungworm disease have been increasing in dogs on Australia's east coast over the past five years, according to new research from the University of Sydney. A very rare but sometimes deadly condition caused by worm larvae travelling up the food chain, the disease has been found in a small but increasing number of dogs in areas affected by heavy rain, and occasionally also in humans. So why are cases growing and how worried should we be? The rat lungworm, or Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is a parasite that originated in south-east Asia but has spread to other parts of the world, including North America, Europe and Australia. The parasite's natural host is feral rats, but it can accidentally make its way to other animals through a complicated transmission process involving snails and slugs as intermediate hosts. When it finds its way into humans and dogs, rat lungworm can cause a disease called neural angiostrongyliasis. In humans, it's diagnosed as a kind of meningitis, or eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. Symptoms in humans include headaches, a stiff neck, tingling or pain in the skin, fever, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms in dogs include hindlimb and tail paralysis, urinary incontinence and abnormal pain responses. The time between eating the infected slug or snail and getting sick is usually between one and three weeks. University of Sydney doctoral researcher Phoebe Rivory, lead author of the recent paper, explained that it's not the parasite itself that does the damage but the body's attempts to fight it. 'In dogs and humans, the parasite enters the brain but rather than progressing to the lungs like it does in rats, it is killed in the brain by our own immune response. It is that overt immune response that causes severe headaches and sensations,' Rivory said. New South Wales Health says it is rare for humans to develop meningitis in response to rat lungworm, and most people who contract rat lungworm have no symptoms at all, while others may have only mild, short-lived symptoms. Rats infected with adult worms excrete larvae in their faeces, which is then ingested by snails and slugs. Dogs and people are most likely to contract the parasite when they deliberately or accidentally eat a raw snail or slug carrying the larvae, or unwashed vegetables, such as lettuce, contaminated with infected slime. The parasite is not contagious from person to person. In a well-known case, Australian man Sam Ballard contracted eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in 2010 after being dared by his friends to eat a slug. He fell into a coma for 420 days, and acquired a brain injury. Ballard died in 2018, aged 29. In another well-known case, an American woman was found to have rat lungworm disease after multiple attempts to seek medical help for strange symptoms after a holiday to Thailand, Japan and Hawaii. The University of Sydney researchers have been examining the prevalence of rat lungworm disease in dogs on the basis that they are a sentinel population for humans – that is, increased rates of the disease in dogs can be an early warning sign of human disease risk. Researchers analysed 180 clinical samples taken between 2020 and 2024 from dogs suspected to have had the disease, and confirmed 93 cases, all in or around Sydney and Brisbane, and a 'gradual upward trend'. They also discovered a spike of 32 cases in 2022, correlating with high levels of rainfall, which tends to supercharge snail and slug proliferation. Confirmed cases of the disease in dogs are still very low, restricted to NSW and Queensland, and have fallen since the 2022 spike identified by the researchers, although not to 2019 levels. The researchers suggest that educating communities about how to avoid infection, and what symptoms dog owners should look out for in their pets, may be worthwhile. Rat lungworm is not a notifiable disease in NSW due to its rarity. In both NSW and Queensland, preventative anti-parasitic treatments for people, especially children, known to have ingested slugs or snails can be accessed through the health system.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Aussie dog owners on high alert for dangerous parasite spread by slugs
Aussie dog owners should remain on high alert for a dangerous parasitic disease that cause a lethal brain infection in both dogs and humans. Rat lungworm disease is a rare but life-altering infection caused by larvae of the parasitic worms found in feral rats and spread by snails and slugs. University of Sydney veterinary researchers are reporting a rise in cases in Sydney and Brisbane following heavier-than-usual rainfall. Up to 93 cases of rat lungworm have been recorded in the five years to 2024 with the risk of infection highest between two and 10 months after heavy rain. Dogs can become paralysed or die if they eat an infected snail or slug. Two Australians have died from the disease to date, including Sydney rugby player Sam Ballard who died after eating an infected slug as a dare in 2010. Mr Ballard suffered a severe brain infection and fell into a coma for 420 days. He died in 2018, at the age of 28, following an eight-year battle with the disease. 'These snails and slugs, and the infective worm larvae in them, can accidentally be a disease source to us humans and our pet dogs,' researcher Jan Šlapeta said. 'Once in humans or dogs, the worms quickly get to the brain where they cause disease.' People are only at risk if they eat an infected snail or slug, like Mr Ballard did, or consume the slime left behind on lettuce and other raw produce. Most people infected with the disease can recover without treatment over days, weeks and months but for some it can be catastrophic. The disease can cause severe meningitis and in rare instances be fatal. NSW Health has advised Australians wash fresh produce before eating and to wash their hands after gardening or handling snails or slugs. There have been 28 human cases between 1971 and 2018, and most people were infected from eating unwashed lettuce or vegetables. The mortality rate was 18 per cent, 14 per cent suffered long-term neurological issues and 57 per cent made a full recovery.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Three ways to keep your pooch looking great without a trip to the grooming salon
YOU can spend a small fortune pampering your dog at a pet-grooming salon. Some owners fork out thousands for this but you can keep your pooch looking great for a whole lot less money. Here's how . . . ALWAYS BRUSHING: If your pet has longer hair, you should regularly brush its coat, according to Megan Roberts, manager and head groomer at London dog salon Mon Joli Chien, which offers pups luxury facials and paw-cures among its services. She says: 'This is the most effective way to manage shedding, prevent painful matting and distribute those essential natural oils that keep their coat gleaming.' Make sure you choose the right brush for your dog's coat type. You can choose from a slicker brush, pin brush or rake. Just a few minutes of brushing can make a world of difference. CLEAN UP: When your four-legged friend ends up mucky, you can get them squeaky-clean without pricey products. Megan says: 'Skip the expensive wipes and sprays and opt for a warm, damp washcloth for quick clean-ups. 'Coconut oil isn't just for cooking, it's a fantastic paw balm and a safe, effective moisturiser for their coat and skin. 'Repurpose an old comb for gentle de- tangling, and use a soft toothbrush to keep those teeth in tip-top shape.' NAILED IT: You should make sure your dog's claws are kept trim or they can cause discomfort and other issues. I was stunned when I got my dog back from the groomer - I think he might have been switched in the shop Invest in a good pair of nail-clippers and you can do it yourself at home, advises Megan. You can ask a vet or dog groomer for a demonstration or even look on YouTube for an online tutorial. Trimming hair at home is very tricky. If you choose to try it yourself, Megan says: 'Take your time, use blunt-nosed scissors or clippers with appropriate guards, and prioritise safety above all else.' All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability Deal of the day WHIP up your own Italian dinner with this pizza oven, down from £167.99 to £99.99 at Robert Dyas. SAVE: £68 Cheap treat PROTECT your eyes from the sun with these stylish shades, £4, from Matalan. Top swap 7 Or get this three-drawer table for £41 at Little helper TOAST the summer with £1 Spritz cocktails and mocktails, all day today only, at Bella Italia. Shop & save 7 MATCH the heat with this tropical-print midiskirt, down from £19.99 to £14.99 at New Look. Hot right now PICK up 20 hot wings for £7.99 from KFC until July 20. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I thought my £2,500 cocker spaniel puppy from an award-winning Crufts litter would be the perfect pet - but I've been left thousands out of pocket
A woman has revealed how her dream of getting a puppy during the coronavirus lockdown quickly turned into a nightmare, leaving her thousands of pounds out of pocket. Rachel Dale, 38, from Buckinghamshire, welcomed Rodney - a tiny spaniel with fluffy soft hair, velvet ears and award-winning parents - into her family in 2020. The photographer believed she was getting the perfect pet, having secured the last of a top-tier, award-winning Crufts litter, for the staggering cost of £2,500. 'He was this beautiful, sleepy little ball of fluff. We fell for him instantly,' the mother-of-one told Femail exclusively. She added: 'It wasn't necessarily that we had our hearts set on a top-tier dog - we did our research and signed up to credible websites with listings from approved kennel club breeders, with all of the checks done. We even researched which breed suited us.' But within weeks, the puppy bubble burst after it became clear that Rodney, who was just barely two months old, was suffering with serious health issues. Rachel took her puppy to a vet but would later find out that the pet expert had misdiagnosed the beloved dog, voiding his insurance and leaving the photographer thousands out of pocket after years of endless treatments. It was only a chance chat with another mother that finally helped Rachel's four-legged friend find comfort - thanks to a substantial change in his diet. Rachel recalled: 'It became evident quite quickly that something was wrong, and it was heartbreaking. 'He was just this innocent little puppy barely eight weeks old and he was already facing serious health problems.' She said: 'The first thing we noticed was that he didn't seem to see people properly. He would take a long time to register people and he seemed to move his head with the sound of our voices. 'The other big worry was his left eye, it wasn't the same as his right eye - it was more closed in and he was having nasal issues. At one point, we genuinely thought we might lose him after one very rough night with him.' Determined to find help, Rachel began a six-month search for answers, taking Rodney to the vet straight away - who told them to contact the breeders immediately, as they must have known. 'Taking the vet's advice I reached out and asked to the breeders to see if they were aware he had health issues from birth - and they literally brushed it off, got off the phone as fast as possible and then I saw £1,000 from them in my account,' said Rachel. 'Like a payoff. Never intended to return him - but top breeders who are supposed to have all the checks done were not being ethical, it seemed.' The mother-of-one revealed: 'We were back and forth to the vets and were told to go to a specialist - then we finally got a diagnosis. He doesn't produce tears out of his left eye and has a serious genetic eye condition. 'It was upsetting, but also a relief. At least we knew what we were dealing with and how to help him cope. 'But then, months later, it was a huge shock when we found out the original vet had misdiagnosed him before we even got to the specialist - and that made our pet insurance completely void. That was a massive blow.' By his first birthday, Rodney's list of issues was long: sinus issues and chronic ear infections, partial vision loss which will get worse over time - he will eventually lose his sight fully. Rachel said: 'But in the last year alone he has developed further issues with heightened allergies. 'Coupled with the chronic eye and ear infections he can be in a lot of pain - one ear infection lasted three months and almost caused permanent damage to his ear drum. 'I honestly thought at one point he might even be allergic to water. I definitely think his more recent health issues are environmental as he constantly sneezes when we go for a walk and only last week he even turned round to walk himself back home! 'I have put a lot of time into Rodney's daily routine - including lubricating his eye with a special eye ointment, I clean his ears daily, clean his mouth folds and check his skin daily because it is often raw from constant scratching.' With no financial cover, the family's out-of-pocket costs soared, with Rachel revealing: 'We were spending up to £500 a month. It wasn't a choice - it was a necessity. You can't leave a dog in distress.' Much of the cost came down to special food, constant vet visits, and courses of steroid treatments prescribed to manage his symptoms - which often seem to make Rodney worse. 'We've tried everything,' insisted the photographer. She also tried every type of food she could find - trying three different foods in the last year alone. 'We left no stone unturned - all the hypoallergenic, vet-prescribed, premium medical food. Nothing worked. But I wasn't giving up,' said Rachel. Then came a twist of fate. The parent had struck up a friendship with one of the mothers on the nursery run, and in a casual conversation mentioned how much she was struggling to manage Rodney's health. It turned out the other mother, Fatima Maktari, wasn't just a fellow dog lover – she was also an Oxford-trained chemist turned pet food entrepreneur and Founder of Tribal Pet Foods. Fatima started experimenting with dog food recipes in her own kitchen after flipping over a packet of treats one day and realising she didn't recognise a single ingredient. 'She explained everything so simply - about nutrition, about gut health, about how it might all be linked,' Rachel said. 'I'd had the best vet-prescribed food that did nothing, and here was a mum on the school run who just got it.' In 2017, Fatima, launched the Fresh Pressed range - the first cold-pressed dog food in the UK made with fresh meat. Sold exclusively through specialist pet retailers across the UK - with over 20 million meals served. Rachel had struck up a friendship with one of the mothers on the nursery run, and in a casual conversation mentioned how much she was struggling to manage Rodney's health. Pictured, the pet Rachel gave it a go, and only fed him on Tribal - and nothing else exclusively – for one whole month. 'The change in Rodney is amazing,' said the relieved mother. 'His coat is so glossy and his itch has really calmed. 'This is the worst time of the year for Rodney due to his allergies but Tribal has kept his symptoms at bay. We've used it exclusively for a little over a month now and we want to maintain it. 'We honestly can't believe the difference - it's just unbelievable. He's so much happier in himself. He's shining again. 'Of course there are still underlying health issues, but he's more relaxed, more comfortable, and finally just able to live his life happily. He's just celebrated his fifth birthday.' And there's one small detail that's made a big difference. 'You even get a proper measuring cup with the food,' Rachel said. 'It sounds so silly, but it means you know exactly how much to feed - no guessing. It just takes the stress out of it. Honestly, that's been a game changer. 'Because of Rodney's ongoing health issues, he also regularly fluctuates quite rapidly with his weight - so that alone has been very useful.' Founder Fatima added: 'Why it works is because the highest quality ingredients and meat are gently cooked at low temperatures to help retain nutrients, support digestion - all without the harsh or stripped-out processing of traditional kibble. 'When changing a dog's diet you need to give it a minimum of a month to eight weeks to see results ' In the end, it wasn't a treatment or a test result that turned things around. It was a conversation. 'It was just the right friend, at the right time, in the right place,' Rachel said. 'And sometimes, trusting your gut is the best thing you can do as a mum'.
