Summer months can prove hazardous for dogs

A pet advice line has been dealing with calls from dog owners whose pets have been injured or become ill because of summertime hazards, according to M&S pet insurance.

While the disappointing British weather has dashed all hopes of a barbecue summer, it has not stopped many household dogs from suffering seasonal ailments.

Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for the qualified veterinary nurses at VetfoneTM - a 24-hour advice line available to M&S pet insurance customers.

Vetfone nurses, who provide concerned animal lovers with immediate advice on a pet's condition, have reported several calls from policyholders whose dogs have succumbed to summer related hazards.

The advice has proved invaluable for many M&S pet insurance customers, with around 70% of calls to the service made outside of normal veterinary hours.

Recent cases include:

A five-year-old crossbreed dog from Shropshire who ran into a washing line with a frisbee in her mouth, suffering severe injuries to her teeth.

A dog from Staffordshire who ate a packet of sausages destined for the barbecue.

A six-month-old English Bull Terrier who swallowed a huge frog while out walking with his owner.

A Springer Spaniel from Surrey who ate a large amount of walnuts fallen from a tree. Walnuts can cause an upset stomach and diarrhoea in dogs.

Vetfone Deputy Operations Manager, Clare Scantlebury, said: "It's lovely for pets and their owners to enjoy being out and about during the summer, but they need to be aware of hidden dangers, which although rare, do cause real problems."

Other summertime dangers for dogs include:

Algal ‘blooms' can occur in stagnant fresh or salty ponds. What some dog owners don't realise is that by allowing dogs to cool down by having a swim, they are exposing their pet to extremely toxic compounds caused by algae. Clinical signs associated with a dog swallowing even small amounts of this water can include vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy, depending upon the particular toxin ingested.

The weather conditions this year have led to a bumper crop of conkers falling early. The horse chestnut is irresistible to dogs but contains three powerful toxins. Clinical signs develop within six hours of ingestion. If eaten in large amounts conkers can cause serious illness in dogs.

M&S Money Insurance Manager, Steve Price, said: "The weather may have been disappointing this summer but it hasn't stopped dogs from suffering the usual seasonal ailments.

"M&S pet insurance policyholders who need urgent advice are able to call on a qualified veterinary expert round the clock."

For more information about M&S Pet Insurance or to apply, customers can visit marksandspencer.com/petinsurance