Latest news with #SeanMcCormack
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Dog owners urged to follow one walking rule during UK heatwave
The Met Office is now warning pet owners to avoid walking their dogs during certain times of the day, following the news of a third heatwave for later this week. Temperatures in the UK are expected to rise back up over 30C by the end of this week, as the Met Office confirmed that a third wave was on the way. Dog owners have been urged to listen up. Whilst this might be great news for some, Brits have been advised to take some precautions, especially for those who are pet owners. Marco Petagna, a senior meteorologist at the Met Office, warned that temperatures would begin to reach the thresholds of 25 and 28 degrees. He also added: "Temperatures are going to continue to climb as we go toward the end of the week and certainly by Friday and Saturday we could see 30 degrees, perhaps just nudging into the low 30s." As Brits have been urged to follow some guidelines for their safety in the heat, taking extra precautions for their pets at home is expected. Therefore and consequently, pet owners are now to do their usual walks in the early morning or late evening, when the temperatures are not too hot. The message applies especially to older pets, flat-faced breeds or dogs with existing illnesses such as heart or lung problems. Sean McCormack, a head vet at explained: 'While enjoying the sunshine is something both humans and dogs often love, it's important to understand that a dog's ability to regulate heat is very different from ours.' He explained: 'This makes it essential for pet owners, particularly those new to dog care, to take proactive steps to keep their pets cool, safe, and comfortable during hot spells.' Pet owners are now to tweak their walking times to protect their puppies from the scorching heat. It's also important for pets to have access to fresh water to drink, adequate ventilation and a shaded space to avoid direct sunlight. How long will the heatwave last? The UK weather is quite unpredictable. As the weather begins to warm up in the next few days, the Met Office said that it will start to cool down by early next week. However, Brits might be able to keep the sun for a little while in some areas. They said: 'It's certainly possible that hot conditions may persist for a while longer, especially towards the south and east.'
Perth Now
25-06-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Many Brits pull sickies to look after their dogs
Many Brits pull sickies so they can look after their poorly dogs. In total, 16 per cent admitted they lied to their boss so they could take the day off, a study by revealed. An average of eight days are taken off per year by 72 per cent of Brits, so they can take care of their pooches. As a result, this reportedly costs the UK economy £13.8 billion a year. Meanwhile, 52 per cent of Brits said they care more about their pets' health, rather than that of their partners. Doctor Sean McCormack, from is quoted by the Daily Star newspaper as saying: "Apart from the economic impact, sick days are really stressful and tough to deal with for dogs and their owners. "Anything we can do to help limit sick days is hugely beneficial."
Wales Online
25-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Vet says commonly ignored signs in your dog may mean something is wrong
Vet says commonly ignored signs in your dog may mean something is wrong Dr Sean McCormack has listed the easily missed symptoms that may mean you need to take your dog to a vet Vet examining a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog owners have been warned of the symptoms that are often overlooked but which could indicate a serious health problem. Head Vet is offering advice on what to do if your pet has potentially serious symptoms. Dr Sofia Izquierdo Sanchez, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Manchester University, said workers taking time off to care for sick pets costs the UK economy £13.8 billion a year in lost wages. Research from reveals 72% of pet owners have pulled a sickie to look after their pet with the average dog owner needing to take eight days off a year. Dr. Sean McCormack, Head Vet at said: 'Whilst some illnesses can't be prevented, ensuring your dog is eating a complete, balanced and nutritious diet, getting the right amount of exercise and having regular health check ups can help to limit the need to take too much time off and your pets living healthier lives.' Dr McCormack provided tips for spotting when your dog might need a vet check: Article continues below Keep an Eye on Their Eating Habits: If your dog suddenly goes off their food or becomes ravenously hungry, it might be a red flag. Changes in appetite can indicate anything from dental issues to digestive upsets or more serious internal conditions. Remember, sudden weight loss or gain is always worth investigating. Check Their Coat and Skin: Your dog's coat is a great barometer of their overall health. Look out for excessive scratching, bald patches, redness, lumps, or a dull, greasy coat. These can indicate allergies, infections, parasites, or hormonal imbalances. A quick daily brush can help you spot issues early. Watch for Changes in Drinking and Urination: If your dog is suddenly drinking more water than usual or asking to go out to pee more frequently, this could be a sign of underlying health issues like diabetes, kidney disease, or a urinary tract infection. On the flip side, straining to urinate or accidents in the house that are abnormal, can also indicate problems. Don't Ignore Bad Breath or Drooling: While doggy breath isn't always pleasant, a sudden increase in bad breath, drooling, or difficulty chewing can indicate dental disease, which if left untreated can affect the heart and kidneys. Regular dental checks and brushing can help keep your dog's mouth healthy. Carolyn Menteith, Behaviourist at said: 'Your dog's behaviour can tell you if they're feeling a bit under the weather or are even in pain or discomfort. Trust your instincts and for any unexpected changes, however subtle, it's time to go and talk to the vet.'
Rhyl Journal
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Abergele Harriers record impressive times at 5k events
All were running a 5k distance. Last Tuesday (June 3), Steven and Sean McCormack travelled to Liverpool to take part in the Mystery Park 5k. Steven ran it in 18:06, his fastest time for a number of years. Sean also had a great run, finishing second V60 in 19:38. The following evening, Rachel Shipley and Darren Blazier travelled to Gwynedd to take on the hilly Llanrug 5k, a race which also incorporated the North Wales Championships. Darren finished in 19:07 for 34th in the race, also taking a bronze in his age group in the championships. Rachel ran 20:01 for 53rd and sixth lady, giving her silver in her age group in the championships. Saturday (June 7) saw Anthony Howe travel to Lincolnshire to take part in the Cleethorpes Parkrun, finishing 240th of the 336 runners in 32:29.
Scottish Sun
07-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
From a ‘bored' cat to a dog dealing with the heat – your pet queries answered
Scroll down to find out how to win tickets to the London Pet Show PAWS AND CLAWS From a 'bored' cat to a dog dealing with the heat – your pet queries answered Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions. Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm has helped with owners' queries for ten years. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Sean McCormack, head vet at promises he can 'help keep pets happy and healthy' 4 Sean helps a reader whose cat grooms herself constantly Credit: Getty Q) MY cat, Chairman Meow, seems to groom herself constantly. Is this a sign of boredom? She has plenty of toys, scratch posts and beds. She's five. I live near a busy road so she's a house cat. Should I give her outside access? JUDE BROWN, Birmingham Sean says: Firstly, I love this name for a cat. I had a patient that was named the same years ago, and it always made me chuckle. Over-grooming can be a sign of stress, boredom or an appeasement behaviour that is self-soothing as it releases happy hormones. She's got plenty of enrichment indoors, but I wonder if you could play more interactive games with her, such as scattering feeding treats, using fishing rod toys and the like. If she's not losing hair, it may just be that Chairman Meow is a fastidiously clean and well-presented cat. Q) BORIS, my Labradoodle, was running on the beach when he just collapsed. He lay down for several minutes then got up again and has been fine since. He's nine and is a big dog. How concerned should I be? GILLIAN MANN, Edinburgh F1 stars' pets including driver with thirteen cats, Leclerc's yacht-loving pooch and Hamilton's dog Roscoe with own car Sean says: That is worrying. And it raises more questions than answers. Is it the first time this has happened? Was he seemingly conscious or absent while laying down, did he yelp or whine? What were his limbs doing? Was he limping or seem pained after? Was he salivating? If it was hot out, how was his breathing? All these factors would lead vets to rule in or rule out certain conditions. If it happens again, try to video it on your phone and get him checked by your vet as soon as possible. Hopefully it's a one-off but it could be an early sign of something else worth investigating. Q) WHAT precautions should I take with my dog Ted now that it's getting hotter? He's a Labrador cross who is eight. I always make sure he has shade, but should I consider a fan after the recent hot summers? What about cooling vests on walks? SIMON EVANS, Barnstaple, Devon Sean says: First thing with Labs, in particular, is a weight-loss programme and diet if he is overweight. Obesity can really make things tough on our pets in hot weather. Your vet practice can help assess, or you can look on our YouTube channel for videos on 'body condition scoring'. I'm not a fan of putting more layers on a dog for exercise. I prefer to recommend walking them in the cooler periods of the day. Cool water and shade should be available always, and a cooling mat for Ted to lie on if he so wishes. Q) TWO dogs and two cats have moved in next door, and Bella, our 12-year-old West Highland terrier, is now weeing a lot. She even wakes me in the middle of the night to go into the garden. Could the new cats and dogs be affecting her? She's had a blood test, and there's no diabetes, but there is a lot of protein, which affects kidneys. VIRGINIA SPRING, Southend-on-Sea, Essex Sean says: Certainly a switch in circumstances in the home, or next door's garden, can lead to changes in toileting behaviour. But I would associate that more with male dogs marking their territory. The flag here is excessive protein in her blood. Has Bella had a urine test too? If not, pop a tray under her when she squats and decant the urine into a sterile jar from your vet. This warrants further investigation. Star of the week 4 Ralph and Walker the Newfoundlands are hero dogs known for their ability in the water Credit: Supplied TWO Newfoundlands, Ralph and Walker, took to the water with a group of injured veterans as part of a wellbeing event to boost mental health. The dogs jumped into a lake and gently pulled the ex-servicemen back to dry land – leaving smiles all round. Their owner, paramedic Pete Lewin, of Leicester, said: 'Newfies are known for their abilities in the water. "But they also have incredible personalities and being with them has amazing restorative impacts.' Many of the veterans who attended the event last month are members of military charity Blesma – the UK's limbless veterans association – and spokeswoman Sarah Criddle told Paws and Claws: 'The wellbeing factor was so powerful.' See WIN: London Pet Show LONDON Pet Show Live offers a fun-packed family experience that's both educational and entertaining. For a chance to win one of five family tickets for two adults and two children under 16, worth £50, send an email headed PET SHOW LIVE to sundaypets@ The event runs on September 20 and 21 at Olympia. See for more details. T&Cs apply. Howl to communicate with your dogs 4 A pet expert has explained the wide range of emotions dogs experience Credit: Supplied A LEADING pet expert has revealed the secrets to communicating with your dog. Jo Middleton, owner of learning platform Canine Principles, believes pups are often misunderstood. The co-presenter of The Dog Expert Podcast said: 'What if your dog's 'bad behaviour' isn't disobedience, but a communication issue? If a dog feels safe, it is so much more capable of learning and adapting.' Dogs experience a broad spectrum of emotions. Jo said joy is often shown through tail wagging and excitement. Fear is indicated by cowering, shaking or avoiding eye contact. Frustration can cause barking, chewing or pacing. Grief can lead to withdrawal. But there could be subtle differences that owners also need to be aware of. Jo added: 'A wagging tail doesn't always mean happiness – the position and speed tell you more. 'Whining and barking convey different things depending on context. Sudden shifts in behaviour may be your dog's way of signalling distress.' She urged owners to use positive reinforcement, such as verbal cues like 'good boy' or treats when communicating.
