Jake is a Sprollie, a cross between a Springer Spaniel and a Collie, and only 9 months old. The team at Westport Vets know Jake well after performing a laparotomy to remove a silicone rubber heel of a shoe insole. Jake recovered quickly and just loves to play (all the time) and has almost boundless energy!
His favourite toy is a rubber Funky Chicken and his naughtiest habit is eating things he shouldn’t! Jake has so many walks he loves that it was difficult to choose one, although his current favourite is around the Peel.
Despite his naughty habit of eating things he shouldn’t Jake has many adorable characteristics. He is very polite and always lies down when meeting other dogs which reflects his warm and sensitive nature. According to his owner he looks just like Eeyore when his favourite ball bursts.
Jake isn’t the only dog who loves to eat things it shouldn’t. Here are some other dangers pet owners should be aware of as we come into the summer months;
 

Toxic Plants – gardens, parks and woods are full of colourful flowers at this time of year but many of these plants are toxic to cats and dogs. All parts of the daffodil plant, which is part of the lily family, are toxic, especially the bulb. Signs of poisoning include;

  • excessive drooling
  • diarrhoea
  • vomiting
  • staggering
  • collapse
  • unconsciousness
  • coma

The sooner the pet that has eaten a poisonous plant is seen by Westport Vets the better the chance of survival and a speedy recovery. If you suspect your pet has eaten something poisonous it is important to pass on the following information to the vet;

  • which plant it ate (bring it with you if you are unsure)
  • how much and which part of the plant it ate
  • how long ago it ate the plant

The best ways to avoid pets from eating potentially poisonous plants is to be aware of the types of plants around on walks, be watchful of your pets and to react quickly.

Toxic plants to be aware of; crocus, tulip, snowdrops, lily of the valley, aconite, hyacinth, foxglove.

Exercising your dog – there’s nothing better than taking your dog out for some exercise on a sunny day but instead of throwing sticks please invest in dog safe toys to bring on your walks.

Westport Vets advise never to throw sticks for dogs as this can lead to:

  • injuries to the mouth from splinters
  • ingestion of shards of wood that can puncture internal organs

Cold water – the outside temperature may be, slowly, warming up but it will be another few months before the water temperature has caught up.

Please be aware when your dog is playing in water as the temperature drop may be a huge shock to the system and increase the chances of your dog getting into difficulties. Also please don’t let your dog swim too far from the shore when on the beach as currents can sweep your dog out and increase the chances of drowning.

Thorns and splinters – start to check your pets paws after walks and being in the garden.

Tick season is coming and fleas are coming back to life – this is the ideal time to bring your pets back up to date with preventative treatments.

Remember all animals in the household will need to be treated for pets to ensure they all escape any flea infestations. Speak to Westport Vets about all the current treatments available as some flea treatments also cover ticks.