- PET HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS -
Springtime Health Hazards for Pets
After a long , harsh winter , dogs are just as anxious as humans to get outside and revel in the warmth of the sun . After being cooped up all season , though , there are more than a few health risks to be aware of before we let our pets run amok as much as they ' d like . Keep the following precautions in mind as we all emerge from hibernation :
• Mosquitos : These pesky insects are more prevalent in the warmer months , making heartworms more prevalent as well . While heartworm preventative medicine should be given year round , it ' s especially important in the spring and summer months . Spring is a perfect time to get your pup checked for heartworms and start their monthly medication if they are not on it regularly . Transmitted by mosquitoes , heartworm is a serious disease that affects the heart , lungs , liver , kidney , eyes , and central nervous system ; if left untreated , it can cause death .
• Fleas and Ticks : Fleas and ticks are also more common in warmer weather . Spring is the time to make sure your furry friend is protected against these disease-spreading varmints , as prevention is far easier than treatment ! Do frequent tick checks - they are most commonly found around the head , ears , neck , chest , and legs . Ticks can spread Lyme disease , Ehrlichiosis , Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever , Anaplasmosis , Tularemia , and Babesiosis . Talk to your veterinarian about the best preventative treatment for your pet .
• Dangerous Plants : As gardens start to bloom in the spring months , be aware of plants that are unsafe for pets . Bulbs such as hyacinths , daffodils , and tulips are all toxic to animals . Flowers to avoid include Azaleas , Bittersweet , Crocuses , Day Lilies , Ferns , Lily of the Valley , Morning Glories , Tiger Lilies , Tulips , Sago Palms , and Rhododendrons ; they can actually be fatal if eaten . Mulch can also be an issue , as some types contain coffee grounds , which can lead to caffeine toxicity if ingested . Bring your pet to the vet immediately if you think he or she has ingested any poisonous plants or garden supplies . Always store these products in out-of-the-way places and follow label instructions carefully .
• Household Products : Annual spring cleaning can expose your pet to harmful chemicals like ammonia , bleach , and chlorine , which can result in respiratory and stomach problems . Even all-natural products can cause issues , so be sure to keep your pets in a separate room until surfaces you recently cleaned are dry , and toxic fumes are aired out . Cleaning out your garage and prepping your yard for spring can also pose a risk to your pet . Cleaning agents , fertilizers , herbicides , pesticides , weed-killers , even liquid plant food , can all be dangerous to dogs and cats . Home improvement products , such as paints , mineral spirits , and solvents can be toxic to your pets and cause severe irritation or chemical burns . Carefully read all labels to see if the product is safe to use around your furry friends . Store any harmful products safely away and out of reach .
• Allergies : Dogs and cats experience seasonal allergies to dust , mold , and pollen , in much the same manner as people . Symptoms include sneezing , coughing , scratching , licking , chewing , flaky skin , or an extra oily coat . Most reactions are annoying but benign ; allergies to particular insect bites and stings , though , can result in life-threatening anaphylactic shock . If you suspect your pet has a springtime allergy , visit your veterinarian as soon as possible and discuss remedies to help ease your dog ’ s discomfort .
• Easter Basket Dangers : Beware of the gifts the Easter Bunny leaves for your human kids ! Chocolate eggs and bunnies are toxic for dogs , especially if they contain baker ’ s or dark chocolate . Colorful Easter grass is irresistible to cats , and can lead to tummy problems , possibly even an obstructed digestive tract , severe vomiting , and dehydration , if ingested .
• Toxic Bouquets : Unfortunately , freshly cut flowers can be deadly to our furry friends . Lilies , in particular , are extremely toxic - all parts of the plant , including the pollen , flower , and leaves , are poisonous to all pets , and can be deadly when consumed by cats . It isn ' t really worth the risk , but if you want lilies in the house , keep them well out of reach .
• Weekend-Warrior Syndrome : People aren ' t the only ones susceptible to overdoing it when warm weather emerges . Many of us take our out-of-shape selves outdoors with our out-of-shape pets , and try to make up for months of inactivity with walks , hikes , and other activities . We almost always wind up forgetting to take it easy and gradually build up our strength and stamina . This often results in ice packs or heating pads , and several doses of ibuprofen . Unfortunately , our pets can ' t tell us that they are a bit achy , too , especially if they are older . Reintroduce your dog slowly to his favorite outdoor activities with short walks or runs . And see your veterinarian if he or she appears to have a serious strain or sprain , to be sure it ' s not something more serious , such as a torn ligament , that could require medication or surgery .
• Puddles : We ' re always happy that April showers bring us flowers , but beware of the puddles they create ! Do not let your dog drink from stagnant water ! It can lead to gastrointestinal upset or more serious health problems , like Leptospirosis , a bacterial infection that can cause severe damage to your pet ' s kidneys and liver .
Pawsitively Pets -- April 7