Keeping your pets safe this spring

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We are more than one week deep into spring, the season of renewal and To-do lists. But remember your pets as you embark on spring-cleaning your home and prepping your garden beds.

The spring season is ideal for scheduling a check-up for your pet at your local vet, and it’s also the season that ushers in potential perils for your pet. Keep reading for reminders on keeping your pets safe.

Spring Health Check-up

Use the beginning of daylight saving time (DST) as a reminder to schedule a spring health examination for your pet. After a long winter inside and exposure to cold outside, pamper your pet with a check-up. In one appointment, your pet can receive any of the following treatments:

– Nail trim

– Anal gland expression

– Dental care

– Ear cleaning

– Weight maintenance

– Preventive medicine (i.e., heartworm, flea & tick)

Hazards of Spring

Some hazards for our favorite furballs come with the refresh and radiance of spring. So keep reading to be prepared for the dangers of the season:

Allergies & Insects

Just like us, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies. Your fluffy buddy can be irritated by pollen from trees, weeds, grasses, and flowers just as much as you are. So keep an eye out for signs of allergies in your pet, such as sneezing, runny eyes, increased scratching and licking, or face-rubbing. If you suspect your pet is suffering from allergies, make an appointment with your veterinarian, who can diagnose the allergy and provide much-needed relief.

If you live in a seasonal climate where spring means warmer temperatures, it also means an increase in insects. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are just as much a hazard to your pet as they are to you, so protect them like the family member they are.

• Fleas are nearly unavoidable but manageable. If a flea infestation goes unmanaged, fleas could overrun your home in a few weeks, and your pup could scratch itself to an unwelcome infection. Talk to your vet and decide the best flea-prevention plan for your pet and home.
• Ticks are dangerous because of the health risks they present. Beyond anemia, blood loss, and skin infection, ticks can also transmit various regional diseases. Talk to your vet about the best tick prevention for your pet, and don’t forget to do your manual tick-checks whenever your pet comes in from a long romp in the lawn.
• Mosquitoes are as much a disease- and itch-causing annoyance to animals as they are to humans, so conduct a yard audit and remove any areas of standing water on your property before temperatures soar.

Outdoor Gardens

Who knew that gardens can also pose a risk to the health of your pets? They aren’t just beds of beauty and food; they can conceal dangers too.

• Your home is likely free of poisonous plants to your pets, but have you considered plant toxicity when planning your outdoor garden? The list of potentially harmful plants to cats, dogs, and horses seems nearly endless, but make sure to cross-reference your plant purchases to this “Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List” from the ASPCA: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants A few popular spring bloomers that are toxic to pets are daffodils, azaleas, and tulips (especially the bulb).
• Since dogs are notorious diggers, ensure they’re digging in the safest dirt possible using pet-friendly fertilizers. If you use pesticides or herbicides, always follow the directions and store them in an unreachable place for your curious companions.

Spring Cleaning

Spring and cleaning go hand in hand, but don’t let this seasonal tradition bring an ailment to your pet. Household cleaning products like bleach, ammonia, and drain cleaners can be hazardous to humans and animals, but most humans know not to consume these chemicals. Protect your pet by only choosing non-toxic, pet-friendly cleaners, or store conventional cleaners in safe places. If your fluffy buddy is terrified of the vacuum, consider using a broom on hardwood floors or only vacuuming while your pet is outside or safely stowed in another room.

Easter

Easter is fast approaching, and while kids are anticipating candies and hunts, you need to expect how to keep your pet safe on this celebratory holiday. Unfortunately, a few icons of Easter can bring distress and harm to your pets:

– Easter lilies are toxic to cats.

– Chocolate is toxic to dogs and occasionally cats.

– Xylitol, the ingredient in sugar-free candies, can be toxic to dogs and cats.

– Colorful plastic grass, commonly stuffed in Easter baskets, can be attractive to nibbling kitties but can easily obstruct their digestive tracts.

Welcome this season of renewal by scheduling a health check-up for your pet, planning how to prevent and manage allergies and insects, creating a pet-friendly yard and garden, cleaning your house with non-toxic cleaners, and celebrating a safe Easter for all.

Lastly, spring brings more time at dog parks and more play dates outside, so make sure your pets are microchipped correctly in case they wander too far away from home. May spring always remind you to refresh your life and protect your pet at the same time.

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