PAWS Play and Walk Services Bedfordshire

19/04/2025

Just a quick reminder that I am off for the Easter holidays, returning on Wednesday 23rd April. Messages may not be returned until that time.

04/04/2025

🐍 Adders 🐍

With the glorious weather recently, we have seen an expected increase in calls regarding adder bites.

The adder (Vipera berus berus) is the only venomous snake native to the UK, and is also found across northern Europe. It is a protected species in the UK. Adders are most commonly, but not exclusively, found on dry, sandy heaths, sand dunes, rocky hillsides, moorlands and woodland edges. The clinical signs of an adder bite can include rapid and progressive swelling around the bite site, pain, lethargy, vomiting, bruising, bleeding and collapse.

What should you do if your pet has been bitten by an adder?
❌Do not panic.
❌Do not interfere with the bite.
❌Do not apply a tourniquet.
❌Do not attempt to touch or catch the snake.
❌Do not kill the snake – it is a protected species.
❌If practical, carry your dog to your car and go to your veterinary surgeon - do not delay seeking advice even if your pet is well as things can change quickly.

Adders are not aggressive and generally only bite when provoked. They hibernate in the winter and as a result most bites occur in the summer. Pets are frequently bitten on the leg, head or neck. If your pet has been bitten by an adder (even if you did not see the snake or are not sure what happened) – contact your vet immediately. Your vet will examine your pet to determine the location of the bite and extent of the swelling.

Veterinary professionals can call us any time on 02073 055 055 if required for assistance with managing cases of adder bites. We also hold a list of antivenom stockists across the UK. Please note that antivenom is not indicated in all cases.

21/03/2025

20/03/2025

Pet owners potentially being misled following reports to Which? about microchip database 'PetChip'

05/03/2025

Upcoming Pet Blood Bank UK session! 🩸

Our next Pet Blood Bank donation session is on 15th March and we need your help in getting more dogs to come forward to donate!
If your dog is already a donor, or you know someone with a dog who could be a fabulous donor, please get in touch. New donors can find out more and register at www.petbloodbankuk.org/dogs

Existing donors can book in for our next session by contacting Pet Blood Bank UK directly!

We look forward to seeing all the wonderful donor dogs then.

28/02/2025

Just a reminder about cooked bones!

24/02/2025

Sorry everyone, I’m full of cold and feel awful today so there won’t be any walks. Fingers crossed I’ll be back to normal service tomorrow 🤧

20/02/2025

New donor registrations have been really low recently, and we need to ensure we have enough blood in stock for any dog that needs it 😢

Could you help us to spread the word by sharing this post?

If your dog meets the following criteria, they could become a lifesaving blood donor and help other dogs in need:

🎂 Between 1 and 8 years old
⚖️ Weigh over 25kg
💪 Fit and healthy
🐶 Confident and enjoy meeting new people

Coming to a donation session takes only 45 minutes and each donation can help save up to four other dogs ❤️

Register today to start making a difference!

www.petbloodbankuk.org/welcome

19/01/2025

Few pics from the first couple of weeks of the year, it’s been good to be back ☺️

10/01/2025

❄️ It’s a cold one today! Temps are staying at zero or lower all day so please leave out any coats or jumpers if your dogs need them! ❄️

05/01/2025

Winter Worries 🐾

I’ve seen a few posts asking questions regarding salt for gritting and dogs. Salt in large quantities is not good for dogs.

Salt toxicity is caused by around 2-3g ingested per kg body weight. 4g per kg is considered lethal. Which is a reasonable large amount. Signs include lethargy, sickness, diarrhoea. (Article by Chris Hewison BVetMed MRCVS - https://nefra.co.uk/articles-2/salt-poisoning/ )

It’s best whilst they are gritting roads in these weather conditions, to take 5minutes at the end of your walk to rinse your dogs paws in warm water, and underneath if a shorter dog or long coat.

The link below is for a PDF on winter hazards from the animal poison line - 01202 509000

Great for all advice if you’re concerned, £35-£45 per call for advice to a veterinary professional specialising in poisons.

https://www.animalpoisonline.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ESMS_3016-APL-Winter-Hazards-DL-SEP18-1-REPRO.pdf