Vets are warning about the perils of carelessly dumped face masks after a dog needed urgent veterinary treatment after eating a whole mask.
Three-year-old cockapoo Patch is thought to have wolfed down a discarded mask while out on a walk.
He was referred to Abington Park, in Northampton, one of the My Family Vets network of vet clinics, which is part of IVC Evidensia.
The group has seen a rise of face mask ingestion cases in recent months at My Family Vets clinics up and down the country following masks being discarded in parks, on the street and in open spaces. A number of vets have reported cases of dogs ingesting discarded face masks or other PPE such as plastic gloves in the past few months, prompting vets and animal charities to issue warnings.
CAREFUL
Worried owner Sue Fox, from Thrapston, says she has seen scores of masks which have been thrown away and heard from others whose pets have become ill after eating them.
And vet Riccardo Minnelli, from Abington Park Vets, says owners need to be extra careful and seek immediate care to avoid serious complications.
With reports suggesting the public are throwing away more than 50 million face masks a day, Sue is appealing for considerate disposal.
“We have absolutely no idea where Patch picked it up but since it happened, I’ve been looking for them and I can see up to 10 each time we go for a walk,” she said.
“It’s so thoughtless and dangerous. I know Patch isn’t the only one this has happened to.
“It’s been really upsetting for me and I’ve actually lost weight with worry about his health, but I know of other owners whose dog have needed surgery.
“The masks have gone through their systems and really put their lives at risk…I know we all need to use face masks at the moment, but people just need to think when they are finished with them.”
Riccardo added: “If your dog does eat one of these masks it can get lodged and cause an obstruction.
“And if there is metal it can cause internal damage. So, get it to your vet straight away if you suspect it has eaten one.
“And remember that our practice, like other vets, is still very much open to help, even in lockdown.”
