Ground covers

Bare dirt in your garden can be an area which may tempt your dog to dig up. It can also be convenient for cats looking for a toilet area. If you have an outdoor cat, you can create an area in the garden convenient for your cat to use as a toilet. Sand is a common choice for cat toilet areas, and this will help keep them out of your flower beds. To avoid your garden being dug up and used as a public cat toilet, try ground covers such as mulches.

If placing mulch in your garden be careful what material it is made of, particularly if your dog is known to chew. Bark mulches are tempting for dogs to chew on which can be harmful if the mulch is not dog friendly. Cocoa bean mulch comes from the chocolate industry, it has an appealing scent but is dangerous for dogs when eaten.

Garden Chemicals, Tools, and Equipment

It goes without saying, you should always protect your pets from garden chemicals. To protect your pet from fertilisers, insecticides, and other garden chemicals make sure to store them in a safe location. If storing these in the shed, there is most likely sharp tools here too, ensure that there is no holes or hidden access that your pet may find a way in.

When purchasing garden chemicals keep in mind that organic, eco-friendly, or natural products are still toxic for your pet. Fertilisers can give off an attractive scent which entices pets. When it comes to natural fertilisers (bone, blood, seaweed, manure, compost) these too can be risky for your pets.

Avoid using non-organic slug pellets, these are toxic to all wildlife, especially your pets. Lungworm can be contracted from eating infected slugs/snails. Signs and symptoms of lungworm include coughing, lethargy, breathing difficulty, and bleeding for longer than usual. Avoid additive in ponds as dogs are tempted to drink from these.

Compost Piles and Bins

In a dog’s world, compost bins may smell amazing! However, the rotting organic material inside them can contain dangerous bacteria, molds, and other pathogens. The food scraps are also dangerous. Foods such as grapes, raisins, onion, avocados, and tomatoes can be harmful to your dog. Thus, it is critical that you ensure your pet can not gain access to your compost bin.

Plants

Many plants common throughout gardens in Ireland are toxic if ingested and can also cause irritation for us humans and our pets. Various plants can cause mild to severe effects, and some of these are more tempting, and riskier to our pets than others. These plants include chrysanthemum, aconite, buttercup, daffodil, foxglove, hydrangea, oak, tomato, wisteria, and yew. Also, edible garden vegetables, berries, and fruits, which are delicious for us humans are toxic for our pets.

Also, take care with stone fruits which are a choking hazard even if the fruit is non-toxic. Research plants before placing them in your garden, you can still have a beautiful garden if you have pets, there are many plants which are not dangerous for dogs. For example, snapdragons, Michaelmas Daisies, camellias, rose, sunflowers, elaeagnus, centaurea (cornflower), impatiens and calendula. If worried about your pet and think they may have digested part of a plant, please call your vet.

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Hedgehogs are one of the most commonly killed mammals on Irish roads. Hedgehogs could survive up to ten years however many do not make it past their second year. A study conducted on the age of hedgehogs killed on Irish roads found 54% of road-killed hedgehogs were less than one year old.

Hedgehogs are in steep decline throughout Ireland, the UK, and elsewhere in Europe. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals they are usually not seen during their travels unless found killed on our roads. To gather more information on our hedgehogs and their distribution the National Biodiversity Data Centre and NUI Galway have come together to create the Irish Hedgehog Survey and are asking people to log their sightings of hedgehogs across Ireland. You can help by recording your sighting here!

What to do if you find one

If you come across a hedgehog in your garden you can leave them some food. The best type of food to provide them is a wet cat or dog food. Hedgehogs can not digest milk or bread properly, and fruit or nuts are not suitable either. They may still eat these items, but they may cause illness or injury to the hedgehog from digesting them. A shallow bowl of water for the hedgehog to drink from should also be provided.

You can also make your garden more hedgehog-friendly by doing some of the following actions. Check out our Hedgehog Guide too for some more tips and ideas!

Make your garden more attractive to hedgehogs. Leave an area that is never disturbed to become overgrown and allow leaves and twigs to build up. This will help attract insects that hedgehogs love to nibble on. This area will also be an attractive location for them to build their nest. If you have a garden pond, make sure that there is a gentle slope for hedgehogs. If this is not possible you should block access to the pond as hedgehogs can drown in water. The same goes for drains around your garden – fill or cover them to protect any hedgehogs from falling in.

If you are using a netting on your plants don’t let the netting reach the ground. This can result in hedgehogs becoming tangled in the net. Another gardening action to take is to be vigilant. Check long grasses before strimming/cutting. Also, check compost heaps before sticking your fork in to ensure no sleepy hedgehogs are hiding! Avoid using chemicals throughout your garden in particular slug pellets as these can be harmful. A slug pellet alternative is to use eggshells. Wash and crush used eggshells and then scatter these around the base of your plants to deter slugs.

Don’t forget to read and share our Hedgehog Guide with friends! And you can also donate to help us protect and support animal welfare by clicking here. 

Download Hedgehog Information Guide Here

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These young birds are called fledglings and they are at least 13/14 days old. The fledglings can have short wings and tails meaning they have not mastered flying just yet. But they can walk, hop, and flutter around. You may find them down low or on the ground, after they leave their nest, not to worry though, their parents are nearby even if you can’t see them.

How to tell the difference between an adult bird and a fledgling?

Sometimes it can prove difficult to spot the differences as fledglings may be the same size as their parents when they leave their nest but there are some things you can look out for. Don’t depend on fluffy feathers to indicate the age of the bird. Feathers on an adult bird can be fluffy too, especially after they have a wash and fluff them up. You can look for behavioral cues to tell the difference. Young birds may be noisier when calling to their parents and they can be less fearful of humans as adult birds.

How to tell the difference between a nestling and a fledgling?

If a young bird has a lack of feathers or has a fluffy down it is most likely a nestling. Nestlings can sometimes fall out of their nests. If the location of the bird’s nest is known, it can be possible to return them to their nest if they appear strong and healthy. However, parent birds can sense when one of their chicks is dying or sick. In this case, they will push the nestling out of the nest to allow them to focus on their healthy chicks.

Should I help a fledgling on the ground?

Interfering with fledglings can cause more harm than good. It may appear as though the bird has been abandoned. Their parents are most likely watching from nearby or collecting food. You should leave them where they are so their parents can find them. If the young bird has a full covering of feathers, they most likely left the nest on their own and should be left alone as their parents are nearby looking after them.

In a situation where a fledgling is in a dangerous location such as a busy road, it would be best to move them to a safer spot. Ensure you move them as close as possible to where they were found so they can hear their parents call.

Removing a fledgling from the wild will reduce their chances of survival and is not recommended. However, it is a last resort if the fledgling is injured or has definitely been abandoned by its parents.

So, if you do come across a fledgling here’s some things you can do:

• Stay back – you may have scared the parents away. Watch from a distance and you should spot the parents soon.
• Move – only if the bird is in a dangerous location. If it’s in your garden, you can place the bird in a higher location such as a hanging basket.
• If possible, if you have cats try to keep them inside if you spot a fledgling on the ground in your garden.

To read more about nesting season in Ireland click here, or to donate to help us protect and support animal welfare by clicking here!

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Benefits of Visiting the Beach

Our little green island is full of wonderful, beautiful beaches. These beaches have a huge open space for dogs to run around which is sometimes restricted in other walking locations. The open space provides opportunities for ball games, recall training and some added bonding with your furry friend. Digging and exploring throughout the vast amount of sand are fun activities for your dog too. This open space helps burn energy for dogs, especially those extra energetic dogs. This can be particularly helpful for those dogs who require more exercise to release some of that extra energy once a week.

If your dog is not up for running around, they can make some new friends with other dogs that are on the beach too. Another element of the beach that is great for your dogs is the sea water. Many dogs love water, especially retrievers or spaniel. These dogs love running in and out of the waves playing fetch and have lots of fun.

It’s Physically Beneficial for You Too!

Being in a natural environment is good for your furry friend by stimulating their minds with different sounds and textures of the beach. But it is also good for you too. A visit to the beach can be great for your mental and physical health. Being away from city noises can be refreshing as beaches are one of the most natural environments to visit. In current times especially, there is more stress and anxiety, but getting out and about in the fresh air can really has positive effects on reducing stress and your overall mental health.

Walking on the sand can also be a stress reducer, it’s peaceful and relaxing which reduces your stress making you happier and healthier. Also, walking on the sand helps build up strength. The sand is soft so when your foot sinks down into it your muscles need to work harder to push you forward for your next step which strengthens your ankles and foot muscles which in turn strengthens your whole leg. If you do this with no shoes on, your little muscles that help support the arches of your foot are also strengthened. Because walking on sand is more effort, it burns more calories, and because it is such a natural peaceful environment people tend to exercise longer too. So, you are not only reaping benefits from the fresh air, but you get some exercise in too, it’s a win-win situation!

Be Aware of the Dangers

Fishing Hooks

Around coastline there are many fishermen who spend their spare time fishing form beaches and harbors. While most are responsible and take everything home with them, sometimes things are left behind. However sometimes fishing lines can snag a rock and the hook gets lost in the water. The hook can washed back up on the beach, sometimes bait can still be on the hook which dogs sniff out. Keep your dog away from any old fish or bait on the beach. These fishing hooks can cause serious damage if swallowed or if they get stuck in your dog. Also, it is best to make sure your dog avoids dead bait/fish, you don’t know what bacteria is in it.

Litter

We are all aware of the climate change crisis and how waste and water pollution is a huge problem around the world, Ireland included. There are many ways for litter to end up on a beach, be it from being washed ashore from some unknown location, dropped by people on the beach, or blown on to the beach from an over full rubbish bin. With the tide coming in twice a day, moving and churning sand causes litter to be buried underneath which causes problems for your dog. This litter can include plastic bottles, oil drums, syringes, glass, sharp metal, rusty nails in driftwood to name just a few. Keep an eye on your dog and if they start digging make sure to check what their scent is on to.

Another dangerous litter problem which is common during summer months is people leaving hot charcoal behind after a barbeque. Charcoal is sometimes tipped onto the sand in an effort to extinguish it or disposable barbeque trays are just left behind. Be aware of your surroundings to protect your dog from being burnt. As always, when visiting the beach take only memories and leave only footprints.

Sea Water

All that running around can make your dog thirsty particularly if it is a warm day, but your dog may react to drinking water from the sea or rock pools. As humans we know not to drink salt water, but as far as our furry friends know, they are thirsty and there is plenty of water for the taken on a beach. Try to avoid this by bringing fresh water with you on your excursion. If a dog drinks too much salt water their body starts taking water from their blood into their intestines which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration.

Sun & Sand Burn

Some dogs have a thicker coat of hair which helps block sun rays and acts as a natural sunblock. However, for dogs who have short/thin hair or if they have bald patches care must be taken. You can purchase dog sun cream from most pet stores, which can help protect your furry friend. Another way your pet can burn while at the beach is the hot sand. With the sun beating down on the sand all day, the temperature of the sand rises.  This can cause damage to your dog’s paws. You should wait until it gets cooler in the evening or early morning to go for your walk.

Sea creatures

Jelly fish may look striking, but they pose a danger to both humans and animals alike. Most of the jellyfish found after being washed ashore are more than likely already dead. However, they can still sting for many weeks afterwards. Your dog may encounter a jellyfish on the sand or when playing in the water. It is important to note the type of jellyfish to help heal your pet if have an intense reaction. The chart below has the six most common types of jellyfish in Ireland which may be helpful in identifying jellyfish. Common symptoms of jellyfish stings include but are not limited to vomiting, excessive drooling, swelling, retching, licking the affected area, and difficulty breathing. If you are concerned your dog was affected by a jellyfish, please contact your veterinarian.

The beach can be fun for both you and your dog. It is a great way to change the environment of your walks. During warmer days, early mornings or evenings can be a great time to bring your pet for a walk. If you are aware of things to keep an eye out for, you’ll have a great time at the beach! Just don’t forget your own sun cream too! For more information on caring for your dog during warm days read our post Keeping your Dog Safe this Summer.

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The 1st of March marks the beginning of nesting season. Meaning hedgerows around Ireland protected by law for most of spring and the entire summer seasons in Ireland. Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended by Section 46 of the 2000 Amendment Act, prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation. With certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August, typically relating to roadside hedge cutting for road safety purposes.

Why Nesting Season is Important

Believe it or not but our hedgerows are wonderful habitats. Creating sanctuaries for up to 35 wild bird species, such as robins, wren, blackbirds, and thrush. These birds all nest in our hedges which support a rich diversity of wildlife such as birds, bees, insects, butterflies. This diversity of wildlife helps fight the climate change crisis by breathing in and storing carbon. Hedgerows are also used by barn owls and bats as essential transport corridors. They are essential to our biodiversity which highlights the need to protect them.

Our biodiversity contributes nearly €2.6 billion every year to the Irish economy. This is in the form of ecosystem services such as water/air quality, fertile soil, or pollination. Tree cover in Ireland being the lowest in Europe. Alongside biodiversity loss throughout the country, our hedgerows are a crucial element in protecting our environment.

How you can help

Build a Bird Box

Many of our bird species are in decline, even some of the most common birds you spot in your garden. This is mostly down to habitat degradation and due to the way, we use and manage land. So, when it comes down to it, humans are the cause of less natural nesting sites for our wild birds. That’s where the wildlife act comes into play, to protect habitats and nesting sites. There is another action you can do from your home, create new nesting locations in the form of bird boxes. The diagram below can help you build your own nest box, and you can paint or decorate however you like!

Place a Bird Box in your Garden

You can put up a nest box at any time of the year, even during or after nesting season. Although if you put it up after March you may need to wait until the following nesting season to see any action in your bird box. But it will give the birds time to scope out and investigate nesting locations for the following spring. If you find that your bird box is not being used for a few seasons perhaps change the location. (Always wait until after August to do this in case, there is a next inside that you were not aware of). Research the best place in your garden to place your bird box, ideally it should be located at least 2m from the ground. You can place it on a fence, tree, or wall, and use a wire strap instead of nailing it to the tree.

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You can also donate to help us protect and support animal welfare by clicking here. 

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Caring for your dog on a hot day

It is essential you keep an eye on your dog when temperatures are higher. As humans we know when to hydrate, cool ourselves down and rest in the shade when the weather is hot. Our furry friends cannot protect themselves without our help. You should try to keep your dog inside away from the heat of the sun. On warmer days if you happen to be away from home ask a neighbour to check in on your pet. You should also create a cool shaded space for your pet to escape to when they are outside.

When away from home make sure your pet has two water bowls just in case one gets knocked over. You can also add some ice cubes to keep the water cooler for longer. To cool your pet down, try lightly spraying them with a light sprinkle from the hose. For more fun you can give them a paddling pool to allow them to cool down. Always watch your pet when they are playing around water, never let them swim unsupervised.

You should avoid the hottest hours of the day when walking your pet. Aim to bring them for a walk in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Always bring water on your walks and take regular breaks in shaded spots if needed. If it is still quite warm perhaps take shorts walks and avoid hills or areas that require strenuous activity. Don’t forget about their paws, the ground and concrete can seriously burn your dog’s paws if it is too hot. Try walking on grassy areas or in a wood/forest where the ground would be cooler in the evenings.

Things you should avoid on a hot day

It goes without saying you should not forget to check in on your dog. If you are leaving your home do not forget to leave out more than enough water. This is very important in keeping your dog cool and also hydrated throughout the day. Avoid exercising your dog during the warmer hours of the day aim to bring them for short walks in the evenings or early mornings when it is cooler outside. Excessive exercise can exhaust your dog, don’t let them over do it when temperatures are higher.

It’s not recommended to travel but if you have to travel with your pet, do not travel in a poorly ventilated vehicle, make sure you provide cool air and start for breaks on your journey. And not under any circumstances should you ever leave your dog in a car or conservatory on a hot day. Not even with the windows open or air conditioning on. On a 23°C day, the temperature inside your car will reach 43°C in under a half an hour, you wouldn’t want to be stuck in this situation so do not put your dog through this suffering as it can lead to potentially fatal heatstroke.

How to tell if your dog has heatstroke

During hot weather you should always check in with your pet. By keeping an eye on them you may spot these common symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. These symptoms are the easiest to detect if your dog has heatstroke but there are more symptoms than what’s listed here. If you are concerned about your dog acting sickly, tired, or unusual during the hot summer days, do not ignore it! Give your local vet a call because keeping your dog safe and healthy is the number one priority.

Excessive panting – If your dog is panting continuously and faster than usual, they could be overheated. Dogs with flat faces are more susceptible to heatstroke due to not being able to pant as efficiently.

Dehydration – Signs that your dog may be dehydrated include dry nose visible tiredness, excessive panting, and sunken eyes.

Drooling – Watch out for lots of drool or droll which may be thicker and stickier than normal.

Fever – Check your dogs’ nose, if it is dry and hot instead of being wet and cool, they may have a fever. If your dog’s temperature is above 41.1?C it is abnormal and should be checked out.

Gums – If your dog’s gums have changed colour (bright red, grey, bluish, purple) and are not their usual colour, your dog may be dehydrated.

Lack of Urine – Your dog may have trouble producing urine if they are dehydrated or overheated.

Muscle tremors – Heat exhaustion can cause dogs to shiver or shake regardless of the temperature outside.

Lethargy – If your dog is weak, napping more than usual, or struggling to stand up or walk they may be over heated.

Vomiting/diarrhoea – Abnormal soft stool or stool containing blood in it is a red flag for heat exhaustion.

Dizziness – If your dog is struggling to walk straight or starts bumping into furniture it could be caused from dehydration or heat exhaustion.

What to do if you think your pet has heatstroke

1. Move your dog to a cooler shaded environment preferably indoors and away from the heat.
2. Lower their temperature by using cool water all over. Do not use freezing cold water as this can be just as dangerous as heat exhaustion, use cool water only. Apply cool water around paws and ears to help reduce fever.
3. Keep checking their temperature, if it is above 41.1°C it is abnormal, if it drops below this then you can stop applying water. As your dog cools down give them small amounts of cool water, again not cold! And refrain from giving them ice.
4. Call your vet as soon as possible! If your dog has started to recover and cool down, they still might need to be checked out and monitored. Your vet will advise you further.
5. When travelling with your dog, make sure you either have the windows down or the air conditioning on to keep the temperature of the car down and to lower your dog’s body temperature.
6. If they become severely ill you need to get to a vet quickly, do not wait and see if it will pass, your dog may need medical attention.

Summer is a great time of year to get outside, it can be lots of fun for you and your dog, you just need to pay a little extra attention to your dog on those warmer days. If you are still in doubt or have any questions or concerns about caring for your dog this summer, please contact your veterinarian, they can advise you further. Here at Kilkenny SPCA we take great care of all animals throughout those warm days and would love your support, to donate and help animals in need click here. 

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The post Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer appeared first on Kilkenny SPCA.

Our wily rascals are also keen escape artists. They sneak out of the carrier at the vet, hop the fence, and managed to unlock gates even without thumbs. Often, they go for a wander and are back in time for their tea.

Often, they get picked up by a concerned person who wants to help them find their way home.

Microchipping your pet is one of the simplest ways to protect them after a “great escape”.

Here are a few reasons microchipping is so important.

Pets Return Home with a Microchip

Microchipping is the best way to ensure your pet comes home if they get off the lead or disappear from the garden. According to a study published in Science Daily a cat is 20 times more likely to be returned to the right owner when it’s microchipped. The figures are 2.5 times great for dog.

Unlike a collar or a tag, your pet carries a microchip with them wherever they go! All their finder needs to do is take them to the vet and have them scanned.

Animal Charities Are Better Able to Help

When an animal is microchipped, the solution to a lost pet is to take them to the vet, get them scanned, and trace the owners. Animal welfare charities rarely have to do much else, which frees up our time to focus on injured animals in need.

Microchipping also helps avoid the costs and energy that go into rehoming when an animal’s owner isn’t found.

All in all, microchipping makes lives easier for everyone – especially our pets!

Is Your Pet Microchipped?

Getting your dog or cat microchipped is the easiest way to make sure they always come home for dinner. And, it takes pressure off of your local animal welfare groups, too.

Remember that all dogs in Ireland must be microchipped and registered as of 1 April, 2016. A microchip will cost 20-50 EUR depending on your chosen vet. If you have questions about microchipping and its benefits, get in touch with Kilkenny SPCA!

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Over the last few weeks, Noel, our animal inspector, has dealt with a number of calls from the public concerned with swans in Kilkenny City. We’d like to share a few stories of what goes on behind the scenes, including a nifty trick with a blue Ikea shopping bag!

Two Active Swan Calls – in One Day

Kilkenny SPCA takes calls about swans all year, but this October has been particularly busy. A few weeks ago, we took two calls about two different swans in a single day.

The first call came in from a member of the public who spotted a swan walking around the Hebron Industrial Estate. As locals, you know that the area is quite far from the water, which meant the animal was or could become in distress.

When Noel arrived on the scene, he found a young cygnet. You can spot a cygnet by its size and colouring. The cygnet was fine, but it would eventually need help getting home. So, Noel trapped it, and got it into the van. He then drove it back down to the river and released the cygnet on its merry way.

Later in the day, a second call came in from a member of the public. A swan hit an electric wire in Kilkenny City. However, the swan seemed to have wandered off in the meantime. A second call came about a swan found nearby. When Noel arrived, the swan had spats of blood around its neck and body. Noel took the swan to the vet, and the vet cared for a gash around the swan’s eye.

Once treated, Noel took the swan back down to the river and released it into the wild.

How Do Swans Find Themselves in Trouble?

Why was a cygnet wandering around Hebron Industrial Estate, and why do swans seem to find themselves in trouble?

One reason you might find a swan away from water is that they mistake wet surfaces for rivers. A swan will land on a wet motorway or road because the surface water makes it look like a safe place to go. As they come in for a landing, they get injured once they hit the ground. Wing injuries are particularly common among swans who make this mistake.

Once they injure themselves somewhere far away from the water, they can become stranded and often need human intervention for treatment and to find their way home again.

In both cases, Kilkenny SPCA funded the transport and the vet bills — your donations, hard at work!

Swan Rescue Tips from Kilkenny SPCA’s Animal Inspector

Trapping a swan for treatment and transport is a fine art. Their wings have a significant amount of bones. A swan flapping its wings in distress can break your arm!

Over the years, Noel has got the equipment, a swan hook, similar to a shephards hook, to trap swans without further injury to himself or the swan. Once he has the swan, the next step is to keep the wings close to the body and the feet.

Noel learned a handy trick from the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals in Great Britain: Ikea bags. Those big blue Ikea shopping bags are the perfect size for an adult swan. Once under control, it’s possible to neatly tuck their body in and leave their head out.

Getting them to the vet is easier with the right tools. Though, maneouvers become more difficult once they’re treated and feeling better. The trip from the van to the river is a bit dodgier than the initial trap because the swan is typically more alert!

Kilkenny SPCA Cares for Swans

At Kilkenny SPCA, we keep a constant eye on swans around the city and county. We work together with local vets, the Gardai, and members of the public to make sure local swans live in dignity and get the care they need when they treat the road like a runway.

So, if you see a swan looking out of place, don’t hesitate to call the Kilkenny SPCA. We’ve got our Ikea bags ready!

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