Keep those tails wagging

Cornwall is a wonderful place for a dog, but according to the team at Kernow Vets, all of that excitement can get a bit much for some of our four-legged friends.

According to the team at Kernow Vets, avoiding some of the risks when out and about is key to making sure that all the members of your family can enjoy their time here. Jellyfish, for instance, can get washed up and sting the more curious among us. If your dog is stung, be sure to wash your pet with seawater, as fresh water can make it worse. Keep an eye out for lumps of palm oil too. Occasionally washed up on our beaches, palm oil can cause upset stomachs if eaten.

“We should be prioritising health and welfare over looks. So please check out all the information relating to our #BreedtoBreathe campaign.”

When you’re out and about on the moors or on the coast path, keep your pets close by. Even dogs can lose their footing or stumble across the occasional adder in the undergrowth! Most of all, remember to make sure your pet can cope with longer than normal walks, especially in hot weather. This is especially important for breeds with squashed faces as naturally, they can struggle to breathe due to the shape of their heads. If they get hot or over-exercise they are likely to overheat and because of their build, they’re more likely to suffer from heat stroke.

With their big, baby-like eyes and squashed, wrinkly faces, it’s not difficult to understand why dogs like French bulldogs and pugs hold a special appeal for pet lovers. Generations ago, these breeds had longer noses, but their now-extreme physical features can cause a host of health issues, including breathing difficulties. The grunting, snorting sounds that are seen as ‘normal’ for these breeds are often indicative of respiratory distress.

Responding to this concerning welfare trend, vets across the UK are campaigning to raise awareness among current and prospective pet owners, backing the British Veterinary Association’s #BreedtoBreathe campaign. Cornish vets care for many of these lively characters and would love to see breeds like bulldogs and pugs bred with the longer noses they used to have. What’s more, the team at Kernow Vets tell us, we can all try to avoid the welfare problems that are so regularly seen. “We should be prioritising health and welfare over looks. So please check out all the information relating to our #BreedtoBreathe campaign.

“Finally, enjoy your time in Cornwall but make sure your dog has a great time too! Keep an eye on them and if they do get into any difficulties, don’t hesitate to bring them into to one of the nearby veterinary surgeries, like us here at Kernow Vets!”