Springtime Safety Tips For Pets This Easter
My Family Vets share their top spring safety tips to keep our pets 'hoppy' this spring and Easter.
Spring has finally sprung - the days are getting warmer and longer which means we can all spend more time outdoors. There are a few things we can do to ensure our pets enjoy springtime safely.
Chocolate and hot cross buns might be tasty for us but if they are ingested by our dogs it can be fatal! Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs. It contains a substance called theobromine, which affects your dog’s heart, kidneys and central nervous system. Hot cross buns contain raisins which are HIGHLY toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
It is important that you seek veterinary advice immediately if your dog ingests these items.
With the lambing season well underway it’s important to keep all dogs on leads and under control when walking in fields with livestock. Farmers can legally shoot any dogs on their land that are harming the livestock. Keep your dogs on leads at all times when walking in fields with sheep to prevent any unwanted accidents.
Daffodils are toxic to dogs (especially the bulb). They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and abdominal pain. If ingested seek veterinary advice. Lilies (the whole plant) are highly toxic to cats and if ingested can cause kidney failure. We advise you not to keep lilies in the house if you own cats and to seek immediate veterinary attention if you think your cat has eaten any part of the plant.
Here are some more common plants that are toxic to our pets:
• Azaleas
• Clematis
• Foxgloves
• Hyacinths
• Iris
• Lily of the Valley
• Rhododendrons
• Tulips
Please Leave Fledgling Birds Alone
If they have fallen from the nest the chances are the mother is nearby. Also, keep dogs and cats away from them so they do not disturb the fledgling.
If you find a fledgling and are unsure of what to do, contact your local vet.
Spring Brings a Lot of Pets Into Season
Please make sure all cats that are not neutered are kept indoors if in season, to help prevent unwanted pregnancies. Or even better, why not neuter your pet?
Lungworm is a parasite that can affect dogs which are passed on from the ingestion of slugs, snails and their trails. Infection with lungworm can cause serious health problems and can even be fatal if left untreated.
It can be prevented by a simple monthly treatment, purchased from your local vet. (You won’t find these products at your local supermarket as they are prescription-only.)
You might want to start planting and tidying your garden ready for the summer but be careful when using weed killer and fertilizers. These products can be toxic to your pet. Make sure all products are out of reach from little paws and keep them inside when using products in the garden.
As it warms up we will start to see more infestations of fleas. Make sure your pet is regularly treated for fleas & worms. Dogs and cats should be treated once a month to prevent fleas. Remember prevention is always easier than cure!
Microchipping is now a legal requirement for dogs, so it is a good time to make sure your pooch has a chip. Also, cats may start to wander outside more often when the days get warmer and longer, so make sure your cat has a microchip and that your details are up to date on the chip.
By My Family Vets
My Family Vets is a network of veterinary practices across the UK that combine clinical and professional excellence with a simple, unabridged love of all things pets.
https://www.myfamilyvets.co.uk/
Originally published 2017-04-05
