Toxic algae, snake bites, stings and grass awns are classic summer emergencies. Know the signs.
In warm, still water, blue-green algae can form a green or blue-green scum along the shore. Their toxins can kill a dog within hours of swimming in or drinking the water, or of licking its coat afterwards. Stay away from discoloured water, rinse the dog with clean water after swimming and go to a vet at once if it vomits, drools, staggers or has seizures.
A venomous snake bite usually hits the face or a leg, which swells quickly. Keep the dog calm, carry it if you can and go straight to a vet; do not cut, suck or tie off the bite. A wasp or bee sting usually causes only local swelling, but a sting in the mouth or throat, a swollen face or difficulty breathing needs a vet immediately.
Barbed grass seeds work their way into ears, between toes, up the nose or into the eyes, and can travel deep under the skin. Sudden head shaking, sneezing, licking a paw or squinting after a walk in dry grass are typical signs. Check the coat after walks and let the vet remove anything you cannot easily reach.
Correct answer: Warm, still water with a green or blue-green scum
Blue-green algae thrive in warm, still water and can form a scum along the shore.
Correct answer: Keep the dog calm and go straight to a vet
Keep the dog as still as possible and get to a vet; cutting, sucking or tying off makes things worse.
Correct answer: When it is in the mouth or throat, or the dog has trouble breathing
Stings in the mouth or throat, a swollen face or breathing problems can block the airway.
Correct answer: A grass awn in the ear
Barbed grass seeds often end up in the ear canal and need to be removed by a vet.
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