It's hard to find a human, dog, cat, or other creature that doesn't love spring. From longer days to re-emerging foliage, there's so much to enjoy and appreciate about this lovely time of year.
Of course, spring can't be all daffodils, tulips, and sunshine. There are some unique safety issues that pop up along the growing blooms. If spring is your favorite season, we want to help keep it that way with these spring safety tips for pet owners.
1. Pesticides, Herbicides, & Gardening Tools
If you're social distancing and staying at home, you may have been keeping busy by sprucing up your garden. If so, remember that pesticides and herbicides should be stored far from where your pets could accidentally ingest or come in contact with them.
After you're done with sharp gardening tools, be sure to pick them up. Spades, trowels, and rakes tend to camouflage themselves in the grass and can do a number on your pet's feet.
2. Flowers, Flowers, Everywhere!
If you love spring blooms, you're not alone. Tulips, daffodils, and lilies make spring come alive with color. Unfortunately, these and other spring favorites are poisonous to dogs and cats if eaten. They can also irritate your pet's skin from contact.
Keep your pets away from these flowers in your garden or floral arrangements:
- Foxglove
- Bleeding Heart
- Hydrangea
- Calla Lily
- Iris
- Tulip
- Daffodil
3. Bugs Are a Springtime Buzz Kill
Not all bugs are a blight on the beauty of spring. Bees, hornets, and butterflies are beneficial pollinators that help make our local flowers and plants so plentiful. But there are plenty of pests that love to harass humans and pets.
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos take a bite out of enjoying the outdoors here in the Shoreview area. Not simply a nuisance, they can pose a dire threat to your pets' lives. Bug bites can spread parasites that have serious consequences for your pet's health, like heartworms or Lyme disease. Protect your dogs and cats with a preventative prescription before insects have a chance to prey on your pet.
While bees, hornets, and wasps do wonders for the garden, there's always the risk your pet could have an allergic reaction if they're stung by one. If you notice your pet is drooling, listless, or having trouble breathing, bring them in ASAP.
4. Be Prepared for Spring Allergies
Spring allergies aren't just a people problem. Animals can suffer from seasonal allergies caused by pollen, dust, mold, and even other pets' dander. If you notice your companion experiencing runny eyes or a dripping nose, they may be sensitive to these common irritants. Other symptoms of spring allergies include red or itchy ears and paws, hives, and excessive grooming.
Rinsing your pet's paws when returning from an outdoor adventure can remove some pollen. Add changing your HVAC filter to your spring cleaning list. Have questions about your pet's allergies? We can help you find and eliminate the triggers of their symptoms and put a spring back in their step.
Happy Spring from All of Us at Minnesota Veterinary Hospital
After a long March, we hope April brings warm days, sunlight, and fresh air. Let's turn over a new leaf and do what we can to stay active, healthy, and happy with our pets. If you need anything to make your spring a bit brighter, we're here to help.
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