Neil Mcintosh

Veterinarian Neil McIntosh discusses signs of mice infestation and the risks of using anticoagulant rodenticides around dogs. These baits can deplete vitamin K and cause delayed internal or external bleeding, with symptoms including lethargy, weakness, pale gums, coughing, nosebleeds, breathing difficulties, lameness, black stools and abdominal pain. The article notes that repeated low-dose ingestion is dangerous, while eating an occasional dead baited mouse generally poses a low risk, and advises keeping the product packaging if poisoning is suspected.

Dog walking provides substantial physical and mental benefits, but certain games can seriously injure pets. Repeatedly throwing balls may overstrain an elderly or overweight dog’s joints, while throwing sticks can cause deep mouth and throat injuries requiring anaesthesia, wound treatment and sometimes later abscess care. Owners are urged to moderate exercise and avoid risky stick-fetching games.

Blue-green algae can produce toxins that are lethal to dogs, particularly after swimming in stagnant water and licking contaminated coats. Signs of exposure may include vomiting, diarrhoea, salivation, disorientation, breathing difficulties and seizures, and there is no antidote, making immediate veterinary attention essential. Owners should avoid suspicious water, keep dogs on leads near ponds and lakes, rinse exposed coats, and prevent grooming. Sightings can be reported through the Bloomin' Algae App to help identify outbreaks and warn other pet owners.

Urinary incontinence in dogs involves involuntary urine leakage caused by loss of control of the urethral sphincter. It is often noticed through damp bedding or urine dripping during movement, coughing or barking, while post-urination dribbling may indicate other conditions such as infection, tumours or abnormal ureter placement. The problem can be more common in older dogs and creates hygiene challenges, but treatments such as phenylpropanolamine syrup or Estriol tablets are usually effective; antibiotics may be needed when cystitis develops.