With spring just around the corner, many of us are eagerly waiting for the warmer weather and the vibrant colors of spring to emerge. However, alongside the warmer weather, spring also brings certain hazards that can pose risks to dogs. It’s important that we understand and recognize these dangers and the steps dog owners should take to ensure a safe and happy springtime.
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Allergens
Like humans, dogs can also suffer from seasonal allergies. Some common allergies that dogs might have include:
- Pollen
- Grass
- Mold
- Mildew
- And house mites.
If your dog is allergic to the things mentioned above, you may notice an increase in itching, sneezing, and skin irritation in your dog. You will notice your dog excessively scratching or licking themselves, patches of red and irritated skin, watery eyes, and infections in their ears. Talk with your veterinarian if you suspect your dog is suffering from allergies as medication that can ease their symptoms is widely available.
Springtime also means an increase in pollens which can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs.
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Insects, Especially Ticks and Fleas
As the temperatures increase, so too does the increase in insect activity, including ticks and fleas. These parasites not only cause discomfort and skin irritation but can also transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. You can protect your dog by using approved flea and tick preventatives and regularly checking your dog for signs of ticks and fleas after they’ve been outside.
While we love the warmer weather, so do ticks and fleas! So make sure your dog is up to date with their flea and tick treatments.
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Dangerous Plants
One of the first things we think of when someone mentions spring is the vast array of blooming vibrant flowers. However, many of these beautiful blooming flowers can be toxic to your dog if ingested. Toxic flowers include:
- Azaleas
- Lilies
- Daffodils
- And tulips.
Familiarize yourself with the plants in your garden and neighborhood, and keep your dog away from any potentially toxic plants.
While azaleas are definitely beautiful to look at, they’re also very toxic to dogs if ingested!
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Fertilizers, Pesticides, and Herbicides
Spring is the season when most people pay special attention to their gardens and lawn, which often means the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. These chemicals can be toxic to dogs if ingested or if they come into contact with their skin. If you are using these chemicals in your garden or on your lawn, make sure you follow the instructions on the products carefully. Store these products securely out of your dog’s reach and avoid walking your dog in areas where chemical treatments have been recently applied.
Fertilizers can make our lawns and gardens ‘pop’, but they are also dangerous for our pets, so be careful when using and storing these chemicals!
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Increased Wildlife Activity
Springtime brings about increased wildlife activity which means you and your dog will inevitably have increased encounters with skunks, snakes, and other potentially dangerous animals. Keep your dog on a leash during walks, especially in wooded areas or near bodies of water, and be vigilant for any signs of wildlife nearby.
Snakes and other wild animals also love the warmer weather so be careful!
In Summary
By understanding and recognizing the potential dangers of spring and the steps you should take to protect your dog, you can rest easy knowing that you and your dog will be enjoying the warmer weather safely. But before you and your dog run outside, just make sure that your dog:
- Is up to date with all their vaccinations, including flea and tick treatments.
- Is microchipped for ID and has a tag on their collar with your contact information
- Is either on-leash when out in public, or you are keeping an eye on them when they’re off leash so they don’t eat anything that they’re not supposed to.
As always, if you have any concerns about your pet, you should always start by calling your veterinarian for advice.
