10 hours ago
I'm a pet expert, these are the common garden essentials that could be KILLING your dog, you must act now
WITH the UK enjoying hot weather this weekend, plenty of us will be spending more time outside in our garden.
And as much as we want our furry friends to join us, dog owners are being warned of the potentially fatal things lurking on your plot.
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Many people spend more time gardening in the summer, using fertiliser to help their gardens bloom.
But as Ross Hallifax, from pet insurance specialist Purely Pets, explains: 'Not only can dogs experience skin and foot irritation if they walk on fertiliser, but it can cause stomach upset if ingested due to its toxic ingredients like nitrogen and phosphorus.'
But it's not just fertiliser that can cause a problem for our pooches.
Used to help control unwanted garden visitors, both dry and wet pesticides can also be dangerous to your dog and irritate their skin and digestive system if consumed.
Snail and slug bait can also be highly toxic and if consumed, can cause severe tremors.
And for those refreshing their garden shed or outdoor space this summer, be careful of paint.
Both the fumes released during painting, and the product itself, can be toxic to our pets due to its high-chemical content.
If you suspect your dog has ingested something they shouldn't have, look out for signs of vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity or restlessness, tremors, seizures, or fits, or blood in the stool.
Ross adds: 'If you suspect your dog has been exposed to any of these toxins, try to call your vet immediately and explain what's happened so they can help identify the best course of treatment.'
Vet Dr Sarah-Jane Molier previously warned dog owners over fake grass as it can absorb heat, making it more likely a pup could be hurt.
How to keep pets safe during a heatwave
Dr Sarah-Jane Molier told Pets Radar: "Tarmac, asphalt and fake grass are the most common culprits.
"They absorb heat throughout the day and retain it well, meaning they stay hot for quite some time."
It may not always easy to tell when your dog has injured itself.
Owners should look out for any limping or resting of one leg that switches between the two.
Vet Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the 5 dogs she'd never own
By Marsha O'Mahony
HUSKY
Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy.
If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him.
It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold - look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs.
DACHSHUND
Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive.
The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. "Because of their long backs, they're really prone to intervertebral disc disease," said Dr. Rachel.
You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive.
GREAT DANE
These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are "goofballs."
But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak.
DOODLE
These are the current "it" dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed.
Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities.
But this couldn't be further from the truth, said our vet.
"These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently," she wrote.
Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems.
BULLDOGS
These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog.
"I just would not own them," she said. "They're just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces."
Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease.
If your canine companion doesn't get excited for going on a walk, it could also be a sign.
They will often lick or chew their wounded paws, and be hesitant to let you touch them.
Some more obvious signs include patchy discolouration on the pads as well as blisters and peeling.
If you think your dog has burned paws, take them to the vet.
