Ask the Vet: Summer SOS
Pet health and being as safe as possible is unsuprisingly one of the most popular conversations in the shop. To help, we took some of the most pressing questions to much-loved vets Pear Tree. Aisling, Director, took the time to come back to us with some great advice.
What do you see most in Leamington at this time of year?
This summer so far at Pear Tree Vets, we have been inundated with grass seed cases. We have all been vets for many years now, and none of us can remember a time when we have seen so many pets affected.
Previously you would find just one grass seed in a dog, but now we are finding multiple - over 20 in one case! For most dogs, grass seeds are found and removed from eyes, ears or feet, but you can find them anywhere on the outside (or inside!) of the body.
What can pet owners do about grass seeds?
It is really hard to completely avoid them at the moment, as even pavement walks in the area are littered with grass seeds regularly! The main thing you can do is to try and keep your pets coat short, and to inspect it regularly, especially after walks. I would recommend taking great care with letting your pet off lead in long grass at the moment. If you do notice your pet shaking their head, squinting an eye, or getting a swelling between their toes, definitely book an appointment with your vet to get it checked - the sooner it’s diagnosed and treated, the better.
Are life jackets really necessary for dogs?
This is a tricky question - it depends! If your dog is a regular swimmer, the body of water is not large, you can easily access them to help them, and the water is not deep, then they are not strictly necessary. However, they are a sensible investment if your dog is going to be in open water or if they are not a strong swimmer.
Any first aid kit items we should all be carrying?
Many items in a human first aid kit would be equally useful for dogs. Gloves to protect yourself are always important. Something that is really useful to have, is sterile saline pods for cleaning a wound. Some other items that might be useful in the case of a wound include a sterile, non-adhesive wound dressing pad and some cloth medical tape to hold it in place. However, with any dressing, this should be only a temporary measure until the wound can be assessed by a veterinary surgeon to see if further treatment is required. Other basics that might be useful include a tick remover, in case your pet picks up a new unwanted friend, and a slip lead in case your dog's collar or regular lead is damaged or lost.
What would you pack for holiday fun with your pet?
Firstly - the boring bit! - don’t forget any important paperwork you might need if you are travelling abroad, such as your Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
While we love exploring new places, it can actually stress our pets not being in their usual routine. So I would strongly recommend bringing their own bed, their own food bowl (and their regular food!), and one or two of their favourite toys.
Make sure you allow them sufficient time to rest if you are both out exploring all day - a good break in a nice dog friendly pub is key for the both of you!
Aisling McGrath
Director & Vet
MVB GPCert(SAD) PgC(Derm) OCQ(V)CA MRCVS
Aisling grew up in rural Ireland, before moving to Dublin to study Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2011 with First Class Honours. After initially working in France in mixed practice, Aisling moved to Leamington Spa in 2013 and has lived here since.
Before teaming up with Katie to open Pear Tree Vets, Aisling has worked in various practices across the Midlands.
While Aisling loves medicine and surgery, her true passion is in Dermatology (skin and ear disease). She holds two certificates in Dermatology and is a recognised RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Dermatology, and runs an Advanced Dermatology Service from Pear Tree Vets.
Outside of work, Aisling can be found enjoying a walk with her dog Ellie, visiting a local park with her daughter, or appreciating the produce of a local independent shop or restaurant.
