The Haslemere Pet Company

Blue Green Algae

Please note that due to the recent spell of intense summer heat; quite a few ponds are now infected with an abundance of Blue Green Algae.  Blue Green Algae can produce toxins that pose serious health risks to both people and animals when they are exposed to them in large enough quantities.

Health effects could occur when surface scums or water containing high levels of blue-green algal toxins are either swallowed, come in contact with the skin or when airborne droplets con­taining toxins are inhaled while swimming, or bathing.

Consuming water containing high levels of blue-green algal toxins has been associated with effects on the liver and on the nervous system in pets, livestock and people. Already there has been one very close call with a dog exposed to Blue Green Algae at Petworth Park, with several other cases being reported in the Petersfield area.  At the time of wrting, no cases of Blue Green Algae have been reported in the ponds at Swan Barn, but do keep a close eye out for it (see photos), and as always, keep your dog under close control when out walking and never let them drink from stagnate ponds.

Adders

The only venomous snake in the UK, the Common European Adder (Vipera berus) is not considered to be a particularly dangerous snake to people, but Dogs are relatively frequent victims of adder bites due to their nature of exploring undergrowth and their general inquisitiveness.

Adder bites often occur when a dog is out on a walk and exploring the areas where snakes are basking in the sun. This makes them likely to disturb the snakes, either accidentally or due to their investigative actions. Dogs are frequently bitten on the face and limbs but bites can occur on any part of the body.

Most snake bites tend to occur between March and October, but due to the recent spell of hot weather, they are very active at the present time.  

If your pet is bitten by an adder (or you suspect that it may have been) you should seek prompt veterinary attention. Do not attempt to suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet as these procedures are ineffective and may even cause further harm to your pet. Inform you vet that you suspect it may be an Adder bite as not all veterinary surgeries keep anti-venom in stock and you may be directed to go to a different surgery.

Please also remember, that the Adder is a protected species under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), and as such it is against the law to disturb or harm the Adder in any way!