No one likes to deal with a poorly pet, but one woman has issued an urgent message to all dog owners in the UK so they're aware of the risk when taking animals out for a walk16:54, 23 Jul 2026Taking your dog out for a walk is beneficial in many ways. Although in summer dog owners are told to avoid 11am to 3pm due to the heat, getting your pup out is great for physical exercise and mental stimulation.‌After an urgent toxicity warning was issued recently for pets visiting the beach, it's incredibly important for owners to keep in mind the health and safety for their animals. Now one woman has also issued her own advice following the devastating death of her beloved pet last week. Gemma described the tragedy as a "heartbreak and shock" as she paid tribute to her four-year-old pet Pip.‌In an emotional TikTok video Gemma said: "She was full of life and just a great little character and loved running around. She was running around on Wednesday night (July 15), but had sickness on Thursday morning - but that's not unusual."‌On this occasion, however, something seemed different. Pip's vomiting persisted alongside worrying symptoms affecting her breathing and causing her to drool excessively.Recognising Sudden Dog Illness and Deteriorating SymptomsAfter seeking guidance from a vet, Gemma was reassured as long as her dog was still moving about and not experiencing diarrhoea, there was little cause for alarm."Within about 45 minutes of that phone call she took a drastic turn for the worse and she started with really watery, bloody diarrhoea," Gemma continued.‌A second call to the vet prompted her to rush Pip in for an emergency examination - and it was there that the true severity of the stricken dog's condition rapidly became clear.Content cannot be displayed without consent"She was lethargic and had collapsed on the floor," Gemma revealed. "They let me in about half-an-hour before their opening time and they were brilliant and saw her straight away."‌Gemma admitted Pip had simply picked up a gastroenteritis bug and would need fluids and antibiotics, but sadly that wasn't the case. "She was on every treatment going, we tried everything, but lost her by the end of the day," Gemma said.Now, she believes Pip fell ill after eating "goose poo" in the park 48 hours earlier. She confessed: "I didn't realise goose poo can be toxic."We'd also been to the beach that week and she breathed in sand which can create micro-cuts in the intestine... I think [those two issues combined] was the perfect storm."‌The Toxic Hazards of Wild Bird DroppingsGiving advice to others, Gemma concluded: "Please, if your dog has been around any poultry... geese, seagulls, pigeons... it can all be toxic for them. If your dog starts being sick within 24 to 48 hours, even if it is just once, go get them checked out."If I had known - would it have been different? I would have taken Pip the first time she was sick. It's just been a massive shock and I'm still in disbelief. I don't think I will ever get over the trauma of seeing her like that."In a post online, Goose Masters explained: "Because goose poo can have dangerous bacteria, parasites, and other infection causing contaminants it is important to keep a close eye on your dogs if they have been eating geese poop to see if their illness can be taken care of at home or if they need a veterinarian to treat their symptoms."‌RSPCA Guidance and Emergency Steps for Dog PoisoningThe RSPCA also states dogs can be poisoned by some common household items, even some which are harmless to humans.It said: "You can reduce this risk by keeping harmful substances out of reach of your dog and keeping them away from areas they have access to."In the event of an emergency, RSCPA urged dog owners to follow three steps:‌1. Stay calm and move your dog away from the source2. Contact your vet immediately3. Follow your vet's adviceArticle continues belowThe Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) Animal PoisonLine is a 24-hour emergency phone service giving advice on the treatment of animals exposed to toxins (requires a fee).