Last updated Sep 1, 2022 | Published on Aug 24, 2022 | Blog, Dog health, Health & Safety
What it is
You may have seen social media posts about blue-green algae in ponds and lakes in the area. Blue-green algae is the common name used for cyanobacteria which are a group of bacteria that live in mostly still water such as lakes and ponds.
Blue-green algae is extremely poisonous to dogs if they ingest it. If they swim in a lake that contains it they might drink it, or it can seep into their fur and they might lick it afterwards. It can lead to liver failure.
Where is it?
It is mainly found in lakes and ponds, ie. still water. All the areas of Waltham Forest and beyond have potential to have this. It is confirmed at Alexander Lake at Wanstead Flats. However, the ponds and lakes owned by Corporation of London (who manage the majority of the green spaces in the area) are not routinely tested so it’s not possible to confirm which ponds do and do not have it. Therefore it is safest to assume that all ponds do have it.
When is it dangerous
It is much more toxic in the summer when the water is low and therefore the algae is at much greater concentration and much more toxic to dogs. It is there all year round but at lower concentrations and therefore less toxic when water is high in the rainier months.
What to do?
Keep your dog away from lakes and ponds that you know, or suspect may, contain blue-green algae especially in the summer.
Dogs should not be allowed to swim or paddle in water that contains blue-green algae.
Don’t let dogs drink from water that may have blue-green algae in. Because the wind often blows blooms of algae to the edges of ponds or lakes, higher concentrations of the toxin are more likely to be present in the parts of the water your dog may drink from.
Take note of signs warning of the algae during dog walks and follow the information given.
Where is it safe for them to paddle?
All water, especially in the summer months may have high concentrations of blue-green algae. However fresh running streams are always the better option for your dog to have a paddle. But if you do spot algae there, then don’t let your dog go in.
What to do
If you suspect they’ve drunk from the pond then they need to go to the bed and be made to be sick.
If your dog does swim in a lake that contains algae you need to wash them thoroughly straight away.
Wash them with shampoo, mainly focusing on areas where your dog would lick themselves. E.g paws, legs, chest. Lots of rinsing and make sure it’s thoroughly out. It takes an hour for it to settle into their fur so it’s important you do this as soon as possible.
You then can either call your vet and ask for advice or you can monitor them closely and look out for these symptoms:
- Vomiting/being sick.
- Diarrhoea.
- Seizures/fitting.
- Weakness/collapse/unconsciousness.
- Disorientation/confusion.
- Drooling.
- Breathing difficulties.
If your dog does show any of these symptoms, take them to a vet immediately.
Be aware
Just always be aware that all water can contain algae, so try and stop your pooch jumping in particularly in the summer months. Aug 2022
Further reading
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/wq-swm1-04.pdf
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/blue-green-algae-and-its-dangers-to-dogs
Last updated May 10, 2022 | Published on May 10, 2022 | Uncategorized
Our services are all designed around providing the best possible care for your dogs and so we follow the guidelines set out in the various pieces of UK legislation covering animal welfare.
With this in mind, we provide the following as standard, adapted as necessary to take into account things such as breed, health and age.
- Walks: Daycare dogs – 1 hour morning group walk; Boarding – at least 2 x 20 min walks per day, (we adapt this according to the needs of each dog, so walks are usually much longer)
- Exercise: As well as out and about on walks, there’s always run-around and ball time in a secure garden area. For dogs that can’t be exercised or no garden is available there will be alternatives provided e.g. toy time, puzzles, short distance ball play.
- Opportunities for socialisation with other dogs and people
- Play: Lots of indoors and outdoors games & toys, some for mental stimulation and some just for fun appropriate to age, breed, health and preferences. This might include treat puzzles; agility (tunnel and cones); ball; rope play.
- Sleep & rest – naptimes and lots of opportunities to just chillout.
- Basic grooming and healthcare – we will provide some basic grooming (with our own equipment), especially on rainy, muddy days e.g. a clean, dry and brush. We will also give your dog a quick check over – coat, eyes, nails, ears, teeth & gums. If we notice any issues we will of course report them to you.
- Feed time (daycare if required, boarding as directed by you). Treats given with your permission.
- Toilet breaks: Daycare minimum: adult dogs – at least 4 toileting opportunities per day; Puppies – as and when they need to go – usually at least once an hour. Boarding, more opportunities.
- Lots of cuddles and attention
If your dog is UNDER a year, we will also provide:
- noise acclimatisation – getting them used to different sounds
- gradual & monitored familiarisation with other dogs and people
Last updated Dec 1, 2023 | Published on Mar 11, 2022 | Blog, Dog health
This is making me itch just writing it!
There have been some problems with fleas lately and there are a few reports about certain products not working especially Advocate which we know a lot of people use.
I think this may have been compounded by the mild wet weather this autumn which may have made spot on treatments less effective.
So, you may need to adjust your treatment regime and go looking for those little critters quite regularly. If your dog is treated correctly and regularly then even if they come into fleas from a cat or another dog, or from rolling around in the forest, then the fleas will be repelled and unable to live on them.
What you can do
Quality: Please use a prescription product: speak to your vet
Timings: Make sure you’re using it as directed. When it says every 4 weeks, then it has to be at least every 4 weeks. Some dogs have a shorter cycle.
Vet: Speak to your vet if you are using a product and your dog still gets fleas. Some products don’t seem to work on all dogs.
Your home: If you do find fleas then you will also need to treat your home and vehicle. This can be an ongoing issue and the lifecycle can be up to a month. Again speak to your vet.
Comb: Use a flea comb regularly to check for fleas.
Getting wet: If your dog is getting wet a lot through, swimming / out in the very heavy rain / is regularly bathed etc, then it can wash off and may need doing more frequently.
Switch it up: If your dog has been on the same flea treatment for a long time then switching product can help as dogs can become immune to a product. Speak to your vet. Over the counter products are generally not good enough, though a flea collar can be used as well as other products.
Good Alternatives
Bravecto: There is another product, Bravecto which is a prescription chewable tablet that a dog takes quarterly and is an alternative to the spot on products. It doesn’t cover worming (so that needs to be done every quarter – Drontal is the usual product for this and they can both be give at the same time ) or lung worm, but is a much more environmentally friendly product because the spot on product then doesn’t enter the water system which can be problematic to wildlife.
Flea treating your home and vehicle
We’ve found RIP Fleas Extra to be a really effective product.
Owner’s commitment
It is each owner’s responsibility to ensure the efficacy of the treatment they are using and to check their dog regularly for fleas and ticks and then to let us know of any problems. Unfortunately dogs cannot attend daycare or group walks, boarding etc until they are flea free. If you do have a flea issue, please let us know immediately and speak to your vet, especially if your product isn’t working.
Thanks as always for your cooperation.
Last updated Dec 1, 2023 | Published on Nov 1, 2021 | Dog health
This is making me itch just writing it!
There have been some problems with fleas lately and there are a few reports about certain products not working especially Advocate which we know a lot of people use.
So, you may need to adjust your treatment regime and go looking for those little critters quite regularly. If your dog is treated correctly and regularly then even if they come into fleas from a cat or another dog, or from rolling around in the forest, then the fleas will be repelled and unable to live on them.
What you can do
Quality: Please use a prescription product: speak to your vet
Timings: Make sure you’re using it as directed. When it says every 4 weeks, then it has to be at least every 4 weeks. Some dogs have a shorter cycle.
Vet: Speak to your vet if you are using a product and your dog still gets fleas. Some products don’t seem to work on all dogs.
Your home: If you do find fleas then you will also need to treat your home and vehicle. This can be an ongoing issue and the lifecycle can be up to a month. Again speak to your vet.
Comb: Use a flea comb regularly to check for fleas.
Getting wet: If your dog is getting wet a lot through, swimming / out in the very heavy rain / is regularly bathed etc, then it can wash off and may need doing more frequently.
Switch it up: If your dog has been on the same flea treatment for a long time then switching product can help as dogs can become immune to a product. Speak to your vet. Over the counter products are generally not good enough, though a flea collar can be used as well as other products.
Alternatives
Bravecto: There is another product, Bravecto which is a prescription chewable tablet that a dog takes quarterly and is an alternative to the spot on products. It doesn’t cover worming (so that needs to be done every quarter – drontal is the usual product for this and they can both be give at the same time ) or lung worm, but is a more environmentally friendly product.
Owner’s commitment
It is each owner’s responsibility to ensure the efficacy of the treatment they are using and to check their dog regularly for fleas and ticks and then to let us know of any problems. Unfortunately dogs cannot attend daycare or group walks, boarding etc until they are flea free. If you do have a flea issue, please let us know immediately and speak to your vet, especially if your product isn’t working.
Thanks as always for your cooperation.
Last updated Jun 1, 2021 | Published on Jun 1, 2021 | Blog, Health & Safety
We just wanted to let you know about a product to avoid or throw away if you have it. Pets at Home Reflective Padded Dog Lead Black | Pets At Home
Last week a client’s dog escaped off the lead because the metal clasp on the above make of lead just broke. For no reason. The dog ran into the road, but despite cars is miraculously fine. The owner understandably nearly had a heart attack.
However they are also fine. But really cross as there are several reports of the same thing happening which can be seen by the reviews on the site. So it maybe a faulty design or a bad batch but it’s definitely best avoided. We said to the owner we would draw your attention to it as they absolutely don’t want this to happen to another owner: the consequences could be far worse.
