Spring is in the air; days are longer and warmer weather is creeping in slowly but surely. However, with the new season comes a whole host of hazards for your pets that you should be aware of.
After months of snuggling on the sofa under blankets and staying in the warm, you and your pets will be eager to get out in the sunshine.
We have come up with a list of Spring hazards that your pets could be exposed to, with some tips on how to stay safe.
1. Seasonal Allergies. Dust, pollen and bee/wasp stings are among the most common to cause allergic reactions in pets. Symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, excessive scratching and licking/chewing. If you notice that your pet is suffering from any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your vet as soon as possible to ensure suitable treatment can be given to ease their discomfort.
2. Fancy Flowers. You will have noticed flowers blooming with the warmer weather, although they are beautiful to look at, flowers such as azaleas, rhododendrons and lilies can be fatal to cats. Lilies are extremely toxic and are deadly If consumed. We would recommend not having them in the house if you’re a cat owner, but if you do, keep them well out of reach. The kennel Club have a list of all plants and flowers that are toxic to dogs, and Pet md have a list for cats;
3. Road Trip. No doubt you will be out and about exploring at every opportunity given, however, you must remember to stay safe when travelling in the car. It is now a legal requirement that: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.” Failing to do so could land you with a hefty fine. There are many options available for safe travel, such as seat belt clips and crates.
4. Cast not a clout, till May be out. What would Spring be without showers (especially around Bank Holiday weekends). Stagnant water accumulates in puddles, garden toys and ever drain covers. Make sure your pets do not drink from them as this can lead to a poorly tummy and in some cases bacterial infections.
5. Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot. On the flip side, heatwaves cannot be ruled out, which can lead to a risk of too much sun exposure for your pets. Make sure your animals do not spend too much time in the sun, keep fresh water supplies topped up and if going for a walk, make sure the ground isn’t too hot. Testing the back of your palm on the ground is a good indicator – if it is too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.
6. Spring Cleaning. The urge to clean your home from top to bottom will soon be setting in. Please bear in mind what chemicals you are using when doing so and keep them out of reach from your pets. Some cleaning agents can be irritants so again, if you notice any side affects such as those listed in the allergies section, contact your vet for advice.
Adder Bites. The only venomous snake native to the UK is the European adder. They can be identified by their brown or black zigzag pattern, with a V on the back of their head. During Spring adders are coming out of hibernation, so be on the look out if you are visiting areas such as woodland, beaches and hillsides. Signs of an adder bite include drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, restlessness and being generally lethargic. Bites are dangerous so seek medical advice