Spring Dangers For Dogs

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As a rule of thumb, fleas and ticks tend to hatch five to six weeks after the weather starts to warm up between March and June.Adult feceal matter looks like black dirt - check for black specks on your dog’s fur and bed. Ticks look like smooth blisters and frequently attach themselves where hair is thinnest - on the ears, abdomen and face.Prevent infestation by:

● using a vet-recommended product. ● vacuum frequently - carpet, car,

furniture...everywhere!● keep grass short and gardens tidy - free from

clippings and leaves.● wash regularly - blankets, bedding, anything your

dog lays on - wash on the hottest water temperature.

Fleas and Ticks

Spring is the perfect time for stripping and grooming your pup.

Spring’s a rainy season and your pup will, no doubt, bring in a lot of mud after a lovely long walk.

Keep a towel and brush by your back door to wipe down and brush out any mud before they come in from outside.

This also acts at preventing any little nasty insects or bugs being dragged into the home.

Grooming

What with the transmission of diseases during warmer weather, Spring’s the perfect time to do a routine worming treatment and check all your dog’s vaccinations are up to date.

Dogs should be vaccinated against:

Canine ParvovirusCanine DistemperCanine Parainfluenza Infectious Canine HepatitisLeptospirosisKennel CoughRabies (if travelling abroad from the UK)

Vaccinations

It’s the perfect time of year for clear-outs, deep spring cleans and the completion of that much-needed DIY project.

Make sure your cleaning products, chemicals and any DIY hazards such as nails, power tools, and blades are stored well-away from precious paws and curious canines.

Cleaning products are toxic and will poison your pooch if ingested.

If you suspect your dog’s been poisoned contact your vet immediately.

Spring Cleaning

The arrival of Spring brings blossoming flowers and growing insect populations. Which, in turn, brings an increase in allergies. Atopic allergies are caused by inhalation of pollen, mould or dust.

Flea allergies are caused by the protein in the flea’s saliva when it bites your pup. Dogs can suffer in different ways - from sniffling and scratching to anaphylactic shock.

If your dog’s suffering from any allergies it’s imperative you visit your Vet for treatment.

Allergies

While not a major concern in the UK, if you’re travelling to Southern France, Italy, Spain and the Mediterranean you need to be aware of mossies.

Mosquitoes carry the heartworm parasite.

This roundworm (commonly known as heartworm) travels from the bite and attaches itself to the blood vessels in the lung.

Heartworm can cause serious lung complications or in extreme cases, death.

We recommend your dog takes vet-recommended medication to prevent infestation.

Mosquitoes

While you may prefer your garden to look lusciously green, insecticides, fertilisers and pesticides can be poisonous to your dog if ingested.

Like cleaning products, always store these chemicals away from prying pups. Remove poisonous plants such as Crocuses, Lilies, Tulips, Daffodils, Snowdrops, Aconite, Narcissus

and Hyacinths. There are many poisonous plants in Spring - this is only a few of them. Do your research!

Gardens and Fields

Longer walks and hikes mean that there are more opportunities for your dog to wander off.

Ensure your dog is microchipped and is wearing a dog tag with your current contact details on.

Read up on what to do if your dog wanders off on the DogBuddy Blog.

Walkies

Warm weather and long walks equal a thirsty pup.

Ensure your dog doesn’t suffer from dehydration by always carrying a full water bottle to regularly rehydrate.

Don’t forget that dogs also suffer from sunburn, so if you’re in direct sunlight for a long period of time remember to protect your dog’s skin with vet-recommended dog-friendly sunscreen.

Dehydration

Sources

https://www.medivet.co.uk/https://veterinarypracticenews.com/https://upload.wikimedia.org/http://blog.ferplast.com/http://www.martinco.com/http://c8.alamy.com/http://dunhamlakeaustralianterriers.com/http://www.dogfatherandco.com/

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