Helping Hedgehogs
If a hedgehog is out during the day or appears ill or injured in any way it should be brought into care regardless of its weight. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society recommends that a hedgehog weighing under 450g in October will probably not survive. Please call us to discuss the best course of care.
Bonfires and Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs tend to hide at the centre of bonfires so gently lift the inner section with a pole and look for them. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) is urging you to think about wildlife if you are having a firework party, suggesting that bonfires should not be built until the day they are to be lit.
Firework Alert
Loud bangs and flashing lights can cause anxiety in pets. Look out for yawning, panting, restlessness and shaking.
How can you prepare ? Please ask for advice in all cases.
1. Top up your pet’s water bowl
2. Feed your pet a while before you expect any disturbances
3. Walk your dog before dusk
4. Make sure you shut all doors and windows in your home and don’t forget to draw the curtains
5. Purchase a plug in diffuser
6. Administer a calming supplement
7. In extreme cases a sedative can help
8. Play a noise desensitising programme – available for free on the dogs trust website
9. Bring all pets indoors including small furries and supply extra bedding or create a den to hide in
Toxins and poisons:
Recreational drugs – there has been an increase in cases where dogs have been poisoned from disregarded drugs they have digested whilst out on their walk. Time is of the essence so please call us immediately if you have seen your dog eat something on a walk.
Antifreeze – the toxin ethylene glycol makes antifreeze lethal. Dogs and cats can consume ethylene glycol as it is sweet before being repulsed by its aftertaste. It does not take a significant amount to cause internal organ damage.
Pumpkin – Raw pumpkin is a low-calorie snack and a great source of dietary fibre
however a carved pumpkin is potentially full of mould and bacteria after it has been out for some time so it is not a good idea to let your dog get hold of them.
Conkers (Horse Chestnut) – There are two reasons that they are dangerous to dogs. Firstly, the large nuts could cause a blockage in your pet’s stomach. Secondly, they contain a chemical called aesculin – found in all parts of the horse chestnut tree, including the leaves which is toxic.
Chocolate – all types of chocolates are slowly absorbed, so clinical signs can be delayed. Dark is highly toxic due to its high cocoa content.
Look out for the following signs and in all instances call the practice ASAP.
– Wobbly, unco-ordinated movement
– Nausea/Vomiting
– Excessive salivation
– Nystagmus – involuntary eye movement
– Excessive urination
– Diarrhoea
– Rapid heart beat
– Depression
– Weakness
– Seizures/Convulsions/Shaking tremors
– Fainting
Don’t forget about smaller pets on bonfire night
If your rabbits or guinea pigs live outside, they can also become scared and stressed with the strange lights and noises from the fireworks.
If you can bring their hutch inside that would help – otherwise cover part of their hutch to effectively soundproof it.
Give them some extra bedding so that they can create their own den. Don’t cover the whole hutch so they can’t see out.
