In Full Swing: Spring Safety for Pets

The temperature is finally beginning to rise, the flowers are unfurling, and in homes across Charlotte, spring cleaning has commenced.

That’s right, spring has sprung, and for pet parents there are certain things to keep in mind during the change of seasons. Spring safety for pets should be high on your list of seasonal concerns, and your team at Long Animal Hospital can get you started!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Warmer temperatures offer more chances to go for walks, and it’s likely that your dog couldn’t be happier. Spending more time outdoors means more exposure to all that nature has to offer, including external parasites, allergens, and other hazards.

Take the following precautions before stepping out on that spring walk:

• Pets should be wearing visible, current ID tags at all times. Microchipping your pet adds another layer of safety, in the event that you and your pet are separated.
• Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes transmit dangerous diseases to pets, such as heartworm, Lyme disease, and tick-borne encephalitis, and they come out in droves as the temperature rises. If you haven’t started your pet on a year-round parasite preventive yet, or you need a refill, give us a call.
• Did you know pets can suffer from seasonal allergies just like we do? Allergic reactions in pets generally manifest as itching and other skin disorders. You can help your pet stay allergen-free with regular grooming and by washing his or her paws before coming in from the outdoors. Give us a call if you suspect your pet is suffering from seasonal allergies.
• Use pet-friendly products for spring cleaning, such as distilled white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. If you are using traditional cleaning products, make sure pets are kept out of the room until the product has fully dried.

Spring Safety for Pets at Home

Whether you like it or not, yard work and springtime go hand in hand. It’s important to keep safety for pets in mind as you drag out the mower, dig in the dirt, and tinker around the garage:

• Fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides help to keep your property looking its best, but many of them are highly toxic to pets. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and store lawn and garden chemicals out of reach of pets.
• The foliage and flowers of many common garden plants can also be toxic to pets. Check out the ASPCA’s list of poisonous plants before you load up your cart at the greenhouse this year.
• Limit unsafe plants to areas where pets are not likely to frequent, such as the front yard or separate, fenced areas.
• To discourage digging (and sampling what you’ve planted), keep pets indoors during planting.

To learn more about spring safety for pets, please contact the staff at Long Animal Hospital.