The snow is starting to melt, and our thoughts have gleefully turned to the warm weather spring brings with it. Not to mention the Easter celebrations, spring cleaning, and outdoor adventures. Before you get lost in seasonal chores or outdoor revelry, please consider these five things to help keep your furry companion safe.
1. Keep Fido Away From Sweet Treats
With sprint comes several celebrations, most notably Easter. Usually, this mean plenty of chocolate and sweet treats hanging around. Most pet parents know chocolate can be toxic for their furry friend. However, many don’t realize the dangers of xylitol; a common artificial sweetener that can be found in many candies. So keep the jelly beans safely stashed away! Also, all true lilies can be fatal for felines if ingested, so please be cautious when bringing one into the house.
2. Beware of Spring Flowers
Spring if filled with beautiful new growth: grass, shrubs, flowers, and even weeds. Okay, the weeds are usually pretty ugly. Regardless of looks, many pets take this opportunity to graze on this new found growth. This can be extremely dangerous as many spring time plants—including rhododendron and azaleas—are highly toxic to pets and can be fatal. If you have any doubts or even just want to brush up on your plant knowledge, please refer to the ASPCA’s complete guide to poisonous plants.
3. Take Care When Cleaning
Spring is a popular time to air out the house and give it a thorough cleaning. It is also a great time to check whether your cleaning products are pet-friendly. Many cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to your pets. To avoid any hazards, please refer to the product label for proper use instructions, and always store them out of your pet’s reach. If part of your spring-cleaning involves home improvement, please be mindful of physical hazards, such as nails, utility blades, and leftover project materials.
4. Start Pest Prevention Early
The beginning of warm weather also brings back an onslaught of bugs! Heartworms, ticks, and mosquitoes become highly active once the weather warms up. While we highly recommend your pet being on a year-round prevention plan, now is the time to start if you don’t currently have a regiment.
5. Be Mindful of Seasonal Allergies
Most of us can relate to the seasonal allergies spring can bring with it. Pollen, ragweed, dust, and regional grasses all bring itching, sneezing and watery eyes. Dogs and cats are no exception. They can also suffer from seasonal allergies brought on by environmental changes. Typically, these allergies present as an itchy skin condition, but may also include sneezing. If you pet suddenly is itching excessively or sneezing, you may want to consult your vet to discuss available options.
