September 7, 15:48IOL

Tips for Pet Care in Spring Due to Rising Temperatures

Spring brings pet owners more walks and time outdoors, but rising temperatures are associated with increased exposure to pollen, grass allergens, fleas, and ticks, which can cause seasonal skin problems in pets.

According to Dr. Wiandre Peters of Bloomfield Veterinary Hospital, knowing the signs allows owners to notice seasonal risks before they become more serious.

Why do pets' skin problems worsen in the spring?

Warmer conditions promote the growth of environmental allergens and create an ideal environment for ectoparasites such as ticks and fleas. Fleas can cause a reaction even after a single bite in sensitive animals, and flea eggs are found in carpets and bedding, so staying indoors does not guarantee protection from them.

Therefore, Peters insists on year-round parasite prevention, not just during the warm season.

When can a pet's itching indicate a more serious problem?

Itching can have many causes, and without a veterinarian's consultation, it is difficult to determine the source of the problem. Seasonal allergies can manifest on a specific schedule, intensifying at certain times of the year. Furthermore, environmental allergies can affect paws and the abdomen.

Food allergies are sometimes accompanied by digestive issues such as vomiting, changes in stool consistency, loss of appetite, or excessive gas. Owners should pay attention to any new treats or dietary changes that coincide with the onset of symptoms.

Prolonged itching itself can lead to complications: constant scratching and licking damage the skin's protective barrier, causing increased inflammation and heightened sensitivity of the animal to irritants. Peters advises seeking veterinary care as soon as possible, especially if hot spots, hives, facial swelling, or non-healing wounds are observed.

Veterinarians want owners to be aware of spring allergies and parasites because itching can be caused by more than just pollen.

Can dogs suffer from hay fever?

Some dogs may exhibit signs similar to environmental allergic reactions, including periodic sneezing, tearing, or redness of the eyes. If the dog is otherwise healthy, energetic, and happy, these symptoms may be related to seasonal triggers.

Cough in a kennel differs from this condition; dogs with it may show other signs of malaise, such as decreased appetite or fever. Young, unvaccinated puppies are particularly vulnerable.

If in doubt, a veterinary examination will help determine the cause of the symptoms.

Should an itchy dog be shaved?

This is not always necessary. A veterinarian may recommend bathing with a special medicated shampoo to strengthen the skin barrier and remove allergens from the coat. Although shaving sometimes helps topical treatments penetrate the skin, improper execution can cause irritation. This is especially relevant for double-coated breeds, whose thick fur can trap pollen and other allergens, but they should not be shaved automatically.

Owners should refrain from self-medicating, despite the pet's discomfort and anxiety. Human allergy medications should never be given without veterinary advice.

Through proactive parasite control and attention to changes in the pet's skin condition and behavior, owners can help their beloved companions enjoy the best moments of spring in comfort. Pet insurance, such as Dotsure Pet Insurance, can be part of such a comprehensive approach to seasonal care, helping owners manage veterinary expenses for unexpected illnesses or injuries requiring a clinic visit.

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iol.co.zaSeptember 7, 19:52

Structural barriers prevent adequate psychiatric care in South Africa

In September, which is observed as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in South Africa, the focus of the discussion needs to shift from personal resilience to addressing structural problems that undermine societal mental health.

Instead of simply urging people to 'talk about it' and 'take care of themselves,' society misses the core issue because people cannot escape poverty, unemployment, violence, grief, hunger, discrimination, substance abuse, or a society that demands resilience from those it has repeatedly failed.

We cannot continue to break people down and then hold them responsible for their own healing. If factors such as inequality, violence, unemployment, and hopelessness affect the mental state of South African citizens, the response must be systemic, not limited to individual advice on how to cope.

The figures underscore the scale of the problem: the National Department of Health reported that the prevalence of mental disorders in South Africa over 12 months is 15.9%, with depression, anxiety, and alcohol and drug-related disorders being the most common illnesses. The department also warned of a critical shortage of services for children and adolescents.

Furthermore, a World Health Organization assessment for 2025 showed that there is a deficit in mental health treatment in South Africa exceeding 70%, indicating millions of people effectively left without support, reflecting the scale of human rights neglect in post-apartheid South Africa.

Behind every frightening statistic is a person: a young student on the verge of a breakdown due to academic pressure, a man raised with the belief that admitting difficulties is a sign of weakness, or a child accustomed to dysfunction, growing up in an atmosphere of violence.

Society has become too accustomed to praising resilience, applauding people for surviving circumstances they should never have had to endure. South African citizens are forced to be strong despite homelessness, high crime rates, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), poverty, inequality, family breakdown, substance abuse, and ineffective public services.

The government acknowledges that mental health remains severely underfunded. In 2025, the Department of Health stated that only 5% of the national health budget is allocated to mental health, leading to a shortage of infrastructure and personnel. However, the goal is set to ensure at least one mental health specialist in 75% of public health centers by 2029.

Psychiatric care should not only be provided after a person reaches a point of complete exhaustion; it must be accessible in schools, universities, workplaces, clinics, community centers, and beyond. It must cover rural areas, settlements, and people who cannot afford private psychologists, and work with children before trauma shapes their adult lives.

It is crucial to eliminate the stigma associated with seeking help. Admitting that 'I am not okay' is not a sign of weakness, and the need for therapy, counseling, medication, or just a listener is not a cause for shame. Shame should belong to a society that watches people drown and urges them to swim harder.

The consensus is clear: psychiatric care is inaccessible, prohibitively expensive, and underfunded, forcing millions of people to wait for a crisis before seeking support. It is necessary to deeply examine the long-term consequences of this for children, youth, and vulnerable communities, and to understand all the ways society provokes this suffering.

It is important to understand that psychiatric care is not a luxury for those who can afford private treatment, nor is it just a motivational phrase or hashtag; it is an inherent human right enshrined in the national constitution.

nplus1.ruSeptember 7, 18:59

Study reveals link between high levels of streptomycetes and mycobacteria in classrooms and impaired lung function in schoolchildren

A study conducted across 22 European countries established a correlation between elevated levels of Streptomyces and Mycobacterium bacteria found in classroom dust and reduced lung function in schoolchildren.

The analysis involved 4,739 children and examined 294 premises. It is important to note that the identified links persisted even after statistical adjustment for factors such as body mass index, presence of pet allergens, general air pollution, and the age of the school building.

The results of this scientific work were presented at the annual Congress of the European Respiratory Society.