Four common summer culprits all dog owners must watch out for in hot weather
After spotting a trend in dog claims - with one in six pet insurance claims in spring and summer related to grass seed injuries, costing an average of £392 - they decided to dig deeper. Why are so many incidents happening during the hottest months?
Turns out, there are four common culprits. But if you know what to look for, you could save your dog from unnecessary pain - and yourself a pricey vet bill.
Dog owner claims pet's favourite sleep position reveals 'secrets' about personality
'Spring and summer are perfect for enjoying the outdoors - and that goes for our four-legged friends too. Longer, warmer days mean more time for dogs to play, explore, and enjoy the fresh air,' said Alex Cross, Chief Customer Officer at Tesco Insurance
'But with the extra freedom comes added responsibility for owners. Whether your pup is rolling in the grass, sniffing around the flowerbeds, or eyeing up a picnic or barbecue, it's important to keep a close watch.'
Alex shares the four things you need to look out for...
Grass Seeds
Tesco Insurance recorded over 500 claims just in July and August last year for grass seed injuries - and the costs add up fast. After walks, check your dog's fur, especially between the toes and around the ears. If seeds are loose, brush them off. But if they're lodged in the skin, don't ignore them - they might be tiny, but they're sharp and dangerous and can cause mild irritation through to serious organ damage. Call your vet as soon as possible.
Insect Stings
This one's a bit more expected, especially with bees and wasps flying about. Most stings cause minor swelling and discomfort, but if the sting's still in the skin, gently scrape it out and apply a cool cloth to soothe the area.
Watch for signs of something more serious though: heavy swelling, trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhoea, or sudden weakness. If any of these show up, seek help straight away.
Heatstroke
Just like humans, dogs can suffer in the heat. If it's warmer than usual, be extra careful on long walks. Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, laboured breathing, drowsiness, vomiting or collapsing.
If your dog shows any of these signs, move them to a shaded or cool area immediately and offer small sips of cool (not icy) water. Pouring water over them can also help bring their body temp down.
Dogs with thick coats or flat faces - like Frenchies or pugs - are especially at risk. And if your dog becomes unconscious, it's an emergency. Go to the vet, immediately.
Picnic and barbeques
Sunny days scream picnic and barbeque season, but some of our favourite summer foods are toxic to dogs. Most people know about chocolate, but avocados, grapes, and raisins are also no-go's. They can trigger abdominal pain, vomiting, seizures - even comas in extreme cases.
Corn on the cob isn't poisonous, but it is a choking hazard and can cause dangerous blockages.
And while it might be tempting to share leftover bones, don't - they can splinter in your dog's mouth or gut. Same goes for kebab skewers.
'With the extra freedom comes added responsibility for owners. Whether your pup is rolling in the grass, sniffing around the flowerbeds, or eyeing up a picnic or barbecue, it's important to keep a close watch,' says Alex Cross
'If you suspect your dog is in pain or has eaten something they shouldn't, don't wait. Seek expert advice straight away.'
Tesco Insurance customers can access 24/7 help through vetfone which has a national network of vet nurses to help with any questions.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Investigation launched into SNP ministers over huge eye operation delays as thousands of Scots are forced to go private
An investigation has been launched into long waiting times for cataract surgery in light of MailOnline's revelations that thousands of hard-pressed Scots are having to go private. The Scottish Liberal Democrats are heaping pressure on SNP ministers after it was revealed 8,500 Scots were forced to raid their savings to pay for basic care last year – more than double those who went private in 2019. Nearly 19,000 people are stuck on NHS waiting lists for the eye op across Scotland – with one patient in NHS Grampian waiting for more than three years. Party leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has now filed more than 20 written questions to the Scottish Government to uncover the reasons behind such long delays. He said: 'I'm pleased to see MailOnline drawing attention to this important issue and piling the pressure on the Scottish Government. Patients having to go private or facing waits of up to three years to be able to see again is simply not on. 'Ministers need to ensure that cataract surgery waits come down and people can get the care they need swiftly. I want these patients to know that I am on their side. These questions are part of an effort to get to the bottom of what is holding back patients from getting the care they need.' Mr Cole-Hamilton has asked about staffing levels, the reasons for waiting times, and what contact Health Secretary Neil Gray has had with NHS boards over the delays. Earlier this month, the party revealed figures showing the true scale of cataract surgery waiting times with NHS Grampian admitted that one person had been on their treatment list for 1,253 days. Delays recorded at other health boards include 869 days in NHS Shetland, 824 days in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 680 days in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, 644 days in NHS Borders, 548 days in NHS Fife, 532 days in NHS Lanarkshire and 508 days in NHS Highland. In total 18,956 Scots are on a cataract surgery waiting list, with the longest list in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, where 3,207 people have been referred. NHS Fife is second, with 2,440 patients waiting for the surgery. MailOnline's own investigation found 8,500 Scots paid for cataract ops out of their own pocket in 2024, more than double the 4,075 people forced to go private for the surgery in 2019. Grandfather David Samson from Tayport in Fife has been waiting more than 19 months for a cataract operation on his right eye. The 87-year-old was first diagnosed in January 2024 and was originally told he would be treated within 18 weeks. That then became 18 months – and later almost two years. Mr Samson, a former kitchen designer and builder, hopes to finally be seen at Dundee's Ninewells Hospital in October. He said: 'It's not affecting my driving yet but I am anxious about it. My condition is slowly getting worse.' Mr Samson has a relative in England with the same condition who expects to be treated in 16 weeks. He added: 'I am 87. When I'm in my box I want to see where I'm going.' A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said it hopes to cut surgery waiting lists to 52 weeks by the end of the financial year. Mr Cole-Hamilton added: 'Our NHS is being held back by neglect and mismanagement from SNP ministers. 'The SNP has repeatedly demonstrated that the NHS will never be its priority.' A Scottish Government spokesman said: 'This year, we are investing a record £21.7 billion in health and social care including £106 million to help health boards tackle the longest waits and deliver over 300,000 additional appointments. 'The Scottish Government is clear that no one should face a lengthy wait for important surgery and procedures.'
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Three dog breeds most at risk of heatstroke & why long car journeys to your summer staycation can be dangerous
Read on for more expert tips and tricks for your beloved pup RUFF CROWD Three dog breeds most at risk of heatstroke & why long car journeys to your summer staycation can be dangerous Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NOW that summer is finally here, many of us plan to get away. But if you have a dog you may not want to go abroad and opt for a pup-friendly staycation as the weather gets warmer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Here's how to stop your dog getting heatstroke in the car this summer Credit: Getty With more and more pet owners wanting to spend the holidays with their dogs, searches for "pet-friendly lodge" have soared 357% over the past month. While we all love the hot weather, it can be dangerous for your dog, especially if you have a long drive to your holiday destination. as more and more Brits look to include their pets in summer plans. But with temperatures increasing, our furry companions are likely to bear the brunt of this hot weather while travelling to their destinations. Fortunately, The Net Vet has shared everything you need to know to avoid your dog getting heatstroke, from how to safely keep them cool on longer car journeys, to the products that are worth it and the telltale signs of an early health issue. Breeds That Struggle Most In Cars Dr. Alex from The Net Vet revealed, 'Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, and boxers are especially prone to overheating [in the car] because of their short and narrow airways, which make breathing and cooling off more difficult. "Long-haired breeds, overweight pets, seniors, and those with heart or respiratory issues are also at greater risk. In terms of breeds at higher risk of heatstroke, flat-faced breeds top the list, but large, heavy-coated dogs like Newfoundlands, Huskies, and Saint Bernards are also at risk. To keep these pets from overheating in the car, the vets recommend: Travel during cooler parts of the day (early morning or evening) Use cooling mats or vests Keep fresh, cool water on hand at all times Make sure cool air from the AC is reaching them not just circulating in the front Never leave them alone in the car, even for a short time Take extra water that you can soak towels to cool them down should they start experiencing the signs of heatstroke It's also a good idea to take regular breaks if you have a dog in the car, reports Holiday Lodges. Dr. Alex adds: "Plan to stop every 60 to 90 minutes. During breaks, take your pet for a short walk in a shaded area, offer water and allow time to drink and let them cool off if they're showing signs of discomfort. "Avoid walking on hot pavement, which can burn their paws and test with the back of your hand first." Top five tips for training your dog from reinforcing behaviours to knowing when to give the treats Heatstroke And Cars The vet reveals that the biggest danger dogs face when driving in cars is heatstroke, so it's worth getting to know the symptoms to look for. He says: "Cars can heat up rapidly, even with windows open or in the shade. "It only takes a few minutes for the inside of a vehicle to become dangerously hot, putting pets at serious risk. 'Dogs and cats can't regulate their body temperature as effectively as humans, and they can quickly become dehydrated, overheat, or suffer from respiratory distress. "Other risks include stress, anxiety, and even burns from hot car surfaces like leather seats or metal buckles." Key Signs Of Heatstroke Heavy panting or drooling Bright red gums or tongue Restlessness, agitation Vomiting or diarrhoea Weakness, unsteady movements Collapse 'If you notice any of these signs, pull over immediately and move your pet to a shaded area or cool part of the car (or take them out of the car)," says Dr. Alex. "Offer small amounts of water, and cool them with damp towels - especially around the paws, neck, and belly. 'You can even pour cold water over them if you have enough. Use air conditioning or fans to help lower their temperature. Then head to the nearest vet straight away." Keep Your Dog Cool Air conditioning and plenty of water should help keep your dog cool, but you may need other items to help.
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Sir Alex Ferguson shares playlist of his life for charity
The charity advocates for the use of personal playlists in dementia care across communities, health boards, care homes, and for families and people at home. Read More: Its approach, which is backed by more than two decades of research, starts with creating and listening to a playlist of songs that make up the soundtrack to your life, tracks that take you back to special moments in your life and tunes that remind you of loved ones. The organisation has trained almost 10,000 health and social professionals to embed personal playlists into dementia care with one team in NHS Fife reporting an 80% reduction in the use of medication used to manage symptoms for a group of people living with dementia. Sir Alex said: 'Dementia is a big challenge for all of us, but we all know someone close to us who has dementia. It's not always easy to talk about, but music is a fantastic thing that can help. 'I'm beyond proud to be an ambassador for Playlist for Life. Visiting the team and hearing more about the work they do, I can see they are leading the way in using music to transform the lives of people affected by dementia. 'Music is a fantastic thing, I've made a start on the playlist of my life, I recommend everyone does the same and supports this fantastic charity.' Football legend Sir Alex Ferguson signs on as ambassador for music and dementia charity Playlist for Life (Image: Jamie Simpson) Michael Timmons, executive director of Playlist for Life, said: 'Sir Alex's backing in this new role of Ambassador will help us reach many more people living with dementia or caring for someone living with dementia. 'We are working to embed personal playlists into dementia care in communities, hospital and care settings across the UK as standard because it's so much more than something that's just nice to have. Personal playlists can improve the lives of people living with dementia by helping to spark connection and reduce some of the more distressing symptoms. 'It's a privilege to have Sir Alex Ferguson pulling on the Playlist for Life jersey as an official ambassador, following many years of quiet but generous support. "During his visit to our office he seemed impressed by the team's work and understood the importance of our approach to dementia care. We hope his support encourages more people to discover the power of personal playlists and create their own today.' Sir Alex Ferguson's personal playlist Moon River, Henry Mancini (music), Johnny Mercer (lyrics) This is the song that when I'm with my longest and dearest friends from Govan, I always sing. Only they would have the patience to listen to me! It's All in the Game, Nat King Cole This song has a particularly strong memory for me. When I was 17 and playing for Queen's Park, they used to have an annual snooker competition, which I won. But when I went to receive the prize at the Annual Christmas Dance, they wouldn't give me it unless I sang. And this was the song I sang. My Own True Love, Tara's Theme from Gone with the Wind "The theme song from one of the greatest movies of all time. Cathy and I visited Atlanta some years ago when I was studying the American Civil War and visited the house of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind, which is part of the museum tours." Dirty Old Town, The Pogues "Written by a Glasgow-born man, Ewan MacColl, whose daughter was part of the duet in the famous Christmas song Fairy-tale of New York – Kirsty MacColl & Shane McGowan." Danny Boy "Danny Boy is one of the most sung songs in the world. There is a host of famous singers who have sung it and of course there are many different perspectives on the meaning of the song. One quite sad version is of a father taking his son to catch a train as he was heading off for war and his father was so worried for him that he forgot to give him a hug. The son never returned." The Way We Were, Gladys Knight and the Pips "Also sung by Barbra Streisand, it was the theme song for the movie of the same name, which starred Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford."
