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

Here’s everything you need to know about pet passport, travel requirements, and how we at Skeldale Veterinary Clinic can help make the process simple and stress-free.

Pet Passports and EU Travel Requirements

Thanks to EU legislation, it’s now possible to travel with pets throughout most of Europe using a pet passport. This applies to dogs, cats, and ferrets, and covers trips to EU countries, Northern Ireland, and Norway, as well as entry into the EU from non-EU countries.

To obtain a pet passport, your pet must:

• Be microchipped (or have a valid ear tattoo applied before July 2011)
• Be vaccinated against rabies within the required timeframe
• Have tapeworm treatment (if entering tapeworm-free areas like Ireland, Finland, Malta, Norway or NI)
• Be examined and certified by an authorised veterinarian
  

The passport includes all relevant information about your pet — identity, rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatments — and your contact details. It remains valid for life, as long as vaccinations and treatments are kept up to date.

At Skeldale Vet Clinic, we handle the full check-up with both you and your pet to ensure everything is in order for your trip abroad. Ready to travel worry-free?

What About Non-EU Travel?

If you’re travelling into the EU from outside, or to a non-EU country, your pet may need an EU Animal Health Certificate, issued by a certified vet within 10 days of travel. Requirements may vary, especially for long-distance travel (e.g. to the US or Canada), and some countries have strict entry laws.

Important: Rules differ for commercial travel (e.g., racing greyhounds or rehoming animals). These cases require different paperwork.

Post-Brexit: Travelling from Great Britain

Since January 2021, GB-issued pet passports are no longer valid for travel into the EU or Northern Ireland. If you’re based in Great Britain, you’ll need to meet different entry requirements, depending on your destination.

To avoid issues, we recommend contacting the Department of Agriculture of the country you’re visiting, or speak with us directly — we’ll help clarify the process for you.

Plan Early, Travel Easy

At Skeldale Veterinary Clinic, we have extensive experience helping pet owners navigate the travel process. From microchipping and rabies vaccinations to completing all the required checks and certifications, we guide you step-by-step to ensure nothing is missed before you apply for your pet passport.

Planning a trip with your pet? Don’t wait — some requirements must be started at least three months in advance.

Let’s make sure both you and your pet have a smooth and enjoyable journey!

Dr Conal Finnerty

Dr. Conal Finnerty MRCVS has been a regular contributor to The Mayo News since 2020.
This blog post is based on his original article, ‘Getting a pet passport’, published in The Mayo News, and has been carefully adapted for the Skeldale Veterinary Clinic website.

Common Health Risks for Pets in Mayo

1. Tick and Flea Prevention

The West of Ireland’s humid conditions make it a hotspot for ticks and fleas, especially in rural and coastal areas. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, which affects both pets and humans. To protect your pet:
Use vet-approved flea and tick treatments year-round.
Check your pet’s fur after walks, especially in grassy or wooded areas.
Keep bedding and living areas clean to prevent infestations.

2. Worming and Parasite Control

Internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and lungworms are common in pets and livestock. Dogs and cats can contract lungworm from slugs and snails, often found in gardens after rain. Preventative measures include:
Regular deworming treatments as recommended by your vet.
Avoiding stagnant water where parasites may thrive.
Cleaning up pet waste promptly to prevent reinfection.

3. Vaccination Calendar for Pets

Maintaining a consistent vaccination schedule is essential to protect against high-risk diseases in Ireland:

• Dogs: Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, and Kennel Cough.
• Cats: Feline Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, and Feline Leukemia Virus.
• Rabbits & Ferrets: Vaccination for Myxomatosis and Viral Hemorrhagic Disease.

Annual booster shots are crucial, especially if your pet interacts with other animals or stays in pet boarding facilities.

Seasonal Considerations in Mayo

Autumn & Winter: Cold, damp conditions can increase the risk of arthritis and respiratory infections in older pets.
Spring & Summer: Longer days mean more outdoor time—be mindful of grass seeds, heat exhaustion, and tick infestations.

Final Thoughts

Caring for pets in Mayo and the West of Ireland requires year-round attention to parasite control, vaccinations, and seasonal changes. At Skeldale Veterinary Clinic, we provide expert advice, vaccinations, and routine check-ups to keep your pet healthy in every season.

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

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!

Leaving pet waste behind isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a serious public health risk. From spreading disease to affecting the environment, failing to pick up after your dog can have significant consequences.

Why Dog Waste Is More Than Just an Eyesore

Beyond the obvious mess and unpleasant odour, dog faeces can pose serious health hazards, particularly for children, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those who rely on wheelchairs or walking aids.

Health Risks of Dog Waste:

• Parasites & Bacteria – Dog faeces can contain harmful organisms like Toxocara canis, which can cause blindness in humans.
• Gastrointestinal Illnesses – Bacteria in waste can lead to stomach infections and serious health issues.
• Environmental Contamination – Waste left on the beach or in parks can wash into water sources, increasing the risk of infection for swimmers.

Simple Steps to Be a Responsible Dog Owner

Cleaning up after your dog is easy with a little planning and vigilance:

Always carry poop bags – Keep a roll attached to your dog’s lead so you never forget.
Bring extra bags – Your dog may go more than once on a walk, so one bag may not be enough.
Stay alert – If your dog is off-lead, watch where they go to avoid missing their “business”.
Dispose of waste properly – Use designated bins or take it home if necessary.

A Cleaner Mayo for Everyone

No one enjoys stepping in dog mess—especially those who can’t avoid it easily, such as children, wheelchair users, and the visually impaired. A small habit like picking up after your pet helps keep our parks, footpaths, and beaches safe and enjoyable for everyone.

At Skeldale Veterinary Clinic, we believe that responsible pet ownership includes caring for your community as well as your pet. Let’s all do our part to keep Mayo clean and safe!

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, You’re on doo-doo duty – Dog poop can cause everything from gastro-intestinal problems to blindness in humans