It’s important to practice spring safety as you start bringing your dog outdoors more often where they are exposed to more natural hazards.
Spring is an amazing time for pet owners. It’s finally getting warm enough to go for more walks, meet friends at the dog park, and try out fun new activities you’ve been dreaming about all winter. With spring comes some new safety concerns that every pet parent should be aware of, so we’ve got a few spring safety tips for pet owners to keep in mind.
Poisonous Plants
Some plants can be toxic to our pets, and that can spell disaster if you aren’t sure about what’s growing around you. The ASPCA has a great resource on plants, showing both toxic and non-toxic options for dogs, cats, and horses. This can be an invaluable resource for gardeners or any dog owners that like to take walks in heavily wooded areas.
Guarded Garden
Plants aren’t the only thing that can be toxic in a home garden. Many gardeners have things like fertilizer, herbicides, and insecticides available because they’re needed to keep the garden healthy and manage any problems. However, these items are toxic to our pets, and they should be stored well out of reach. You should also be careful when applying these to your garden and giving your pet access. If your pet ingests any of these, it could spell serious trouble. Make sure you have ways to keep your garden off-limits while fertilizer and chemicals are being absorbed into the soil.
Foxtail Frolic
Ugh, foxtails. These pesky weeds have tiny little barbed seeds that can wreak absolute havoc on your pet. The seeds have a knack for burrowing into the skin or getting into the eyes, ears, and mouths of animals that happen across them. They can cause infections or serious internal damage if left alone, so it’s best to remove them straight away if you spot any. You can use tweezers to remove the seeds—remember to check inside the mouth, nose, and between your pup’s paw pads. These little barbed menaces can be very tiny and difficult to spot, so be thorough. If your pup starts experiencing swelling, discharge, or other unusual issues, call your primary veterinarian to have them seen as soon as possible.
Slip Screens
We’ve all opened a window to enjoy a fresh spring breeze wafting into our home. There’s nothing quite like getting some fresh air back into the house after a long winter season, but this can be a safety hazard for our pets. If you’re going to be opening your windows to let in some air, take a minute to ensure that your window screens are secure. Pets are innately curious and not always aware of the danger they’re putting themselves in. Every spring, cats and dogs tumble out of windows that either don’t have screens or don’t have screens that are secure enough to hold against the force of an excited pet. It’s worth investing in better screens if necessary to keep open windows safe for your companion.
Bypass Bugs
Don’t forget that warm weather also means bug season—this means heartworm, fleas, and ticks. If your pet isn’t currently on medication to prevent these from becoming a problem, make sure to take a trip to your primary veterinarian and get them back on these critical medications.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.