The weather is warming up, flowers are blooming, and Easter celebrations are right around the corner. This can only mean one thing: Spring has arrived! And for pet owners that means new things to be cautious about.
While every season comes with its own set of pet dangers, here are five potential springtime hazards every pet owner should know:
1. Easter gifts and treats
An Easter celebration wouldn’t be complete without gift baskets, lilies, and chocolate bunnies. For pets, however, these are all potential hazards. If ingested, the colorful plastic grass found in Easter baskets can cause intestinal blockages, while chocolate can cause upset stomach and even heart trouble in dogs. Xylitol which is found in sugar-free candy is also toxic to pets. Ingesting a lily can cause acute kidney failure in cats. While lily poisoning doesn’t cause kidney failure in dogs, if they ingest a large amount they can experience gastrointestinal symptoms.
To prevent emergency vet visits this Easter, Sage Veterinary Centers recommends you keep a watchful eye on your furry pals during easter egg hunts and that you keep easter baskets, lilies, and candy out of your pet’s reach.
2. Spring blossoms
The arrival of spring is synonymous with new blooms. Lilies, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths are spring staples in many gardens and also among the plants that can be highly toxic to cats and dogs. Lilies can be fatal to cats if ingested, even the pollen of the plant can harm them. Ingesting daffodils can cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and heart problems. If you have a digger be especially cautious because the bulbs are the most dangerous part of the plant. According to petMD digging and eating a tulip or hyacinths bulb can spell trouble for dogs. Symptoms can include diarrhea, respiratory problems, and in rare cases cardiac arrhythmias. If you suspect your pet has ingested a bulb contact your veterinarian immediately.
3. Rising temperatures
With rising temperatures the risk of heat stroke increases in dogs. Unlike humans, animals can’t sweat so their body temperature rises more easily, which makes them more vulnerable to heat stroke. Therefore, pets should never be left unattended in cars in the spring and summer months and if left outside make sure they have shade and plenty of water. The signs of heat stroke include panting, staring, high fever, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, seizures, or collapse. If you suspect heat stroke, Sage Veterinary Center recommends that you seek immediate medical attention. For more information on heat stroke prevention and detection read this article by Sage Veterinary Centers.
4. Increased outdoor time
Warmer weather and sunny skies means more time spent outdoors and more chances for your pet to come into contact with bugs and insects. Remember to stay current with preventive medication for heartworm as well as tick and flea protection. Like humans, dogs can also experience allergic reactions to pollen and bug bites such as itching, sneezing, or life-threatening anaphylactic shock. If you suspect your pet might be having an allergic reaction contact your nearest vet.
5. Spring Cleaning
Before you tackle your spring cleaning list of chores, remember that almost all cleaning products, even natural ones, contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets if ingested. While dogs may be more curious and get into trouble by chewing or sniffing things, cats are also at risk when they inadvertently come into contact with chemicals and then attempt to clean their coat. To keep pets safe, be sure to keep all cleaners and chemical out of your pet’s reach.
Prepare for the unexpected
One last and final tip we have is to prepare for the unexpected. We highly recommend downloading the ASPCA Animal Poison Control App to our clients. It is a great resource to consult if you suspect your pet might have ingested something poisonous.
Another way to prepare for the unexpected is to budget for unforeseen accidents and illness by signing up for pet insurance. We recommend Embrace Pet Insurance!
And finally, if the unexpected happens and your pet requires emergency medical transport, 360 Pet Cab is just one phone call away! And the best part is that ambulance care is covered by most pet insurance providers including Embrace Pet Insurance.