Your Local Independent 198

Page 20 September 2025 AD SALES 01204 478812 THE long days of summer while soon be behind us. And while it’s great to take your dog out for a lovely autumn walk, it’s also vital to ensure that they don’t eat anything poisonous during your outing. If your canine friend ingests any acorns, oak leaves, conkers or rotting fruit, fast action must be taken, as these are all very poi- sonous for our pets. If your dog does show any signs of poisoning, which may include vomiting, diarrhoea, tummy pain, increased thirst, excessive drooling or tremors, or you know they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t, please contact your veterinary practice immediately. Delayed treatment can lead to serious illness, such as liver and kidney damage, so you must act quickly if you know or suspect your dog has eaten anything they shouldn’t have. We also need to consider making our pets as visible as possible to others when out and about on darker early mornings or evenings. Reflective collars are useful for cats, but make sure they are quick release to prevent your cat getting stuck or sustaining a collar injury. For dogs, reflective or light up collars, harnesses, leads, coats or vests are a good idea to ensure they are as visible as possible to drivers and other road users. Consider a bright or reflec- tive coat for yourself, and if you are going for walks in badly lit areas, a head torch can be useful for staying on the path and when poop scooping! For further advice please contact your local veterinary practice. Enjoy your walks in safety PETS TO ADVERTISE CALL 01204 478812 158 Chorley New Road, Horwich BL6 5QW. Tel: 01204 694004 53 Chorley Road, Westhoughton BL5 3PD. Tel: 01942 818845 www.pikemoorvets.co.uk • Locally owned • Highly professional practice • Dedicated to caring for all your pets