The sun is shining, the blossom is on the trees and the days are getting longer. Hurrah for Spring! 

As days get longer and warmer, there are hazards for our pets that we need to be aware of and do our best to avoid.  

Parasites and Insects

Fleas and Ticks

As the weather gets warmer, fleas and ticks are hatching and becoming active.  Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and the less common, Babesiosis. Both diseases can be nasty, and fleas are a real nuisance to our pets and us. 

Regularly check your pet for signs of fleas and ticks, especially after walks in grassy or wooded areas,  and use vet-recommended preventative treatments regularly. If your pet is medicated against these parasites they may hop onto your pet but will them quickly hop or drop off.

Lungworm 

Dogs are at risk of lungworm if they eat slugs, snails, or lick their slime trails. Cats are also at risk of contracting a different type of lungworm if they eat slugs and snails, or small animals and birds that have eaten slugs and snails. Lungworm in cats is relatively rare, but the numbers of reported cases are growing. 

Symptoms can include coughing, breathing difficulties, fever, bloodshot eyes, nose bleeds and prolonged clotting of cuts. Take your pet to the vet immediately if you suspect they have lungworm.

Stinging Insects 

Bees and wasps start to emerge in the spring and are a hazard to us and our pets! Try and stop your pets from trying to catch them as a sting can be painful, leading to swelling or in some cases, an allergic reaction. Severe allergic reactions could lead to anaphylactic shock which requires urgent veterinary care.

Toxic Plants

Many spring bulbs are toxic to pets if they eat them so watch your pets when planting spring bulbs ‘in the green’, or if you have the flowers in the house.  

• Daffodils: Can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and irregular heart rhythms.
• Lilies: Are extremely dangerous for cats, potentially causing fatal kidney damage.
• Tulips, Hyacinths and Bluebells: Their bulbs are particularly toxic, causing gastrointestinal upset and sometimes heart issues.

Other toxic plants include crocuses, foxglove, azaleas, and buttercups. If you have any of these plants in your garden keep an eye on your pets, especially if they tend to eat anything! 

Seasonal Allergies

Pets can have allergies to pollen, grass, or other environmental factors just as we can, so if you notice your pet developing itchy skin, watery eyes, sneezing, having ear problems and respiratory issues, it might be the cause. Your vet can provide advice on how to help your pet manage these symptoms effectively.

Easter Treats

We all love our easter eggs but don’t be tempted to share with your dog no matter how much they beg, as chocolate is highly toxic to dogs due to theobromine content. Similarly, raisins and grapes found in hot cross buns can cause kidney failure in dogs. Keep all Easter treats out of reach of pets, and all to yourself! 

Outdoor Hazards

Countryside walks

As we venture out into the countryside it’s a good idea to be aware of the potential hazards for our dogs.  It’s important to keep your dog on a lead near livestock to avoid stress or injury to your dog and the farm animals. Cows can be aggressive, especially if they have calves and can be particularly aggressive towards dogs. Sheep worrying is a serious offence and can result in your dog injuring sheep and lambs and your dog being destroyed.    

Heatstroke 

On warm days, walk your dog when it is cooler in the early morning or evening and make sure all pets have access to water and shade.

Garden Chemicals 

If you use fertilizers, weed killers, pesticides and slug pellets, they can be poisonous if our pets eat them or drink them Store these products securely and be careful when and how you use them.

Spring is a wonderful time and by being aware of the risks and making sure your pets have regular vet check-ups we can all enjoy the season safely.

It’s also important to make sure you have dog or cat health insurance for your furry friends so if something does happen, you can take your pet to the vet without worrying about the cost of treatment.  Check out pet insurance reviews and compare policy features to help you decide on the best pet insurance policy for you.