Spring Outdoor Dangers For Your Pet

Spring is when most of us start to get out in the garden and ready our properties for the sunny days ahead.  It is important to note that his time of year also comes the dangers associated with it so it’s important to review how we can keep our beloved furry family members out of the emergency room.

Fertilizers and Pesticides
Keeping your lawn and gardens in top-top shape takes a lot of work and sometimes a little chemical help can go a long way.  Make no mistake though, fertilizers and pesticides are extremely harmful if consumed by dogs and cats.  Make sure not to let them eat any fertilizer and if they get pesticides into their fur be sure to give them a thorough bath immediately before they lick themselves clean or eat the foliage.  Better yet, don’t let them in the yard while your yard isn’t yet safe from pesticide use, and there are safer alternatives to explore.  A handy tip to remember: if you wouldn’t let a human baby play in it, don’t let your pets either.

Allergies
Our pets get allergies too, just like us.  Watch out for symptoms such as swollen eyes, sneezing, dry skin and itching, it may be time to visit your veterinarian.

Puddle Play
Dogs, just like kids, often find it hard to resist a puddle, whether in your yard on while you’re sharing a walk.  In the springtime in particular it is important that your pet doesn’t drink from a standing puddle of water.  These may contain traces of chemicals and in the street there could well be road salt residue.  Furthermore, warm standing water is a haven for bacteria.  Dogs that regularly drink out of puddles often acquire gastrointestinal ailments.  Instead, always have a supply of clean and fresh water available to your pet, and if you’re on a walk bring a bottle.

Tidying Up The Back Yard
Frankly, when the snow all melts we often never know what we’ll find underneath.  When the snow is gone it’s important to pick up any major debris that your pet may eat that could be harmful and perhaps even any sharp stones around that could get lodged in the pads of their feet.  Be sure to also pick up any of those “landmines” that were hidden over the winter months, feces is a tempting treat to many dogs but it’s not necessarily a healthy habit.

Remember, if your pet consumes a toxic substance, call the Pet Poison Helpline immediately at 1-800-213-6680, and when you have a moment, visit petpoisonhelpline.com for more suggestions on how to keep all of your family safe.