Spring has arrived, and with the spring season, comes Easter celebrations, spring cleaning, home improvement and yard projects. Before you take on any spring chores or outdoor projects and activities, take note of any potential springtime hazards for your furry friends.
Easter Treats and Decorations
Keep easter flowers and candy away from your fur babies —chocolate goodies are toxic to cats and dogs, and all true easter lilies are fatal if ingested by cats. Cats love to nibble on colorful plastic grass in those easter baskets, which could lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting and dehydration.
Spring Cleaning
Spring is the time we do ‘spring cleaning’ in many households – be sure you keep cleaners and chemicals away from your pets. Most cleaning products, even the natural, organic ones, contain chemicals that may be harmful to pets. To keep pets safe, make sure you read and follow label directions properly for use and storage. Please visit ASPCA’s site for a list of all Poisonous Household Products for more information.
If you suspect that your pet has ingested any poisonous product, call your vet immediately.
Home Improvement Projects
Products such as paints, and solvents may be toxic to your pets and can cause severe irritation or chemical burns. Make sure to read all labels to see if the product is safe to use around your fur babies. Also, be cautious of other hazards, such as nails, staples, insulation, blades and of course, power tools. It may be wise to keep your dog or cat in a designated pet-friendly room during home improvement projects.
Outdoor Garden Projects
Springtime is the perfect time to get outdoors and start on those garden projects. However, many products used in the garden such as fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides may be dangerous if your pet ingests them. Make sure to store these products in out-of-the-way places and follow the label instructions carefully. Many popular springtime plants—including rhododendron and azaleas—are also highly toxic to pets and can prove fatal if eaten. Check out ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants for your home and garden.
Springtime brings Pests
Springtime may bring sun, flowers but also an attack of bugs and annoying little creatures. Make sure your pet is on year-round heartworm preventive medication, and a flea and tick regime. There are many over the counter flea and tick medications, but it’s best to ask your vet for the one they would recommend.
Springtime is Fresh Airtime!
Spring weather means more trips to the park, taking longer walks, camping or going to the beach. When out walking or any other outdoor activities make sure your pets are leashed up, and have proper identification such as a tag or a microchip with information on your home address, cell phone and any other relevant contact information.
Spring wellness visits to the vet.
Spring is a perfect time to insure that all vaccinations are up to date, including those for Lyme, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, and other vaccines tailored to your pet’s lifestyle and location requirements. For your feline friends, the feline leukemia vaccine is important for cats that spend any time outdoors.
Spring can be a fun time with your fur babies if we take a few precautions in advance.
So, go outdoors with your pets and enjoy the fresh air!
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