Archie & Alice Beagle

01/09/2024

30/08/2024

Over on our mums page ready to purchase......

29/08/2024

Good news. Yesterday our little Alice got the all clear for Cancer. It's been a long, tough 7 months but my goodness she's been incredible. Here she is with Archie showing how pleased we all are. ###

28/08/2024

It's Rainbow Bridge Remembrance day today so we are remembering the little members of our family sadly lost.
Over on our mums page she has 3 Rainbow paw/heart bracelets left if anyone would like to purchase one in memory of their furbabies.

A & A Creations

26/08/2024

Some extremely helpful advice from the wonderful team at Nawt rescue.

25/08/2024

Starting this now as really want to get as much as we can for the dogs in shelters. If you can help please get in touch. We are based in West Sussex.

24/08/2024

This time of year the harvest mites are about, please be aware.

Harvest mites

Finally, harvest mites are tiny red mites that appear at the end of summer and the start of autumn in long grass and in forests, and which can easily be picked up by your dog when out walking.

Once the mites migrate onto your dog’s coat, they latch on to the skin and soon prove very irritating, ultimately leading to your dog scratching themselves to distraction to try to relieve the associated itching. Harvest mites and the associated itchiness that they cause can soon lead to your dog scratching themselves raw, leading to lesions appearing on the skin that are at risk of infection.

Check your dog over after every walk, and wash any mites off them promptly. The areas of the body that are most likely to be affected by harvest mites are the bare or more sparsely furred areas of the body, such as around the eyes, ears and nose, between the toes, and on the undercarriage.

20/08/2024

Living with a reactive dog isn’t easy. Walking is chaos, everyone is upset, we end up arguing with strangers and our poor stressed dog simultaneously drives us mad and breaks our heart. The entire thing can be made a lot less stressful for everyone by really knowing your dog, his capacity to cope and realising that sometimes the rules can be bent or even broken.

What is Reactivity?

Reactivity is reaction. We all react multiple times a day to multiple things. If we are within emotional, physical and spiritual balance we usually have a healthy reaction. Being in balance means that we are resilient and able to cope with stressors. If we are out of balance, we are less able to cope and it only takes one occurrence to begin an imbalance.
Imbalance is stress and sometimes a stressor comes and goes, we cope and re-balance. Sometimes though, for personal or environmental reasons we can’t re-balance. It’s possible to stay imbalanced for many years, until it manifests in physical illness.
Dogs that are reactive are imbalanced. They suffer greatly when they experience the trigger of their fear or stress. When we don’t understand what is happening, we can often maintain that imbalance by forcing to dog to face the trigger time and again. The veterinary description for the consequence of this, is long term stress.

What Can We Do?

The first thing we must do is remove all exposure to the trigger and increase the exact opposite experience in order to gently rebalance the dog. If this means no walks, then so be it. If a dog gets stressed on walks but is happy at home, spend a couple of weeks at home with much enrichment activity and mental stimulation.
Next, we observe the dog to be sure he is becoming more balanced. Watch the body language, does he look happy, is he relaxed? Imagine him like a set of scales and realise that whilst a reactive response is the tipping point, you are aiming to make him feel like he need never react to anything by removing exposure to his fears. You are aiming for resilience. You are reducing the stress hormones in his body.

Next

When resilience in your staged, trigger limited, environment is achieved is the only point of deciding where to go next. We can re-introduce our re-balanced dog back to the triggers, gradually in a manner that he can cope. Think bubbles or make the decision to change his lifestyle in another way, by keeping stressors low and meeting his needs in a less traditional manner. (i.e. avoiding the traditional Sunday afternoon park walk).
The key point is that we do exactly what the individual dog needs us to, to help him to re-balance and build resilience. Whilst we can ask for advice from experienced people and so we should, we just take the bits we need.
To re-balance and build resilience in dog that we love dearly, we must really communicate directly with that dog.

19/08/2024

I often get asked how come Archie isn,t scared of loud noises, How come you can hold him at the window to watch fireworks, How did you do that.
When we got Archie as a puppy his first ever walk after he was allowed out after his vaccinations was firework night. We knew where we lived that many homes would be having fireworks in their gardens and bearing in mind Archie had never experienced this we had to be aware of how he would react and be prepared to make him feel safe. Well we walked him early and made sure we were at home when they started.
We held Archie at the window and did all the ooooo arhhhhh noises as if it was normal and ever since he always has to be where he can see them. We always stay indoors as we can control our home environment we can not control what others do so please be safe and keep your pets safe.
Some dogs are scared of noises it maybe the hoover, washing machine on spin sudden noises loud music. It could be anything we need to be aware of what scares and upsets our pets because there is always a reason.
When young children hear a scary noise at night, they often run to their parents. The response is usually something like, “Don’t worry, it was just thunder.” Or, “It was just a noise, nothing to be frightened of.” Unfortunately for a dog that is afraid of noise, no amount of explaining or consoling will help. Noise Anxiety is a very common problem for dogs across the country. The estimates vary, but somewhere between 5 million and 15 million dogs suffer from noise anxiety severe enough for their owners to seek help.
Below is a brief overview of canine noise anxiety including symptoms, causes, and remedies. If your dog suffers from noise anxiety, there are choices available to help relieve his or her stress. Make sure you do your research before settling on a plan.
Symptoms
Noise anxiety can exhibit many symptoms and severity levels. On the less extreme end of the spectrum, a fear of thunder may just cause some shaking and clinging to her owner. On the other extreme, thunder may cause panicked running, destructive chewing, defecating indoors, or even jumping through a plate glass window! Some owners aren’t even aware that a negative behavior they are seeing is actually caused by noise anxiety. For example, does your dog get upset when you take photographs using a flash? That may be noise anxiety! The flash may remind your dog of lightning and she becomes frightened that a storm may be coming.
Causes
Determining what caused your dog’s noise anxiety may be difficult to pinpoint, if not impossible. If you’re lucky, you may be able to trace the start of your dog’s anxiety to a traumatic incident such as being too close to a fireworks show or too close to a lightning strike and its subsequent thunder clap. But more than likely, it won’t be anything that obvious. Your dog may have a genetic predisposition for noise anxiety. Studies have shown that some breeds, such as Collies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, have a higher incidence of noise anxiety. For some dogs, noise anxiety gradually appears and worsens as they age for no apparent reason. For other dogs, it appears as a puppy and stays with them.
One thing that most experts agree on is that when it comes to noise anxiety, you don’t want to pet, coddle, or otherwise console the dog when she’s exhibiting symptoms. Your dog will most likely interpret your behavior as, “You see, I do have something to be worried about!” It’s important for the people around the dog to behave normally during events that trigger the dog’s anxiety. In fact, a possible cause for noise anxiety in the first place is her owner’s nervousness or fear of some kind of noise. Most dogs are very sensitive to their owners’ moods. If her owner has a fear of thunder, she may give her owner the benefit of the doubt!
Treatments for Noise Anxiety
Different treatments work for different dogs. There is no guarantee that any one alternative is best for your dog. Besides the effectiveness at reducing symptoms, there are other issues to consider when evaluating which treatment may be best for your dog. Some treatments can be very time consuming for the owner. Some treatments can become very expensive and pose risks of side effects. It’s also not unusual for a combination of treatments to ultimately be the most effective for a particular dog.
1. Change the Dog’s Environment
These are the “common sense” simple things to try, if feasible for your circumstances. Try creating a safe haven for your dog (such as a blanket-covered crate) or finding a location that will reduce the noise level. Try turning on music or the television to help mask the sound of the problem noise. If you know an event is coming (e.g. thunderstorm or fireworks), try giving your dog a lot of exercise beforehand. None of the above typically shows dramatic results, but they can help to reduce symptoms.
2. Pressure Wraps
This is a surprisingly simple and effective treatment for many dogs. A “pressure wrap” is anything that wraps around the dog’s torso and chest to provide a constant, gentle pressure. Why does it work? No one knows for sure, but it’s likely a combination of making the dog feel comforted and secure and distracting the dog from concentrating on whatever it fears. You can try to make one yourself out of an appropriately sized t-shirt, our purchase a Thundershirt. Pressure wraps often show good results with the first usage, however some dogs require two, three, or more usages before you see reduced or eliminated symptoms.
3. Behavior Modification
Desensitization is the most common behavior modification tried for noise anxiety. In a nutshell, in a controlled environment, you begin by exposing your dog to a low level of the noise that bothers her. As she gets accustomed to it, you increase the levels louder and louder over time until she learns to tolerate the real deal. If you want to give it a try, several books are available on the subject.
4. Medications
If your dog’s anxiety is serious enough, there are a variety of prescription medications that your veterinarian may suggest. Some are administered on a regular basis for the life of the dog. Some are given only at the time of an anxiety event. Sometimes a combination of drugs are used. If you go this route, make sure you ask your vet about any potential risks and side effects with the drug(s) you’re considering.
5. Pheromone Replication
Several products on the market have captured the properties of the natural pheromones a mother dog releases to calm and reassure her pups. You can talk to your vet about these products as well.

16/08/2024

THE DANGERS OF HOUSE HOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS.....

The dangers of cleaning bottles;

Cleaning products themselves are likely to taste unpleasant and so may not be particularly attractive to dogs.
Brightly coloured packaging or interestingly shaped bottles on the other hand may appear interesting to them, or seem like an excellent toy to play with.
Make sure that all cleaning products cannot be accessed by your dog and that dogs are kept away from areas that are being cleaned, or have recently been cleaned.

Chlorine bleaches;

Dogs may come into contact with these household cleaners by chewing the containers or drinking from recently cleaned toilets. Bleach diluted in water may be less harmful, but can still cause dribbling and stomach problems.

More concentrated solutions of bleach can cause corrosive injury to the mouth or gut and may cause further complications if splashed in the eye or on the skin.
Bleach should never be mixed with other cleaning products.

Detergents (laundry detergent, soaps and many household multipurpose cleaners)

Many of these substances contain chemicals which can cause salivation and stomach problems.
If an animal vomits after drinking or eating these substances, it can make the vomit frothy or foamy.
This may increase the risk of vomit getting into the lungs and causing breathing difficulties.

Liquid capsules/sachets used in washing machines are highly concentrated detergents, which may appear attractive to pets and children.
These concentrated substances may cause more extreme tummy upsets and can lead to dehydration if untreated, or can damage the eye through direct contact.

Oven cleaners, drain cleaners and other caustics/corrosives

These substances can cause tissue damage. If licked up by your dog, splashes from these may also cause injury to the eyes and the skin surrounding the mouth.
Effects from these cleaners can include salivation, stomach problems, ulceration, chemical burns and difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Other common items found in cleaning cupboards that could harm your dog;

Dishwasher tablets
Dishwasher salt
Kettle descalers
Metal polishes

Tips on how to poison-proof your home;

A large number of instances of bleach ingestion come from dogs drinking from recently treated toilet bowls.
To prevent your dog from doing this, make sure that you always put the toilet lid down after cleaning and try to remember to keep bathroom doors closed.

What to do if you think your dog is poisoned;

If you think that your dog may have eaten, touched or inhaled something that it shouldn't have, speak to your vet straight away.

Never try to make your dog sick. Trying to do this can cause other complications, which may harm your dog.

Things to tell your vet

In an emergency you can help your veterinary practice make an informed decision as to whether your dog needs to be treated by them and, if so, what the best treatment would be.
Where possible you should provide your veterinary practice with the following information:

What poison you think your dog has been exposed to (i.e. chocolate, ibuprofen etc.). Include any product names, or lists of ingredients if relevant
How much they may have been exposed to (i.e. 500mg, 500ml, one tablet etc, even approximations may help)
When your dog was exposed to the poison (i.e. five minutes, five hours or five days ago)
If your dog has been unwell and, if so, what clinical effects have been seen
It is easier for a vet to care for a poisoned dog if it is treated sooner rather than later. If you are in any doubt, don't wait for your dog to become unwell before calling for advice.

What to take to your vets

If you do need to take your dog to your veterinary practice, make sure that you take along any relevant packaging, or a sample of the poison, i.e. parts of plant or fungi. Always make sure that you yourself are protected and cannot be poisoned in turn.

How to use this information

The information is intended to be used to prevent poisoning by raising awareness of certain poisons, rather than as a document to be used in an emergency. If you think that your dog has been poisoned, or has come into contact with potentially poisonous substances, contact your local veterinary practice immediately.

15/08/2024

Another Thank you to Amir Omlet - World Famous Pet Products for donating yet again. Not just supporting the dogs but supporting me and Richard. We are so grateful. Super soft high quality blankets.
https://www.omlet.co.uk/

15/08/2024

Huge Thank you to Ellen Performance Dog UK for yet another kind donation of treat pod toys and chaser toys for the animals at the shelter. These toys are an amazing way to encourage play with the dogs which is so important to help them settle as shelter life is so very daunting.
It's mine and Richard's mission to help dogs in shelters know that they are loved so to have support from such wonderful companies really means a lot to us.

https://performancedog.co.uk/product-category/toys/

15/08/2024

THE CRYING GAME: WHY DOGS CRY

Excessive tearing (also called epiphora) is the result of an overflow of tears from the eyes.
In certain breeds of dogs (e.g. Poodles, Spaniels, Pugs, etc.), it is normal but can be a cosmetic problem.
The bronze staining of the hairs is due to a compound in the tears called porphyrin.
While more often than not, epiphora is merely of cosmetic concern, it can also be an important sign of ocular pain.
For example, if there is a corneal ulcer or inflammation of the eyeball, excessive tearing can occur.
Excessive tearing can also result if aberrant hairs touch the eyes or the tear film.
A misplaced hair can act like a wick and draw tears onto the face.

There can also be a problem with the tear drainage apparatus.
For example, the lower eyelids (also called tear wells) may be too shallow, causing tears to spill over.
The tear ducts may also become blocked and unable to properly drain away the tears.

If your pet experiences excessive tearing, you should have your veterinarian carefully examine his or her eyes to make sure that the problem is not simply a cosmetic one.
If your veterinarian finds no medical basis for the excessive tearing, you can try several of the over-the-counter tear stain-removal products.
You may need to try more than one type before getting results. Usually, wiping the face twice daily with a wet face cloth is sufficient.

Most often, we think of dogs as happy, carefree animals who wag their tails and roll onto their backs to get their bellies scratched.

You know, all signs of happiness and loving behavior.
But as any observant pet owner knows, dogs undoubtedly have other emotions, too.
They can be scared—maybe if there’s a perceived threat like fireworks or a thunderstorm—and they can get snappy—why did you step on my tail?!—and just like humans, they appear to feel sadness, too.

But do dogs cry?

“Dogs are extremely emotional creatures, Most of the time, they’re excited and happy, and they show it by barking, wagging their tails, and licking the people they love.
But unfortunately, having emotions means dogs experience sadness, too.

But though dogs feel sadness, the way a dog “cries” isn’t necessarily the same way a human does.
If we’re talking tears, there’s a bit of a difference in how this species manifests their upset.
So, do dogs really cry? Here’s what the experts say.

No… and yes. Dogs can “cry,” but this doesn’t necessarily mean that their eyes expel tears… at least not due to their feelings.

“As you might have observed in your own pet, dogs do cry in the definition that they can shed tears, However, humans are thought to be the only animals that cry tears of emotion.

Dog-crying really is more like whimpering and unlike humans, dogs don’t tear up when they are sad.

Signs that your dog is sad include vocalizations, like whimpering or whining, as well as showing a lack of energy or interest in things they normally love, like favorite snacks or toys.
Dogs may also show their emotion on their face by squinting their eyes or hiding their face from you.

However, even if you hear your dog crying, don’t expect to see tears.
Dog tear ducts activate for normal reasons, such as washing away debris and other irritants from the eyes.
But dogs don’t tear up in response to their emotions.

In fact, “crying” in the way of expelling tears is strictly human business.
Dogs, and other animals, tear up in their eyes for other reasons, physical reasons—not emotional ones.

Only humans cry tears when they are sad.
Dog tears, however, may be a sign of something wrong in the eyes: discharge, conjunctivitis or infections, allergies, or corneal ulcers or scratches.”

Can dogs feel sadness? What causes their sadness?

Dogs certainly do feel sadness. Just consider their expression every time you leave the house and how happy they are upon your return.

“We know now that your dog isn’t crying because they are sad!

So, how does your dog express sadness? Sadness in a dog is typically displayed by a myriad of signs—some obvious, some not.
so obvious.
Common behaviors which may communicate sadness are vocalizing (such as whining and whimpering), trembling, clingy behavior or the opposite—ignoring you!
Just like humans, dogs can communicate sadness in a variety of ways and most astute pet owners understand their own dog’s communication style in what they are trying to ‘say.

So, what exactly causes a dog to feel sad?

“Loss—perceived or real,
For example, some dogs with extreme separation anxiety believe that their pet parents have abandoned them every time they walk out the door.”

Apart from separation anxiety and loss, dogs may feel sad for other reasons, too.

“Dogs can feel sadness for the same reasons we humans feel sadness,
Have you ever felt sad and then your dog responds to you in a compassionate way?
They might not know why you are sad or upset but they can respond accordingly to comfort you.
Researchers believe dogs have the emotional capacity of a 2 to 2-and-a-half-year-old human child—so a limited but pretty impressive emotional skill set!”

What do dog tears mean?

Dog tears don’t directly correlate to their sadness.
Instead, dogs usually show their sadness in other ways.
Most often, these signs of sadness manifest as anxiety,a sad dog may vocalize (such as whimpering or whining), become withdrawn, hide, stop eating, and/or lose interest in things they normally enjoy (such as taking walks, greeting people, or playing with toys).

Though dog tears don’t equal sadness, it is something serious to watch for as tears (and other eye-related symptoms) can be an indication of a medical issue.

Rather than a manifestation of sadness, if you notice your pup tearing up, it is time to do some investigating into their physical health as excessive tearing is typically indicative of an eye issue.

For example, dog tears may be a sign of allergies.

If you notice your dog tearing excessively, especially when combined with itching flatulence, it could be do to environmental or digestive allergies, Your vet can help you determine what your pup may be allergic to.

When to visit the vet for dog tears

If your dog’s eyes are frequently expelling tears, it could be a sign of a medical issue. We recommend always consulting a veterinarian first before taking any action.

The canine eye, like most mammals, is remarkably similar to a human’s with tear ducts that produce tears to keep the eyes lubricated and protected.
While a mild amount of tearing can be normal, excessive tearing in which your dog appears to be crying is typically indicative of an ocular medical issue such as an infection, foreign object or injury of the eye (which can often result in corneal ulceration), allergies, a blocked tear duct, or an (often serious) issue with the inner eye such as glaucoma, retinitis, or cataract development.”

Excessive tearing of any kind should be evaluated by a vet.
Any thick or opaque discharge (ie: green, yellow, or white tears) should be seen immediately.

If your dog is experiencing swollen eyes or exhibiting other signs that they are in pain, such as frequent pawing at the eye, then contact your vet.

“Dogs with swollen eyes, squinting, or blinking eyes should also be seen.
If you see any of the above [symptoms] in only one eye, that’s another clue something may be wrong in just the one eye, and your dog should be seen.

Excessive tearing or not, if you observe redness, squinting, abnormal discharge or pawing of the eye, it is time to visit your veterinarian ASAP to diagnose the problem and formulate a treatment plan.
We certainly don’t want your dog to feel sad because of eye pain!

14/08/2024

Kidney Failure in Dogs

Also referred to as renal failure, kidney failure can be caused by a number of diseases that may affect the kidneys and related organs. Healthy kidneys regulate hydration, maintain a normal electrolyte balance, release hormones needed to produce red blood cells, and remove toxins.

When the kidneys are no longer able to function efficiently, kidney failure occurs. In dogs, there are two broad categories of this condition:

Chronic Renal Failure
Chronic renal failure occurs when the kidneys lose function gradually (over a period of weeks, months, or years). It’s most commonly caused by degeneration related to old age. While all kidneys have a lifespan, some dogs’ may deteriorate faster than others.

Acute Renal Failure
Kidney function may suddenly decrease within hours or days. This is known as acute renal failure and is usually associated with consuming toxins or contracting infections.

One thing that differentiates chronic renal failure from acute renal failure is the fact that acute kidney failure can likely be reversed if treated early and aggressively, but chronic kidney failure can only be managed.

What are common causes of kidney failure in dogs?
Any disease that impacts the kidneys may cause the kidneys to fail, such as:

Congenital Disease: This category is comprised of hereditary conditions and underlying illnesses - everything from cysts to agenesis (being born missing one or both kidneys).

Dental Disease: Advanced dental disease can result from the buildup of bacteria on teeth and gums. The bacteria accumulates here, then enters the bloodstream to attack multiple organs, causing irreversible damage to kidneys, along with the liver and heart.

Bacterial Infections: Drinking or swimming in contaminated water is a hazard, as the system becomes susceptible to bacterial infections including leptospirosis. This can result in inflamed kidneys and renal cells being killed.

Toxicosis: If the kidneys are poisoned, this can cause cells within the kidneys to become damaged. This can happen if your dog consumes drugs or poisons (including substances or foods that are toxic to them).

Geriatric Degeneration: Cells within the kidneys may break down and die as your dog ages, which can lead to kidney disease.

What are signs of kidney failure in dogs?
Watch for these common symptoms of kidney failure:

Lethargy
Significant weight loss
Pale gums
Breath that smells like chemicals
Significant decrease in appetite
Vomiting
Increase or decrease in water intake
Increase or decrease in urine volume
Ulcers in the mouth
Drunken behavior or uncoordinated movement such as stumbling
Blood in urine
Intestinal seizures

A few factors can indicate whether kidney problems or other issues such as diabetes mellitus are causing the symptoms, such as: the type of kidney failure your dog may be experiencing, the extent of loss of function in the kidneys, progression of the condition and its underlying causes.

How is kidney failure in dogs treated?
Similar to many other conditions, how your dog’s kidney failure is treated will be determined by the condition and underlying cause of her kidney issues. Acute kidney failure can make dogs very ill. They may require treatment in intensive care in a hospital.

Milder cases may be treatable with antibiotics, fluids and medications on an outpatient basis. Although costly, dialysis can also be effective.

Vets generally plan to tackle chronic kidney failure by focusing on slowing down the disease’s progression and considering ways to improve the patient’s quality of life. Fluid imbalances, nausea, fluctuations in blood pressure and other symptoms will require treatment, typically with changes to diet and medication.

It’s possible for pets to enjoy a good quality of life for years (some indications state up to four years) after being diagnosed with kidney failure. Your veterinarian may also recommend therapeutic diet, nutritional supplements or specific nutrients to manage the condition.

How can I prevent my dog from suffering kidney failure?
Since acute kidney failure is commonly caused by consuming tainted foods, foods they shouldn’t ingest (including grapes), or interactions with toxins, in many instances dog owners can prevent this type.

Look at your house through your dog’s eyes and remove potential toxins such as antifreeze made from ethylene glycol (which is toxic to dogs) and store medications or other dangerous-for-dogs foods or substances out of reach of their curious nose.

Unfortunately, chronic kidney failure is most often age-related and predetermined by genetics. However, bringing your dog in for regular physical exams and annual wellness checkups will increase the opportunity to detect these problems early. After that, your vet may be able to develop a treatment plan.

With your veterinarian’s assistance, your dog’s kidney failure can be diagnosed and potentially treated to give her an opportunity to live a long, contented life. If you think your dog may be experiencing chronic or acute kidney failure, it’s time for an appointment.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets.

13/08/2024

Ragwort is extremely dangerous for dogs and this time of year there is a lot of it about. Please read the following information as it could help you to make sure your dog is safe. Do not take this w**d lightly.

Ragwort is an invasive w**d that can cause toxicity symptoms in any species that ingests it. If your dog eats this plant, he may develop symptoms immediately or they may develop over a few days or a week.
Symptoms can be mild, but it most cases they are severe and can be fatal.
Mild symptoms may include lethargy and gastrointestinal upset while severe symptoms may include head pressing, liver damage or liver failure.
Treatment will be determined by the symptoms your dog is experiencing. Even if you do seek immediate veterinary care for your dog, his prognosis of recovery is guarded.

Ragwort toxicity is a very serious medical problem. If you believe your dog ingested the ragwort plant, get him to a veterinarian immediately.

Symptoms of Ragwort Poisoning in Dogs
Symptoms of ragwort poisoning may vary from case to case. Symptoms may include:

Anorexia
Weight loss
Weakness
Depression
Lethargy
Sleepiness
Excessive yawning
Incoordination
Yellow mucous membranes
Muddy mucous membranes
Aimless walking
Chewing motions
Head pressing
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Liver damage
Liver failure
Death
Symptoms may appear very rapidly or over a few days to a week without any warning symptoms.

Types

The ragwort plant is also known as golden ragwort and may be considered an invasive plant or w**d in many areas. It is prohibited in nine states and is banned to be sold or purchased. It belongs to the Compositae family and to the Senecio genus. There are over seventy species of the ragwort plant all with different common names. It is a plant with green foliage and blooms with yellow flowers.

Causes of Ragwort Poisoning in Dogs
Ragwort produces a toxin known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
This is commonly known as a long term poison that results in liver failure.
Each animal that ingests ragwort can react differently to its toxic properties.
Short term poisoning would involve eating a large amount in one sitting; long term poisoning involves smaller amounts over a longer period of time.
Signs of toxicity may not be shown for several weeks or even months after initial ingestion.

Diagnosis of Ragwort Poisoning in Dogs
When you first arrive at the vet they will examine your dog while getting a complete history from you.
Let them know if you have been to new areas or if you noticed him eating foliage earlier that day or within the recent weeks.
They will be sure to take special care to make note of all the symptoms he is experiencing, especially the color of his gums (mucous membranes) or any type of neurological related symptom.

If you know your dog ingested something earlier and then started showing toxicity symptoms, the veterinarian may induce vomiting in your dog to rid his stomach of the ingested contents.
If your dog is having diarrhea, they will collect a sample for diagnostic tests to rule out other possible causes of the symptom.

A blood sample will be collected and diagnostic tests will be run to give the veterinarian a better idea of what is going on internally. A complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel will be conducted for an overall look of how the body is handling the toxin. They may also run a packed cell volume (PCV) to check his hydration status and a urinalysis to check his kidney function. Depending on the initial lab work results, they may decide to run more detailed blood work.

The veterinarian may want to take a radiograph to look at your dogs internal organs. This will allow them to look for any abnormalities of any organ, but especially the liver.
Depending on what they see, they may also want to perform an ultrasound for a different view of a suspected abnormality.

Treatment of Ragwort Poisoning in Dogs

Treatment will be determined by the symptoms your dog is experiencing. He will be started on fluid therapy immediately to flush the toxin from his body as quickly and safely as possible.
The fluids will also help correct any dehydration your dog may be experiencing.
They may decide to add vitamins or electrolytes to his fluids to give him the added boost his immune system will desperately need.

If your dog is anorexic, losing weight, and vomiting, they will administer an antiemetic medication to stop the nausea.
They will also administer an appetite stimulant to get him interested in food again. If he still does not want to eat on his own, they may decide to try and force feed him or in the most severe cases, they may have to place a feeding tube.

If the veterinarian suspects a toxin as the cause of your dogs symptoms, they may administer activated charcoal to attempt to absorb any remaining toxin in his stomach or gastrointestinal tract. However, this will not be helpful if too much time has passed since he ingested the source.

Any type of neurological symptom will be treated very carefully. The brain is a very important organ; without it able to function properly, your dog will not survive. There are certain medications that can help with the symptoms your dog may be experiencing. Head pressing is indicative of a very serious issue; if you see your dog doing this, get him to his veterinarian immediately.

Recovery of Ragwort Poisoning in Dogs

Ragwort toxicity may be considered moderate to severe. Even if you seek medical attention as soon as your dog begins to display symptoms of toxicity, it may be too late. If the liver is so severely damaged it begins to fail, there is no cure.
If the brain is affected, he may never return to his normal self. Also, if your dog had any existing health problem prior to ragwort ingestion, the prognosis of recovery for him is even more guarded than that of a healthy pet.

Do not let your dog chew on or ingest any unknown foliage. If you know you have this plant on your property or near your home, consider removing it for the safety of your dog. Since this plant can affect your dog quickly or over an extended period of time, it makes it even more dangerous than other plants.
For example, if he ingested the plant several days ago but did not show any toxicity symptoms that day, you assume he is fine so you let your guard down when actually the toxin is still in his system causing problems.