These algae blooms are actually masses of toxic bacteria, and they thrive in shallow lake inlets, ponds, and stagnant rivers, which we have no shortage of in our region. Any trip with pets to these waters during the summer can be potentially dangerous, especially when the environment encourages algae growth.

You can listen this full article podcast here:

A Serious and Swift Threat – Blue-Green Algae

Sadly, we’ve already seen cases of blue-green algae toxin poisoning this year, some of which have resulted in fatalities. The toxins act very quickly — in some cases, an animal can become seriously ill or even die within minutes. What’s especially concerning is that pets don’t need to drink the water to be poisoned. Simply swimming in contaminated water, and then licking their coat later, is enough for the toxins to enter their system.

The best way to avoid this danger is to steer clear of stagnant water during June, July, and August. If you own livestock, it’s also a good idea to fence off areas where this type of algae bloom is likely to appear.

Symptoms of algae poisoning include drooling, panting, breathing difficulties, vomiting, disorientation, and even seizures. It’s a very difficult condition to treat successfully — so avoidance really is your best course of action.

Heatstroke in Pets

Another concern during the summer months is heatstroke, especially for animals left exposed to direct sunlight and heat, with no shelter or access to fresh, cool water.

Pets should never be left in vehicles, even for short periods, particularly when the temperature rises above 25°C. It doesn’t take long for a warm car to become dangerously hot.

Signs of heatstroke include:

• Heavy panting and laboured breathing
  
• Excessive drooling
  
• Lethargy, drowsiness, or unsteadiness
  
• Vomiting or collapse
  

There’s a common misconception that you should pour cold water over an overheated pet, or wrap them in cold towels. This can actually cause shock or cardiac arrest. Water from the cold tap is best, and avoid pouring it over the animal’s head, as they may already be struggling to breathe. Inhaling even small amounts of water can lead to drowning.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency, and if your pet shows signs of it, you should seek veterinary help immediately.

A Final Reminder

The summer months can be some of the most enjoyable for our pets — more walks, outdoor play, and family time. But with the heat and outdoor freedom come seasonal risks that can quickly turn serious.

Let’s stay vigilant and make sure the warm weather stays enjoyable for all the right reasons and you stay away from the summer hazards.

Need veterinary advice? Contact our Ballinrobe or Belmullet clinics today.

** Dr. Conal Finnerty writes for MayoNews since 2020 and the content above was based on the original owned conted, Blue-Green Danger – Summer Hazards for Pets in Ireland

As pet owners, one of our biggest responsibilities is ensuring that our animals are not in pain. However, since pets cannot communicate their discomfort in words, they rely on subtle cues to express pain. Understanding these signs can help you identify when something is wrong and seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

Understanding Pain in Pets

Pain can be both physical and psychological. Physical pain often results from injuries, illnesses, or chronic conditions, while psychological pain can stem from loneliness, stress, or fear.

The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as:
“An unpleasant sensory or emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.”

This means pain is not just a physical sensation—it can also have an emotional impact on your pet’s well-being.

Types of Pain in Pets

Pets, like humans, experience different types and intensities of pain. Some animals have high pain tolerance, making it even harder to detect discomfort.

Pain Categories:

Acute pain – Sudden and often severe, caused by injuries, surgery, or infections.
Chronic pain – Persistent and ongoing, often due to arthritis, dental disease, or underlying conditions.

How to Recognise Pain in Your Pet

Some signs of pain are obvious, while others are much more subtle. Severe pain may cause your pet to:
Limp or avoid putting weight on a leg.
Cry out, howl, or bite when touched.
Struggle to get up, stand, or move around.

However, milder pain can be harder to detect. A general rule of thumb:
If your pet’s behaviour changes significantly, pain could be a factor.

Subtle Signs of Pain:

Loss of appetite (may indicate dental pain or nausea).
Reduced movement or reluctance to play (could signal joint pain or injury).
Hiding, aggression, or excessive licking (may indicate chronic pain or discomfort).

Sometimes, the source of pain isn’t obvious. Just like in humans, pain can appear in one part of the body while the actual problem is elsewhere—for example, a pet experiencing stomach pain may refuse to move or show signs of back discomfort.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Pet Is in Pain

If your pet shows any signs of pain, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Pain is often a symptom of an underlying issue, and early diagnosis can prevent further discomfort.

Need personalised pet care? Book an appointment at our Ballinrobe or Belmullet clinics today!