A SPRING SAFETY GUIDE FOR YOUR DOG

Our four-legged and furry friends’ safety is our top priority as pet owners. And now that spring is almost here, there are new risks and dangers to be aware of. Make sure you’re thinking about our dogs before you start eating those chocolate Easter eggs or using harsh chemicals to clean the house for spring.

So, now that the grass is starting to grow and the weather is getting nicer, let’s take a look at some of the dangers to your dog that you need to be aware of.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE IN THE SPRING

Let’s jump right into how to keep your pet safe this spring, now that you know what to watch out for.

GROWING YOUR GARDEN

Spring is the best time to give your garden a makeover; the weather is warming up, the grass is getting greener, and the flowers are blooming.

Having a spotless garden, however, is a pipe dream when you have a dog, as we’re sure all dog owners know. Despite our best efforts, our dogs always manage to destroy our lawns, dig up our flowers, and destroy our vegetable gardens. As entertaining as it may seem, there are some serious risks involved for your dog.

Many flowers, including those in the lily family, tulips, and hyacinths, are toxic to dogs if ingested. It’s important to note that eating daffodil bulbs, even though their flowers are a cheery representation of spring, can lead to severe stomach pain and even death. We can only pray that your dog is not a hoarder or a digger.

Your dog may be too much of a rascal to be trusted around your flowerbeds, in which case you may want to enclose them.

Protecting your dog this season

How to ensure your dog’s safety this season
But it’s not just canines that can be destructive to flowerbeds; garden pests like snails and slugs emerge in the spring, too, and it can be tempting to use chemicals to get rid of them. Be sure to read the labels before putting any new products out in the garden, as some of them may contain metaldehyde, which is extremely toxic to dogs.

The same goes for lawn fertilizer; make sure you’re only using pet-safe products to keep your dog healthy.

If you know your pup has ingested any of your potentially dangerous plants, pesticides or fertilisers, or they suddenly become poorly after spending lots of time outside, take them to the vet immediately to get to the root of the problem.

SPRING CLEANING

When the weather warms up in the spring, many of us take the opportunity to clean our homes from top to bottom.

But with spring cleaning comes a plethora of cleaning products, some of which may contain chemicals that are bad for your dog if he or she eats them. Pets can be seriously injured or killed by ingesting toxic substances, so it’s important to always double-check product labels to make sure they’re pet-safe before purchasing and storing. All products you use for home improvement projects count as well. If you can’t find the ideal cleaning product for your pet, you can always make your own!

Be aware that most dogs enjoy pinching a sock or two if left unattended, so keep an eye on your inquisitive canine as you begin decluttering everything. Keep an eye out for sneaky critters, as even seemingly harmless items could pose danger if they fell into the hands of our canine companions.

ALLERGIES

Dogs can get allergies just like people. While some of our canine friends have seasonal allergies, others have to deal with itchy skin, dermatitis, and chronic sneezing all year round. As with hay fever in people, this is quite similar.

PESKY PARASITES AND INSECT STINGS

Dog owners should be on the lookout for parasites at all times, but warmer weather tends to bring out parasites like fleas and ticks in greater numbers. Similar to how bees and wasps begin to emerge, ready to sting your dog’s nose if given the chance.

Be sure to maintain your dog’s flea and tick preventatives up to date and perform regular inspections of his fur to ensure that he can continue to enjoy his walks and time outside without interruption from these pesky pests.

Due to their inquisitive nature, dogs are almost guaranteed to encounter bees and wasps. In any case, we have a detailed post on what to do if your dog gets stung, so you can have them all fixed up and sting-free in no time.

SPRING TREATS

The nicest part of Spring is, of course, Easter eggs. Furthermore, although we humans enjoy these tasty goodies, our pets are at risk of fatal poisoning.

Theobromine, a stimulant found in chocolate and considered harmful to dogs due to its similarity to caffeine, can cause gastrointestinal distress, hyperactivity, and even death. Keep the Easter candy, especially the chocolate eggs, out of the reach of your dog this year. The good news is that this means there’s more for you to enjoy!

Springtime pet care considerations

How to take care of your dog during the spring
In the spring, hot cross buns are another possible Easter treat, but watch out for your sneaky dog if you leave them out. Our dog’s stomachs can’t tolerate the sugar in these tempting buns, and the raisins (and even chocolate) inside can be deadly to them.

EXTRA WALKIES

Warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours (well, we hope so, we all know what UK weather can be like!) mean that your dog will likely spend more time in the park than they did during the dark, cold months of winter. You should update your dog’s microchip and dog tag with current contact information if you plan to take him or her on additional off-leash walks. As a result, you and your dog will have a better chance of avoiding harm when out on pleasant strolls in the fresh spring air.

How to keep your dog safe during spring

Precautions to take this spring to keep your dog safe
Also, while we shouldn’t rush things and start planning our beach vacation just yet, our furry pals may be in danger from the rising temps. Because of their large, fluffy coats, our dogs are especially vulnerable to the heat, and heatstroke is especially dangerous when combined with strenuous physical activity.

When spending a lot of time outside, it’s important to keep your dog cool and hydrated by offering plenty of shade and relaxation. Never, ever, ever leave your dog in a hot car or a poorly ventilated conservatory, especially during the warmer months.

RECAP

As long as you and your dog take some basic safety measures, the warmer weather of spring is yours to enjoy together. Like every other season, spring has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to taking care of our dogs, but as long as you’re prepared for the potential problems, you shouldn’t have any major issues.