Happy Hounds

11/04/2025

Not good for our dogs!

Hot cross buns which contain dried fruit, such as currants, sultanas and raisins, are all toxic to dogs. Even if your dog eats a small quantity of these dried fruits (and grapes), they can suffer severe kidney failure which may be fatal.

Scientists do not fully understand what it is in raisins, grapes and sultanas that makes them toxic to dogs. Some pets have ingested large quantities and felt no effects, but others – including large breeds – have died after eating just a few raisins.

Sharing just a little bit with your dog is not worth the risk of losing your animal companion. Keep hot cross buns out of reach altogether.

On top of this, nutmeg, which is a common ingredient in hot cross buns, is also potentially dangerous due to it containing a hallucinogenic toxin called myristicin, which can cause mild stomach upset if eaten in small doses.

Dogs who eat large amounts of nutmeg may suffer more severe symptoms such as increased heart rate, disorientation, abdominal pain, hallucinations and even seizures. Symptoms can last up to 48 hours.

If you think your dog has eaten something poisonous, contact your vet straight away!

17/03/2025

17/03/2025

A daily check of ears is best. Check for smells, mucky ears, anything unusual.
We know how painful it is if we get an ear infection so checking everyday will help prevent it from getting worse and also help for our dogs to be in no pain or less pain.

Ear infections are a very common problem which occur when the lining of the outside part of the dog’s ear (from the ear flap and along the ear canal to the ear drum) becomes inflamed and thickened in either one or both ears.

Initially the effects may be mild, but can quickly get worse if left untreated. If you think that your dog has any form of ear irritation or infection, you should speak to your vet straight away. The sooner appropriate treatment is started, the sooner your dog can be given relief from the itching and pain.

Ear infections can get progressively worse, so not seeking advice is likely to make the condition more painful and more difficult to treat. Do not try and treat your dog at home or clean your dog’s ear if you do not know what’s causing the irritation. If your dog has a foreign body in their ear you may accidentally push it further into their ear causing more damage.

28/01/2025

Thank you PDSA for this reminder.

The new year is a great reminder to make sure everything is up-to-date with your pet, including their health. It's a good idea to give your pet a regular 'MOT' which you can do at home ✅

Not all pets will be used to you checking them over, or touching them in certain areas. Always make sure your pet is relaxed and comfortable with you giving them a health check. Make the health check a positive experience, using treats and praise during, and afterwards.

These checkpoints apply to both cats and dogs 🐱🐶

[Visual description: Infographic reads: how to give your pet a new year 'MOT'. Ears - Ears should be free from build-up of wax or excessive hair and nasty smells. Ear flaps shouldn’t have any swelling. Eyes - Should look bright, clear and open as normal. Be free from tears or discharge, no tear staining. The fleshy area around the eyeball should be salmon pink. Nose - Your pet’s nose should be moist and soft and clear of any snot or discharge. Your pet should be able to breathe freely. Teeth - Teeth should be clean and white, free of cracks or breaks and free of staining. Also check for any missing teeth. Gums - Gums should be a fleshy salmon colour, moist and free of lumps and bumps. Some pets have pigment in their mouths so gums will look darker. Skin - Free of any rashes, lumps and bumps. No bald patches or fur missing. No bad smells, wounds, discharge or infections. Coat - Coat should be free of knots and matts. Free of ticks, fleas, flea dirt, or other parasites. Free of dandruff. Legs - Free from wounds, lumps and bumps. Able to comfortably get up and down. Nails should be strong, not too long, and no risk of growing into paw pads. Tail - Tail should be in a normal position for your pet, able to move freely, be clean and free of poo underneath and have no sores on or around it.]

28/01/2025

Every sniff tells a story. It’s essential for their wellbeing.

Even if it’s cold, wet and windy a short ‘sniff’ walk can be really beneficial to your 🐶. I often let Freddie choose where he wants to go for his walk.

25/01/2025

Consideration is free. Let’s spread it around to all we come across.

*Update 28/01/2025 - Thank you to all who have signed this petition and supported our Pavement Parking campaign. This petition is now closed for signatures but you can find out more about our Pavement Parking campaign via our website https://bit.ly/3XMyOZU *

Last chance - closing 27th January! Please sign our open letter to party leaders and ask them to make tackling pavement parking a priority 👉 https://bit.ly/46Ez0gv

Cars blocking pavements are a problem for everyone, but are particularly dangerous for people with sight loss, wheelchair users and older people 🚗

[Visual description: Ambassador dog Luna (golden retriever) wearing a high-visibility Guide Dogs vest sits beside a white car parked across the pavement. In front of Luna is a sign that reads "Don't make me go into the road!" Another sign in the background reads "cars parked on pavements force people with sight loss into the road"]

08/01/2025

Help the RSPCA!

Near Me

08/01/2025

When checking the app for temperature, remember always to check what it feels like too.

Wednesday Wisdom:
If it’s cold and they’re uncomfortable then yes! ❄

31/12/2024

Have you ever thought about teaching dog body language to your children? It’s worth every penny. Do you know how to read dog language? If not, go on a course yourself or just look it up. Not every waggy tail means they are happy. Well worth making that resolution for a happier and safe 2025.

Many thanks to KAD Kids Around Dogs for this informative graphic.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10170597739230503&set=gm.1572514743376965&idorvanity=316529508975501

21/12/2024

Please be aware of these DANGERS for our dogs. Be careful of crumbs falling Don’t be tempted to give them just a little bit of these foods. Let’s keep our family member safe.
Merry Christmas everyone!

So much of the food we love at Christmas contains toxic ingredients. Perhaps we’re a little more distracted/less vigilant? Maybe our dogs are a little more excited or anxious and therefore more likely to ‘steal’?

Please stay safe, keep such food out of reach. Don’t spoil your Christmas with a poorly dog, or a trip to the emergency vet.

20/12/2024

A merry Christmas to all my furry friends
And their owners who use Happyhounds.

It’s been a pleasure looking after your fur babies.

07/12/2024

Helpful advice.

❄ WHAT IS FROSTBITE? ❄
Frostbite is damage caused to the skin and other tissues as a result of prolonged exposure to extreme cold.

❄ WHO IS AT RISK OF FROSTBITE? ❄
Any pet who spends a prolonged period exposed to extremely cold weather has the potential to be affected by frostbite. However, there are some factors which may heighten the risk of your dog getting frostbite:
• Medical conditions that affect blood flow
• Wet fur
• Short hair
• Small in size
• Illness
• Old age

❄ HOW DOES FROSTBITE OCCUR? ❄
Prolonged contact with cold temperatures causes the body to close blood vessels that are near the skin to preserve a stable core body temperature.
Blood vessels start to narrow or constrict. Sometimes, this protective mechanism can reduce blood flow to critically low levels in some areas of the body (particularly the extremities). The combination of cold temperatures and reduced blood flow can allow the tissues to freeze, causing severe tissue injury.

You should immediately contact your vet so that they can give the correct advice for your particular situation.

05/12/2024

Thank you Guide dogs for this advice.

Understand the causes of canine arthritis, signs to look out for, treatment for managing it and tips for helping a dog with arthritis to be comfortable at home.

04/12/2024

They might look nice but for our fury friends they are NOT!

Toxic plants:
Also ivy, yew, cyclamen and flower bulbs such as daffodil, tulip and hyacinth. 🌷

30/11/2024

Next weekend is our last training of 2024! Gosh, where has the year gone? It’s not (quite) too late to book:

Chichester November 30th 10am-2.30pm: https://portal.dog-first-aid.franscape.io/class-overview/1835

Heathfield December 1st 1.30-6pm: https://portal.dog-first-aid.franscape.io/class-overview/1892

Sevenoaks December 1st 2-6.30pm: https://portal.dog-first-aid.franscape.io/class-overview/1884

Then we’ll be taking a much needed break to catch up on admin and make plans for 2025.