WELLINGTON COUNTY With spring just around the corner, there’s no better time to get outside with your pup and enjoy the warm weather. But keep in mind; there are a lot of things to watch for while soaking up the sun with your beloved pooch.
While this list doesn’t cover every hazard, it’s a good start for keeping pets safe this spring.
Tiny Insects, Big Issues
Dogs are curious by nature and love to chase and bite wasps and bees. It’s not uncommon for them to be stung, and in most cases it does not warrant a trip to the vet.
When it comes to bee stings, it’s a good idea to remove the stinger if it’s still in place and give the area a good rinse with baking soda – one teaspoon to approximately 300ml warm water. For wasp stings, malt vinegar or lemon juice should do the trick. However, if a dog has been stung in or near the mouth or neck, a veternarian should be contacted.
Not unlike humans, pets can be allergic to stings and the signs are consistent; swelling, general distress and breathing difficulties are all things to watch for.
Ticks are generally considered more of a threat. Preventative treatment is the best, as ticks carry a number of diseases that affect both pets and people such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis.
It’s good practice to contact a veterinarian for advice, especially if a tick is found on or near a dog.
While they might not seem all that dangerous, mosquitoes can pose a serious threat to dogs. Mosquitoes transmit heartworm disease, which primarily affects the heart and lungs, but can also affect the liver, kidney, eyes, and central nervous system. If left untreated, it can cause death.
Chemical Chaos
Perhaps unsurprisingly, antifreeze is one of the worst offenders on this list. It may seem like common sense not to leave antifreeze readily available to pets, but it is estimated that between 10 and 90 thousand animals die each year from antifreeze poisoning.
Most types of antifreeze have a sweet smell and taste. Because only a small amount can be lethal, it’s critical to properly store antifreeze well out of reach of pets.
The same should be said about other household chemicals and fertilizers that contain a wide variety of potentially toxic substances including nitrogen and iron. Even if the chemicals don’t poison a pet, excessive amounts of fertilizer can result in gastrointestinal or pancreatic problems.
Plant Problems
Dogs are adorable, but they’re not always the brightest. They’ll eat almost anything put in front of them and plants are no exception. Rattlesnake plants, spider plants venus flytraps… dogs don’t know harmless plants from toxic ones. There’s a good chance most humans don’t either. All of the above plants are perfectly safe for pets. Lilies, daffodils, bluebells, ivy and azaleas on the other hand are toxic. Signs that dogs have consumed these plants can range from vomiting and lethargy to tremors and convulsions in severe cases. Tulips and crocuses, while less toxic should still be addressed with a call to the vet if consumed.
Although mushrooms deceitfully show up in “plant based diets” and sit next to vegetables in the produce section, they are not plants. They are however, far too often lethal to dogs. Depending on the type of mushroom and size of the dog, it may not take much to cause serious harm. It is very much dependent on the type of mushroom, but eating just one or two could be a major problem.
Easter Obstacles
Easter gets a bad rap when it comes to pets – impulsive adoptions, toxic lilies, dangerous “easter grass,” and of course, chocolate.
Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine, which is similar to caffeine. Sadly, it is toxic for dogs, affecting the heart and nervous system. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and even death at high doses.
Keep a close eye on kids around pets at Easter as they may think sharing with the family dog is a nice idea.
Be sure dogs are kept a safe distance from any barbecues or picnics. Skewers, onions, corncobs, seafood shells, alcohol and bones can be particularly dangerous and present a number of threats to dogs.
With a few precautions spring is a lovely time to enjoy hikes, trips to the dog park or walks around the neighbourhood.
A dog’s love is unconditional. Keep them safe this spring and be sure to get out to enjoy the warm weather together.
