Top Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe In Spring

April 14th 2022

Spring is most certainly here, but how do we keep you pet safe? Here are some of our top tips:

• As the weather improves and the days are getting longer, you’re more inclined to take your pooch for longer walks. It’s important to increase the exercise gradually to help build muscle and prevent injury.
• Always keep your dog on a secure lead around livestock.
• With Spring comes an influx of new young being born. If you have an adventurous cat, check them for bite marks as animals such as foxes will be protecting their young from predators. Also, be aware of  Adders and check your dog for adder bites.
• One of the nicest sounds in spring is the chirping of new fledglings and birds. There will be lots of young and inexperienced birds around, so keep your cat at bay by putting a safety collar on with a bell.
• Refrain from using slug pellets as they are toxic to cats and dogs. As of 1^st April, slug pellets are banned in the UK, so check your sheds and garages and make sure you dispose of these.
• Pack away garden tools to protect mischievous pets from causing injury (especially puppies).
• Pets are curious and love to chew on things they shouldn’t. Some plants in your garden can be extremely toxic for cats and dogs such as Lillies, Mushrooms / Fungi and Giant Hogweed.
  Symptoms of plant toxicity or poisoning can include some or all: 

·       Low energy

·       Vomiting

·       Diarrhoea

·       Blood in the poo

·       Drinking/peeing more

·       Pale gums

·       Twitching

·       Tremors/seizures (fits)

·       Struggling to breathe

·       Collapse

·       Drooling

·       Eating less/not eating

Contact your vet immediately if you think your pet has munched on a toxic plant.

• Just like humans, pets can have increased allergies in the Spring. Allergies in pets can present themselves in multiple ways such as:

·       Licking or biting their paws

·       Lots of scratching

·       Red and sore looking skin, especially around eyes, ears and between paws

·       Shaking their head

·       Rubbing their ears or muzzle

·       Tired or lethargic, particularly on days when the pollen count is high.

And although they might not technically be your pet, check for hedgehogs before you start strimming and cutting long grass. Those little hogs love to hide in there.