Spring is the time when it feels like the world is coming alive again, the sun is shining, and flowers are in bloom. For dogs, this could be the perfect opportunity to take a walk in the park, go for a run or play in the yard. However, there are some dangers that are unique to this time of year that you should be aware of as a dog owner. This blog looks at seven of the most common spring hazards for your furry companions and measures to take to prevent them.
Allergies are in the air
Almost 10 to 20% of dogs suffer from allergies. That’s almost one in five dogs! Seasonal allergies occur only during specific times of the year. Sneezing, runny nose, excessive itching, licking and scratching are a few tell-tale signs of seasonal allergies in dogs. These symptoms may range from mild to severe depending on your dog’s immunity and overall health. A dog with a hypersensitive immune system can exhibit severe reactions to allergens like dust, mold, or tree pollens. Dogs are exposed to these allergens either directly when they may brush through the flowers, pollens that they may step on, or indirectly when they inhale or sniff the ones dispersed in air. Whatever the path, avoiding these allergens can be possible if proper measures are taken. Some effective ways to keep allergies at bay are by limiting outdoor exposure, giving them weekly baths and supplementing their diet with nutrients that can help manage them. Premium quality dietary supplements, made from natural ingredients, can help maintain immunity in dogs and offer unique allergy support by helping maintain normal histamine levels and helping with skin-related issues in dogs.
Spring showers can bring toxic flowers
All that blooms isn’t always harmless! Flowers are in full bloom during spring and can be a subject of curiosity for your pups. However, numerous spring flowers can be poisonous and therefore, dangerous to your furry friend. Daffodils, tulips and lilies carry toxins that on ingestion, may cause serious harm to your dog including diarrhea, vomiting and even death. To be safe, steer clear of these flowers during daily walks with your dog. Keeping such plants out of your garden, backyard and home is the best way to keep your dog safe. In addition to that, dog parks and fenced yards also help in keeping your pooch out of harm’s way.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep
As the weather gets warmer, there is more opportunity for outdoor fun. Walks are essential in maintaining your dog’s joint health. Unfortunately, this also means that there is a higher risk of your dog having a chance encounter with tree branches and sticks. Pet owners often use these seemingly innocuous sticks as toys to play fetch with their dogs. Wood can splinter when chewed on by dogs or carry molds in them, which on ingestion can be the cause of digestive issues, intestinal obstruction and allergies as well. Splintered branches and sticks can get jammed under your dog’s gums, chip their teeth, damage the surrounding tissues, injure the dog’s mouth, and lead to some unpleasant infections, accompanied by pain. No matter how great the sticks may seem, your dog’s toys are always a better alternative.
The bugs are out
Spring is the season when insects like mosquitoes, fleas and ticks become active again. Ticks and fleas carrying dangerous bacteria and viruses can enter your dog’s fur, eventually causing health issues. Mosquitoes are attracted to dogs’ body heat and carry parasitic worms that can cause diseases like Heartworm, an Spring is the season when insects like mosquitoes, fleas and ticks become active again. Ticks and fleas carrying dangerous bacteria and viruses can enter your dog’s fur, eventually causing health issues. Mosquitoes are attracted to dogs’ body heat and carry parasitic worms that can cause diseases like Heartworm, an infection that travels through the bloodstream and affects the lungs, heart and arteries of dogs, and is the leading cause of death in dogs. With flowers blooming all around, bees aren’t far away either. Dogs allergic to bee venom may exhibit severe allergic reactions. Therefore, it is vital that pet owners protect their dogs from getting bitten by these pests. Following a proper heartworm and flea and tick regimen is very important – talk to your veterinarian to find out which is the best solution for your dog.
Keep the pesticides away
A recent study found that dogs are more at risk of encountering herbicides and insecticides because they often walk on lawns or go on walks in the woods. Herbicides are typically considered less toxic and usually will only affect them when consumed in large quantities. If you have a lawn, make sure to keep them off it for a specific timeframe before allowing them to go on it because common yard and garden chemicals such as slug bait or weed killer can be hazardous to your dog. Many fertilizers are also harmful if ingested, while some may cause skin irritation if they come in contact with your furry friend’s coat. Herbicides and insecticides are considered dangerous to dogs since these chemicals make their way through a pet’s digestive tract, weakening the immune system and giving rise to health issues. It’s also important to keep all poisonous garden supplies locked up and out of your dog’s reach.
Spring cleaning risks
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home, but it’s important to keep your pet’s safety in mind. When cleaning the house, avoid exposing your pet to Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home, but it’s important to keep your pet’s safety in mind. When cleaning the house, avoid exposing your pet to harmful chemicals. It’s a good idea to keep your dog in a separate room with their toys and food while you’re working. This way they don’t accidentally get sick from any household cleaners or other products. Allergic reactions, gastrointestinal irritation, and kidney damage are just some of the symptoms waiting to happen when your pet licks or breathes in the harmful fumes. A few precautions can change all that. The ASPCA recommends that you wait to clean your home until the weather starts to get warmer, so that you can leave windows open and let fresh air circulate. Pet owners should also avoid using any products with strong odors like ammonia or bleach as they can be toxic to pets. It’s a good idea to keep your pup out of the way when you’re cleaning and, if possible, to use natural cleaners.
All about tummy ‘matters’
As the season changes, your pup may face digestive issues. With pleasant weather and longer days, trips with your pup are more frequent. However, change in the environment, traveling, change of weather and other such factors can trigger gut issues in dogs that can lead to digestive difficulties like diarrhea, dehydration, and gas. Additionally, fertilizers and other chemicals can be harmful to dogs because they can contain heavy metals. Though they may not have an immediate effect, there is a chance the dog may start vomiting and result in some serious issues. It’s important to keep an eye out for signs of discomfort, like changes in poop, lack of appetite, decreased activity, among other things. Consider adopting a seasonal regimen of high-quality
probiotics, fruits and vegetables or other natural ingredients that can help maintain their gut health.
Conclusion:
Spring can be a fun time for dogs if you keep them safe from the dangers that come with it. Pets Prefer is dedicated to bringing only the finest ingredients, innovation, technology and quality standards to products. Formulated by experts and backed by passion for your pet’s wellness, our promise to you is to provide the best in science and premium nutrition so your pet can live a long and happy life. Adding Pets Prefer supplements to your pet’s daily routine can help support their well-being naturally at any stage. Pets Prefer products are powered by ADEPPT™ technology, giving your pet the nutritional immune system support unmatched by competitors.
At Pets Prefer, we always recommend consulting with your vet first to make sure your pet has the absolute best plan for staying protected from these hazards. However, we do hope you found our recommendations helpful.
Your pet’s wellness is our priority! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below or send an email to [email protected].