WARNING TO DOG OWNERS

[Vallhalloween]

www.labrador-lifeline.co.uk/Labrado...t-news-s/34.htm

WARNING TO DOG WALKERS
Please be advised that Badger Setts and their surrounds are now being baited with sausages, jacket potatoes and other tasty morsels to attract Badgers. Sadly it will also attract your dog.

These items are being laced with Paracetamol which, if ingested by your dog in the first instance will cause D & V. If you think your dog may have been nosing around a known Badger sett or trail and develops symptoms - don't hesitate get it to a vet and mention Paracetamol.

This is the latest way of destroying Badgers - other ways are the use of rat poison and strychnine. We are aware of one Labrador death already.

I HAVEN'T YET CONFIRMED THE ACCURACY OF THIS REPORT AND WARNING BUT AM POSTING IT ANYWAY, JUST IN CASE. IF I REMEMBER I WILL CHECK IT OUT TOMORROW... BUT NOW I NEED MY BED!

Night all!

Val. :)

Thanks, I will look into it.

Thanks for posting this.

Just to reiterate that paracetamol can be lethal to dogs - one of mine was taken very ill last year after ingesting paracetamol. It was a very close call and he went in for treatment with no symptoms, just the fact that I knew he had ingested some. If I hadn't acted as hastily then I would have lost him. He is fully recovered now with no lasting kidney problems (another side effect of paracetamol poisoning in dogs) but it cost over £1,000 to treat him and I wouldn't like to repeat the experience.

I would personally avoid known badger setts for this reason alone.

Thanks...

I know badgers are around my area as I often see them dead at the roadside but how would I recognise a badger's sett whilst out walking?

thanks val.

Scurry, here's some identifying badger sett information.

There are loads around where I live, which is one of the (rapidly diminishing as winter approaches) joys of living in a semi rural village.

There is a very quick way of discovering whether the hole you find is that of a rabbit, fox or badger. The badger has a wider sett entrance than other wild creatures.

Put your hand a little way in, to the point where the hole becomes a tunnel, and spread your fingers. If your fingers don't touch the sides, the chances are it's a badger's sett.

If you take your hand out and only have half your fingers remaining, it's definitely a badger's sett. :o

Thanks, Vall