The DogCast Radio blog

Dog owners are being warned of the dangers surrounding blue-green algae, as a dog in Glasgow was rushed to the vet over the weekend after the dog came in contact with the dangerous substance. Google trends data shows a 5,000% increase in searches for ‘how long does it take for blue green algae to make your dog sick’ so this is actively being searched for and concerned pet owners want to keep their dogs as safe as possible this summer.

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A trio of ‘feisty’ Chihuahuas are looking for a special home willing to take them all together.

Six-year-old Chico, five-year-old Daisy and six-year-old Mitch were rescued by the RSPCA alongside a large number of Chihuahuas who’d been found living in a caravan.

The threesome were taken in by Block Fen Animal Centre, in Cambridgeshire, where dedicated staff have spent months building their confidence and socialising them with other dogs and people.

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A Scottish kennel assistant took on the renowned Kilt Walk to raise money for a charity that supports retired police dogs in Scotland.

Eilidh Paterson, 34, from Kilcreggan, completed the 22.6-mile route at the Glasgow Kilt Walk on Sunday (24 April).

Eilidh, kennel manager for the Ministry of Defence Police Dog section, DM Glen Douglas, has so far raised £580 for the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a national charity that supports, protects and celebrates working and retired police dogs.

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Spotlight on RSPCA apprentice Sam for National Apprenticeship Week (7-13 February)

An animal lover has praised the RSPCA’s apprenticeship programme which kick-started his career and gave him his much-loved dog Sonny whose mum was rescued from a puppy farm.

Sam Kiddle volunteered at the RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre for two years before starting a Level 2 Animal Care apprenticeship through the charity’s apprenticeship scheme.

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I was told when Buddy was only 3 to teach him sign language in case he went deaf in old age. Every command and communication became associated with a sign, so when Buddy did lose his hearing we could still communicate with him.

The most important sign we taught him was "good dog", which was simply a thumbs up. It meant so much to me that I could always tell Buddy he was good, and see his tail wag in response.

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Block Fen Animal Centre is trying to find the paw-fect matches for five lurchers who have been waiting a total of 28 months!

Five ‘lovable’ lurchers who are desperate to be loved are seeking fun-filled active homes to call their home.

Three-year-old Tiger-Lily was rescued by the RSPCA in May after being abandoned along with two friends. It’s believed they had all been used for hare coursing. Her two friends were soon rehomed but shy Tiger-Lily is still waiting for her forever home.

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A scared dog has been reunited with her owner after being stolen over a year ago, thanks to Battersea.

Jack Russell, Lucky, was stolen from her owners in August 2020 while she was out on a walk. After months and months of searching, her family thought they’d never see their much-loved pet again.

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Some food for thought from What's In My Genes:

The health of our UK dog population is heading into crisis. Dogs unable to breath, walk, run, play, heads too small for their brains, living in constant pain and /or discomfort which as well as causing mental distress/heartache and financial difficulties for puppy buyers is leading to problems with aggression/behaviour with even more animals ending up in rescue.

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A sweet-toothed four-month-old Doberman puppy called Ghost needed life-saving treatment after polishing off an entire advent calendar.

Luckily for Ghost, PDSA vets were on hand to provide emergency treatment which saved his life, meaning he was back home in time to enjoy festive celebrations with his family. The veterinary charity is highlighting Ghost’s story to warn all pet owners to be extra vigilant this Christmas as many festive treats, including chocolate, can be toxic to our pets.

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A dog who was left tied to a fence in the cold and rain in Kent in the New Year will be spending his first Christmas with his loving new family.

George was found on January 8 after he was left outside the RSPCA Medway West Branch centre in Chatham - which was closed at the time.

He was found by a kind-hearted member of the public who rescued him and took him to a local vet.

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