Further alert over stings
ASOUTHPORT veterinary practice owner is launching an appeal to raise awareness of the dangers jellyfish can pose to dogs.
Over one weekend alone Vets 4Pets, based in Pets at Home on Ocean Plaza, treated three dogs that had been stung.
Two had encountered jellyfish on Southport beach, and one on Formby beach.
One of the dogs affected was a Labrador puppy and the other two were large breeds.
Christine Topolski, owner of Vets4Pets in Southport, has worked in the industry for 20 years and is concerned by what happened.
She said: “Dogs like to play with jellyfish, they are a curious species, but owners need to be aware that their sting can be deadly.
“One dog that came in over the weekend, had half-eaten the jellyfish before it stung.
‘‘He was choking and his throat swelled up.”
All three dogs that were stung received treatment and are now recovering.
Being stung by a jellyfish can cause a dog to vomit, froth at the mouth, cough and wretch.
Christine added: “Usually I only see cases like this every so often, they are quite sporadic. So to have three in a weekend is concering.
“It is important to remember, however, that if your dog is stung you need to get it to get vets as soon as possible for treatment.”
She also advised investing in a baskerville muzzle for protection for curious dogs.
She explained: “The muzzle is like a cage around the mouth and it doesn’t look very nice, but it could keep your dog safe.
“The wide bars mean that the dog can still pant, but cannot come into contact with anything that could cause harm.”
Last month, dog walker Lauren Simcock came into close contact with one while walking her old English sheepdog, Madison, on Crosby Beach, which almost had fatal consequences.
The dog licked the jellyfish and started vomiting almost immediately. A vet had to administer an injection of steroids to help it to breathe.
Coastal experts have previously warned other dog walkers, and families, to be wary of any jellyfish they encounter on local beaches, which are becoming especially busy now that the school summer holidays have started.
Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership project officer John Dempsey said: “The best advice is never touch a jellyfish, even if it is washed up on the beach.’’
He added: ‘‘Keep dogs under control and away from jellyfish on the tideline. Look at these fascinating creatures, but don’t touch.”