WITH MAGDOLINE AWAD

SPRING i is i in the h air and with the change of season comes new plant growth sprouting potential dangers for pets.

This week, Dr Magdoline Awad, chief veterinarian officer at Greencross The Pet Company, addresses a reader’s question about a coughing chihuahua but first, she says there is a broader concern for all pet owners.

“It is important for pet owners to know of the seemingly harmless dangers that spring can bring,” she says.

In particular, pet owners should be aware of the potential risks of their pets coming into contact with various kinds of common grass, weeds and flowers.

“Just like kids, our pets love to explore and try new things – tasting, smelling, chewing and rolling on things that they shouldn’t,” she says.

“Simply coming into contact with certain plants and weeds can cause pets to suffer an uncontrollable urge to scratch, lick, chew and rub at their skin until fur loss and dermatitis develops.”

COUGHING CHIHUAHUA

I have an almost seven-yearold, long-haired chihuahua called Chaz who recently has started coughing a lot during walks and sometimes at home. It’s sort of a sneeze/cough. There is more pollen and dust in the air so I thought it could be that. Should I be doing anything to help Chaz or do we just stick it out?

Spring is certainly the time of the year when we do see a lot of pollen in the air. Coupled with spring cleaning, there is bound to be both pollen and dust lurking in and around the home.

While dust and pollen can cause allergy symptoms in dogs, leading to coughing, they don’t tend to suffer from “hay fever” as we know it in humans.

Allergic bronchitis, as an example, can be exacerbated by environmental pollutants including aerosols and smoke. The cough could also be an indication of an underlying medical issue and coupled with exercise intolerance is not normal to see in dogs.

There are many causes of coughing and it can be difficult to differentiate a cough from a sneeze/cough.

Obtaining video footage is ideal to show your local vet. Catching things early also means you have a diagnosis, and then appropriate treatment can commence. You will then be able to enjoy many more years of walks together.