Pet Safety Tips for Spring

By: Marla Lichtenberger, DVM, DACVECC

As the snow melts and the temperature gradually begins to rise the health risks that your pets face increase dramatically. From toxins to parasites the warm weather can spell disaster for unsuspecting owners and their pets.  Hopefully these safety tips will help prevent health problems before they begin.

External and internal parasites:
Some external parasites such as fleas and ticks have the ability to overwinter and can be lurking in the undergrowth very soon after the ground thaws.  These parasites are not only uncomfortable but they have the ability to pass along life-threatening illness.  It is important to start your flea and tick prevention at the first signs of spring to avoid infestation.

Many internal parasites can survive the deep freeze of winter as well.  Take care to clean up wild animal feces from your yard that may have been concealed by the snow. Some dogs don’t even wait for the thaw to seek this frozen fecal matter out. For this reason it is a good idea to continue your internal parasite control year around. 

Toxins:
Toxic materials such as road salt, antifreeze, motor oil, pesticides, and rodenticide can unexpectedly be deposited by the melting snow.  These materials can pose a significant threat to your pet’s health.  If any toxic ingestion is suspected call your veterinarian or Milwaukee Emergency Center for Animals (414-543-7387) immediately.  It is also a good idea to contact the ASPCA poison control center at (1-888-426-4435).  You should never institute any therapy at home, including induction of vomiting, until you have spoken with a veterinarian.

Spring Clean-ups:
Keep all household cleaners and chemicals out of reach of your pets.

Dog fights and animal attacks:
As more and more pets venture from their homes to dog parks and on longer walks due to the warmer weather, the risk of altercations increases.  It is imperative to the safety of your dog that you keep them on a leash at all times when walking outside of a fenced in area.  Use caution when using an extendable leash as this still puts your dog at risk due to the lack of direct control.  If you own a dog who has known inter-canine aggression avoid the dog parks during high use times and stay close to your dog or keep them leashed so you can restrain your pet if you see another animal coming into the dog park.  A basket muzzle can also be used for an extra layer of protection.  A behavioral consult for these dogs can also be very helpful in understanding how to control and evaluate your pet’s behavior.

Altercations with wildlife are also very common in the spring due to the high numbers of young inexperienced animals as well as migrating or recently hibernating animals.  It is a good idea to check your yard throughout the spring for wild animal nests and burrows.  Limit access to these areas or contact an animal control officer to discuss safe removal of the animal.

Cats and Wildlife:
The domestic feline is the number one cause of death of songbirds worldwide.  This is amplified in the springtime due to the high numbers of baby animals.  Cats also pose a threat to other wild predators by depleting their food source and forcing them out of their home territories.  If a cat must be let outside it is best to restrain them in a large run or on a lead.  Always monitor your cat when they are outside on a lead and use safety collars to avoid injury.  It is also important to protect your cat from parasites if they go outside including fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms. 

Toxic Plants and Mulch:
When planting your spring flower gardens take time to consider which plants may be toxic to your pets.  A list of toxic plants in available at www.aspca.org.  Popular mulches such as coco bean mulch are toxic to dogs and cats.  This mulch contains the same toxic materials found in chocolate.

Not only do the plants and mulch pose a risk to your pet’s health but plant fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides as well.  Make sure you read all cautionary statements and directions carefully before applying a product.  Try to keep your pet off newly fertilized lawns for 24 hours. Always save the original bag for later reference if ingestion occurs.

These safety tips will keep your pets free from parasites, toxins and animal attacks.  Keep these in mind as we look forward to the warm spring weather.