Springtime and Summertime Hazards for Your Pet
Yard Debris: As winter gives way to spring, we find it necessary to clean up debris in our yard accumulated over the course of the winter. This can include tree branches and limbs, pine cones, pine needles and shrubbery limbs. All of these can pose a hazard to your pet if chewed on or ingested. It is best to do post-winter cleanup as soon as weather permits, as well as not use any of these items in a game of fetch with your pet.
Open Windows & Doors: Warmer weather prompts us to open windows and doors and enjoy the warm breezes. Open windows and doors can be enticing to a pet that wants to wander beyond the confines of the home, and can be enticing to cats that can jump or fall through an unscreened door or window. Be sure that windows, doors and porches have proper screening on them to avoid escape and injury, and also keep outdoor fencing and gates secure to avoid escape. In addition, be sure that your pet is microchipped in case escape does occur.
Traveling: We travel more in summer months and we often take our pets with us to enjoy the journey. If you decide to do so, please be sure that your pet is up to date on vaccinations, is microchipped in case he/she is separated from you, that you have a copy of your pet’s medical history with you in case of an emergency and also consult with your veterinarian as to the legal requirements for state-to-state and international travel for pets.
New Plants, Lawn & Garden Fertilizers & Insecticides: Getting ready for spring and summer with lawn and garden projects can be exciting, but be aware that some plants, fertilizers and insecticides, including slug bait, can be harmful to your pet. Ingestion of these items can result in vomiting, diarrhea, seizure or even death. Follow these links for a listing of specific items that can be harmful:
If you still want to utilize any items that can be harmful to your pet, please be sure to use them in an area that your pet cannot access.
In addition, there are some plants, such as Foxtail and Grass Burr, whose buds and stems can attach themselves to your pet’s fur and eventually become embedded into your pet’s skin, causing local irritation and infection. Some of these can also cause damage to the eye if your pet comes in contact with these. Routinely check your pet’s fur and eyes to make sure that there are no signs of injury. If you do see evidence of injury, seek medical attention.
Chocolate & Artificial Sweeteners: With the advent of Easter comes the advent of chocolate and sugar-free candies, both of which can be toxic to your pet. Chocolate is toxic to pets due to its Theobromine content and sugar-free candies can be toxic due to artificial sweeteners. So it is best to keep these in the Easter basket and away from your pets.
Easter Baskets, Yard Decorations and Baby Pets: Easter baskets come with not only candy but plastic grass and toys that can cause gastrointestinal obstructions and/or irritations if ingested. Yard decorations, especially ones with small, moving parts can cause the same problems. And small baby pets such as chicks or bunnies can appear as toys or an appetizing snack to some pets. To avoid these complications, keep your pet away from Easter baskets and yard decorations that pose this hazard, and resist the urge to give your child a baby animal for Easter; spend time with your existing pet and take your child to a petting zoo instead.
CleanersHome Improvement Toxins: Are you planning on doing spring cleaning and maintenance? Be aware that there are many toxins found in household cleaners, solvents, paints and glues that while safe for human use, may become toxic to our pets when exposed in the same quantity. This may even include some cleaners marked “safe for pets”. When in doubt of a substance’s toxic potential, call your veterinarian, an emergency veterinary service or an animal poison control center hotline* (see below) ASAP; the earlier you can address any toxin ingestion, the better.
Seasonal Allergies: Pets can suffer from seasonal allergies just as humans do; it is a common complaint seen by veterinarians. Signs can be respiratory in nature such as sneezing, runny eyes and coughing. Other signs that can be seen arescratching at ears or skin, and licking or chewing at the feet or other parts of the body. Recognizing these signs can be very helpful to your veterinarian in determining the nature of the allergy and how best to treat it.
Flea & Tick Prevention and Heartworm Prevention: The spring and summer months can bring little critters that can be a big nuisance for your kiddos. Fleas and ticks can bring itchiness and tick-borne disease and mosquitoes can carry Heartworm disease to your pet, including cats. Applying monthly flea and tick preventative and giving your pet Heartworm preventative monthly can do wonders for protecting your pet.
Pet-On-Pet Interactions: Warmer weather allows us to enjoy the outdoors more frequently with our pets, either on walks or at the dog park. However, not all pets will interact peacefully. Keeping your pet on a leash or confined within the outdoors, as well as being educated and aware of aggressive and protective pet behaviors will go a long way to keeping you and your pet out of an emergency situation. In addition, females in heat can generate aggressive behavior among males; it is best to keep any females known to be in heat confined in order to avoid conflict. Contact your veterinarian or a local dog/pet trainer for additional information on how to recognize these behaviors.
Disaster Preparedness: Spring and summer can bring with them severe weather concerns, from tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to flooding and drought. Keep your pets in mind when preparing for these concerns. When your pet is outdoors, make sure he/she has ample fresh water, shade and shelter, and in the case of severe weather requiring immediate shelter, please include your pets in your shelter accommodations. Just as you would prepare an emergency kit for yourself, prepare one for your pet that includes food, water, up to date vet records and photos of you with your pet in case you do become separated. Microchipping will also help ensure that if your pet does become separated from you, he/she can be returned home. Go to the following website for more information on disaster preparedness for your pets:
We hope that you and your pets have a safe and happy Spring and Summer!
References:
*ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Hotline (888-426-4435)