With spring just around the corner, outdoor activities will suddenly be the rave, for both pets and humans alike especially our furry friends. With all of the fun things to enjoy this spring with your dog, don't forget springtime comes too with hidden dangers to dogs. While making it as much fun as possible with your dog this spring you may want to keep an eye on the following and keep them in mind when planning an activity both indoor or outdoors.
Mushrooms, they are considered to be one of the poisonous plants to pets especially dogs during springtime although not all mushrooms are harmful to dogs, most wild mushrooms are especially the amanita species which contain amanitin toxins when ingested can quickly lead to severe liver failure. Symptoms of this may include vomiting and diarrhea, take your dog immediately to the Vet when you suspect mushroom poison. Also keep toxic lawn treatment away from your dog during the spring when most dog owners plan most activities outdoors, keep dogs from nibbling on grass and be on the look out for immediate symptoms like skin rashes, nausea and vomiting. Spring flowers such as Daffodils and Tulips have been known to cause adverse effects in dogs when ingested, you dog may experience vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy, however don't hesitate to take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.
Spring also brings with it easter and easter is synonymous with easter eggs, which often contain chocolate which are known to be bad for dogs, try as much as possible not to leave any around for your dog to accidentally pick it, theobromine is the ingredient in chocolate that is known to cause faster heart rate in dogs and also stimulate the nervous system in dogs which can quickly lead to seizures and restlessness, you can enjoy the chocolate in your easter eggs, but don't share any with your furry friend. If you are a dog parent whose dog has allergies spring is one of the seasons to watch out for allergies in your furry friend try to minimise exposure to places that have pollens that easily irritate his nose, make his eyes watery and sometimes itchiness too just like humans. You can minimise pollen effects in allergic dogs by giving them a bath after outdoor activities or simply rinsing the paws before you enter the house.
Avoid overheating in dogs during springtime, start by exercising your dog slowly and don't spend too much time playing in the sun, provide enough water to keep your dog hydrated and choose parks that have enough leafy greens that double as shades. Don't forget also that spring and bugs /pests go hand in hand, when you step out for a walk or stroll with your furry friend be sure to keep in mind fleas, ticks, and even mosquitoes and other common dangerous animals may be lurking about. Check your dog for ticks and fleas, and prevent their infestation by proper grooming of your dog and always check your dog for them after outdoor play. You can also ensure your dog is safe by having them on a leash any time you go out in the yard to play or for a walk so as to prevent running off and avoid being attacked by other wild animals commonly found during spring, they should always be well buckled when taking road trips.
Spring should be fun, safe and healthy for both you and your dog, keep these common spring hazards at bay by being vigilant and ensure both your and your furry friend come out after spring healthier and better.