What Are Some Spring Dangers for Pets?
Whether you are participating in some spring cleaning, tending to your newly thawed garden, or simply enjoying time in the sun, spring is the perfect time to get outside, especially if you can spend some time with your furry friend while you’re there. But it’s important to take the necessary precautions to make sure your pet is healthy and happy going into the new season.
We at Pet Palace have compiled some key info on the possible dangers your pet could face this spring, as well as some simple, yet effective, solutions. Check out our informational guide!
1. Ticks and Fleas
Ticks and fleas are small, parasitic animals that are known to feed on the blood of mammals. Spending more time outdoors during the springtime means that both you and your pet are at greater risk of being bitten by a tick or flea.
Tick or flea bites can also lead to other diseases, such as Lyme disease, tapeworms, and much more. This is why you should regularly check your furry friend for fleas and ticks during the warmer weather months (especially if they are playing outside), and make sure to treat them accordingly with the right medication if need be.
2. Heartworm
Heartworm in pets can come from mosquito bites, which can be extremely common during the springtime. If left untreated, heartworm can affect your furry friend’s heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and parts of the central nervous system. With that in mind, here are some easy, effective, and protective measures that you can take to ensure that this doesn’t happen to your pet.
One thing you can do is make sure that your dog or cat is up to date on their heartworm vaccines from the vet, which is something the vet should be regularly checking for and treating. You can also buy heartworm medications in the store, or from popular pet-friendly websites like Chewy! The company also offers any flea or tick medication you may need for your pet.
3. Mulch and Fertilizer That Can Contain Harsh Chemicals
You know what they say: April showers bring May flowers. But with maintaining your spring garden comes mulch and fertilizer that can ultimately be harmful to your pet’s overall well-being. That is why our team wants to give you some alternatives that will make both your pet and your garden happy!
Here are some pet-friendly mulch options that we recommend for your yard:
- Fir or pine bark
- Stones or rocks
- Pine straw
- Cedar or cypress
Overall, you are going to want to avoid mulch that could contain dyes, chemicals, eucalyptus, or other salvaged wood.
Additionally, retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, and Amazon sell pet-friendly fertilizer for your yard. So, if you are looking to tidy up your garden as we head into the warmer months of the year, consider investing in clean fertilizer and mulch options that are guaranteed to keep your pet happy, healthy, and, most of all, safe.
4. Bee and Other Insect Stings
Bee and other insect stings are incredibly common, especially as the weather gets warmer and these bugs come out of hibernation. If your dog or cat does happen to be stung by a bee, wasp, or other insect, make sure that you follow these steps as soon as possible:
- Pull the stinger out of your pet’s skin with tweezers
- Minimize swelling by applying ice to the affected area
- Ask your vet for an oral antihistamine to alleviate pain
- Give your furry friend plenty of love and pets as you watch them carefully!
Though the effects of most stings on pets last around 12-24 hours, it is important to note that your dog or cat can be allergic. You will know if they are allergic if there is swelling around their face, neck, or snout after being stung. If this is the case, take your pet to the vet immediately!
5. Allergies
With plants and trees blooming in the springtime, it can lead to allergies reemerging for your pet. If your dog or cat has seasonal allergies, check with your vet to see if there is any medication that they can prescribe to you to alleviate itching, sneezing, swelling, and redness.
Another way to ease your pet’s allergies is to regularly groom them. At Pet Palace, we offer luxury dog and cat grooming for pets of all shapes and sizes. So, if your pet is suffering from allergies, you can schedule regular grooming appointments to help lessen their irritation, as well as make them feel like royalty!
Questions? Contact Pet Palace Resort Today!
Have any additional questions regarding how to take care of your pet in the springtime, or even about our vast array of services? Luckily for you, we are here to help!
Please contact our team today with any inquiries you may have. We look forward to assisting you!
Categories: Cats, Dogs, Pet Safety, Tips for Your Pets