Horses & dogs

HORSES and dogs may have arrived in Britain with the Vikings, new research has shown.

According to the BBC, recent analysis of bone remains from the ninth century has revealed that Vikings sailing from Scandinavia to England brought horses, dogs and perhaps even pigs with them.

It is now believed that the animals travelled on Viking longboats across the North Sea, a journey that could take several weeks. Horses were said to be smaller then than they are now, which can explain how they were made to fit on board the ships.

This would contradict previous beliefs that invading Vikings largely stole animals from villages in Britain.

The findings also reportedly provide evidence that Viking leaders had a close relationship with their animals.

Symptoms to look out for depend on the site of contact and can include excess salivation, reddening and swelling in the affected area.

Dog owners are strongly advised to avoid areas with pine trees at least between February and May, or alternatively to keep their pets on a short leash and not allow them to wander off.