Spring is just around the corner and you are probably starting to itch for warmer weather, longer days, and fresh greenery poking up from the ground. In order to be prepared for spring and it’s hazards to your pet, here are just a few tips from us at Lakeshore Road Animal Hospital that you should keep in mind while preparing for the warmer days.

Easter

This holiday is essentially the sure sign that spring is about to come. We might celebrate by hiding chocolate around the yard and having a treasure hunt to search for all the tasty eggs! Ensure that once the hunt is over, there are not remaining chocolates hiding under a bush or else you might have a very sick dog or cat who will require medical attention ASAP! While conducting the hunt try to keep pets inside or on a leash to prevent the chance of them ingesting the tasty toxin. Lilies are also a favorite at Easter, but did you know that lilies are extremely toxic to our cats? Just a little nibble or a small sip from the water that held lilies in it can damage your cat’s kidneys so badly that they can get Acute Renal Failure, which is deadly. If you have any cats in your house, it’s best to keep lilies out.

Plants

For those of you with a green-thumb who plan out which plants you’ll be planting this year, keep in mind that some plants are toxic to your pets and will result in various issues that could even be deadly. It’s best to avoid planting any toxic plants if you’ve got cats or dogs wandering your yard. Some of these poisonous plants include: Yews, English Ivy, Azaleas, Chrysanthemums, any variety of Lilies, Autumn Crocus, Tulips, and Amaryllis. This is not an entire list of all the toxic plants, so either do some research or contact your Veterinarian to see if you have chosen the right plants for your yard.

Spring Cleaning Chemicals

As you wipe up all the winters dust, open the windows to let the fresh air in, and do a deep clean of your home, keep your chemicals out of reach from your pets. Cleaning chemicals should never be ingested by anyone, human or animal. If you pet is a little too nosy and gets into the chemicals, call your Veterinarian right away!

Yard and Garden Hazards

It might be a little early for this one, but once you start spreading things on your lawn, it’s important to keep your pets off. Dogs love to sniff and nibble at grass and plants, or even dig in the dirt. After spreading insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers around your yard, make sure to give it a couple days before allowing your dogs out to wander the yard. Bringing them for walks once or twice a day will still provide them with the fresh air and exercise they require.

Seasonal Allergies

Some pets, specifically small white dogs, tend to get allergies in the spring the same way humans do. Pets don’t show the same signs as us, however. They won’t have a runny nose and sneezing the same way we do though, they will get itchy skin. They might lick their paws excessively or itch their skin frequently. The fur or hair on their paws will change into a slightly reddish colour if they lick their paws to much, due to an enzyme in their saliva. They might also get ear infections as a result and you might notice them itching and shaking their heads. Contact your Veterinarian to find the right products to help manage your pet’s allergies. 

Exercise Injuries

Just like us, our pets get really excited when the air starts to warm up! They might tear around the yard endlessly after being “cooped-up” all winter long. Their muscle mass might have gone down over the winter or they may be getting older and their bones and joints can’t handle the movement the way it once did. Start slow with your pet so they can gradually build up that athlete body they once had. If your pet is anywhere from 5 to 7 years old, it might be time to consider adding a glucosamine + chondroitin supplement to your pet’s diet to lubricate joints that are beginning to age. Contact your Veterinarian to find an appropriate supplement for your pet. 

Parasites

Warmer weather means that parasites are able to survive in the environment. Worm eggs can be found in soil which can then be inhaled or ingested by our pets. Ticks are also something that we start to worry about once the weather warms up above freezing. For any questions you might have on ticks, check out our blog “http://www.oakvillevets.com/blog/783-it-s-november...”. Visit us for your cat and dog’s parasite prevention medications!

Heartworm

Heartworm is fatal and 100% preventable! Visit us at Lakeshore Road Animal Hospital in April to have your dogs blood test done and to receive your heartworm prevention medication!

If you have any questions please call us at 289-837-0100 or you can contact us through our website!

Lakeshore Road Animal Hospital

2319 Lakeshore Road W, Oakville

289-837-0100