Beware of the perils of summer for our pets

Beware of adders when out walking dogs in Northumberland this summer.

Plant life is growing well. Our back gardens may feel consumed by the speed at which the lawn grows, not to mention the weeds. Hail one minute, sun the next, then gale force winds, it was all the seasons in an hour the other day.

Wild animals and birds are rearing their young, and we all too often get well-meaning people bringing in what they think are abandoned or orphaned animals to our surgeries. Although well intentioned, often these young animals have not been abandoned and their parents are still looking after them.

We know it is hard, but leaving wild animals alone gives them a better chance of survival as being picked up and transported to a surgery is very stressful for them. Please see advice from the RSPCA at www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/wildlife/orphanedanimals

Another problem we see at this time of year is adder bites.

Commonly dogs get bitten on the face or feet as they charge through the undergrowth and disturb these shy animals. Smaller dogs that hunt into deep undergrowth and under rocks can also be in danger.

Adder bites can cause significant swelling and pain, and can be fatal. If you suspect that an adder has bitten your dog, phone your surgery as soon as possible.

Hopefully, we will all enjoy some warm weather, but don’t leave pets in your vehicle. The temperature rapidly rises inside and every year we see someone’s beloved pet rushed in as an emergency, having been left in a car and suffering from heat stroke that can all too often be fatal.

We should also try to exercise pets during cooler hours of the day as too much running around with a big hairy coat can also cause heat stroke. It is an emergency I’d prefer not to have to treat.

So here’s to a great British summer and don’t forget the sun cream.