Spring can also be dangerous for your pet!
This is for sure a wonderful time that gives you the chance to finally get some fresh air and sunshine after the winter. This is why people love spring. It’s the symbol of rebirth, and all the nature is waking up and taking over.
But this change can also bring some problems for your pet. Yes, the green grass is nice, but seasonal allergies and some other risks that could be life-threatening are not fun at all. The world around us changes quickly, and not always in ways that are pet-friendly. As a pet owner, you should be aware of all of this and take action when needed.
Even a simple walk in the park or letting your dog sniff around the yard could lead to a vet visit if you’re not careful. So, don’t overlook these risks because the health of your pet and their happiness depend on you. Let’s make sure this season stays fun and safe!
Some plants are dangerous
As soon as spring begins, you might want to start gardening. After all, this is the perfect time for that, right? The problem is that some of the most beautiful plants are also the most dangerous ones for your pets. Certain species are highly toxic, especially to cats and dogs, and being informed about this topic is a must for any pet parent.
For example, lilies are wonderful flowers, but they can rapidly kill your cat. And we are very serious about this! Every part of the lily plant, from petals to pollen, can lead to kidney failure, seizures, or even death if ingested.
Lilies can be found in most spring floral arrangements or in people’s gardens. If your cat likes nibbling on plants, make sure you are keeping lilies completely out of your home and garden. This is the best measure if you want to protect them.
Besides lilies, we also need to mention the Japanese yew tree. Most people use it for landscaping because it looks very nice, but unfortunately, it contains toxins that can affect the heart, causing abnormal heart rates or blood pressure issues in pets.
When in doubt, consult the ASPCA’s online library of toxic plants to make sure your outdoor space stays as safe as possible for your four-legged family members.
It’s time to update ID tags and microchip information
The more time your pet spends outside, the more opportunities for them to run away and get lost. This is a rule anyone should know about springtime and take the necessary steps required to prevent such events.
The easiest way to do this is to make sure your friend is properly identified before you start going outside and taking advantage of all that sunshine. Grab a well-fitting collar, and the most important step is to include an ID tag that contains your pet’s name, your current phone number, and your address. If your pet ever gets lost, this will make a huge difference, and someone will probably bring them back to you.
But maybe even more important than this is to get your pet microchipped if they aren’t already. Spring is a great time to consider it, and microchips are probably the best identification method out there. These chips are always there, and they can’t get lost or fall.
If they are already microchipped, you need to double-check that your contact info is up to date. You might change your phone number and forget about it, so it is better to make sure everything is alright.
Be careful when gardening
Spring is the favorite season for every gardener because this is when the action happens. But despite this wonderful opportunity to transform your yard into the garden of your dreams, you should make sure that you leave the digging, planting, and fertilizing to the humans. Your pets should not be around you when you are gardening and using various products or tools. Some of them are incredibly harmful, and this is probably the safest approach.
For example, fertilizers, weed killers, and other lawn-care products are amazing for your garden, but they are not safe for pets. And we all know how curious pets are! Your pup will surely want to sniff around, and this can lead to unfortunate accidents that can harm their health.
If your pup or cat manages to chew on a fertilizer bag, you might notice symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain. Generally, this means that a vet visit is mandatory. But even if your pet doesn’t ingest the products directly, walking through treated grass can cause minor issues.
A beautiful garden is great, but the health of your pet is more important. Take the necessary precautions to keep your friend safe. Spring should be a stress-free season for everyone.
Protect them from bees
Green grass and blooming flowers! What a wonderful scenery. This is spring, and this is why we love it so much. But all of these flowers also mean that the bees will come out. Don’t get us wrong, we love the bees, but their stings can be really dangerous for anyone allergic.
A sting on the paw, leg, or body may only cause mild swelling or discomfort. This is a simple case when the vet will recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benadryl to help reduce the reaction.
The problem is that some pets, just like humans, can be allergic, and this is when things get complicated. Stings to the face or mouth area are the most dangerous because the swellings around the throat can impair breathing, and this can transform a small incident into a real tragedy.
If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction like excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or collapse, contact your vet immediately.
Seasonal allergies
Yeah, spring is awesome, and it can be all sunshine and blooming flowers for you, but what about your pet? If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know what we are talking about. Itchy skin, watery eyes, and nonstop sneezing are terrible, but they are not things that just humans experience. Animals can also be allergic, and they suffer as much as you do.
If you notice that your friend is chewing or licking their paws more than usual or that they are obsessively scratching, these can be signs of an allergy. Runny eyes, sneezing, and inflamed skin are other common red flags you should watch out for.
At first, the symptoms can be mild, but as time passes by, they become worse, and the quality of life of your pet can greatly be affected. This is why allergies are no joke, and they should be addressed properly.
Hopefully, since allergies are very common, there are a bunch of effective treatment options. Your vet will decide which one is the best based on the severity of the reaction. Antihistamines, special shampoos, or even prescription allergy meds are all widely available and effective.
In the meantime, make sure to regularly groom your pet, wipe their paws after outdoor play, and even use air purifiers indoors because this greatly reduces allergen exposure.
If you want to try an air purifier, this one might be a good option: Air Purifiers for Home Bedroom, H13 HEPA Air Filter Cleaner
You should also read: 7 Wonderful Dog Breeds That Chase Rodents Away
