With warmer and sunnier weather upon us and in the midst of National Pet Month, Tesco Bank Pet Insurance is urging dog owners to keep a close eye on their furry friends as they enjoy the great outdoors this spring and summer.
Analysis of Tesco Bank’s internal data from 2022 reveals that a fifth (19%) of claims made through the summer months were due to grass seed injuries in dogs. Grass seed injuries occur when a seed gets lodged in the outer layer of the dog’s skin, and while they can be found anywhere on the dog’s body, it often affects the paw pad. Grass seeds, if left untreated, can cause pain and discomfort and serious infection.
While claims peak in the summer months, with 296 claims last August, the numbers start to rise in May and June as people spend more time outside and grasses begin to seed. On average, grass seed injuries resulted in claims worth £438.
It’s not just grass seeds that can cause problems in the spring and summer months. The internal data shows that insect stings for investigative pooches led to claims averaging £347 in 2022. Perhaps unsurprisingly it’s younger dogs that are more likely to be on the receiving end of a nasty sting from a bee or wasp.
And while the temperatures aren’t hitting the high 20s just yet, Tesco Bank’s data analysis show that there claims for heatstroke in 2022, had an average value of £616. As temperatures start to increase, dog owners should take particular care of their four-legged friends and make changes like ensuring they are walked in the coolest part of the day or are able to find cool and shady spaces.
While summer brings certain hazards, it’s what dogs are wolfing down throughout the year that pet owners need to keep a close eye on. 2022 saw 1,159 claims for foreign objects in the stomachs of dogs and such incidents can be costly, with an average claim of £1,592.
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Alex Cross, Commercial Director Insurance Tesco Bank said: “As we all take full advantage of the warmer weather, upcoming Bank Holidays and approaching summer months, it’s likely we’ll be spending more time outside. And that means the same for our four-legged friends. But with this comes some new things to be on the look-out for. From grass seeds caught in your dog’s fur, to keeping an eye on what your new puppy is chasing around the garden, it’s worth being extra watchful in the summer months. And if you do think your dog might be in pain, or had a run in with a wasp, do seek expert help. Tesco Bank Pet Insurance customers can access 24/7 help through Vetfone which has a national network of vet nurses to help with any questions.”
Alex shares what to watch out for and the action you need to take if you think your dog has been affected:
Grass seeds
Check your dog’s fur after you’ve been out and about. And if there are grass seeds that haven’t got themselves lodged in your dog’s skin, you can simply brush them off. But, if you are concerned that it has become lodged, or if you are worried there is one in your dog’s paws, ears or eyes, get in touch with your vet straight away and they will be able to help.
Insect stings
In many cases, a sting from a wasp or bee will simply mean some swelling and perhaps some pain, which should disappear quite quickly.
If the sting is still in the skin, scrape it off and apply a cool towel or cloth to cool the area down. And keep an eye on them.
Just like humans, some dogs can be allergic to bee or wasp stings. If you notice your dog has been stung and they have excessive swelling, are struggling to breathe, being sick or have diarrhoea, or seem weak and lethargic, seek help immediately.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke can be really dangerous for dogs. If the weather is warmer than usual, or you are doing something your dog isn’t used to like taking a long walk in the middle of the day, be on top of the signs of heatstroke. Heavy panting or difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, drowsiness, lethargy or collapsing, and vomiting can all be signs that your dog is under heat stress.
Move them somewhere cool, allow them to have small drinks of cool water and pour cool water over them to try and reduce their body temperature, but not icy cold as this can shock them. If your dog is unconscious, you need to seek immediate vet support.
And also be aware of the breeds that are more likely to be prone to heatstroke. Those with thick and heavy fur coats are more susceptible, and so are flat faced breeds like bulldogs or pugs.
