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 Spring is here! The sun is shining, days are lengthening, and everyone is beginning to enjoy more time outdoors. With each of these come renewed challenges for pet owners as the parasites begin to emerge, pesticides are used, and flowers begin to bloom.
To ensure a safe and happy spring for you and your pet, keep a few tips in mind:
Indoors:
- Check that your houseplants and flowers are not poisonous, just in case your pets nibbles on them.
- With Easter around the corner, be sure to keep all the chocolate treats away from your pets. Remember, all chocolate is toxic to dogs!
- Spring cleaning? Many common household products are toxic to children and pets. Carefully review labels and use these products sparingly around children and pets. Be sure to safely store all products away from children and pets when not in use.
- Take your pet to the veterinarian for a check-up and to receive any yearly or quarterly vaccinations and medicines.
Outdoors:
- Springtime attracts extra attention to the yard for many, inspiring them to fertilize and use pesticides to promote greener lawns and bigger blooms, while discouraging insects. However, be sure to keep your pets’ exposure to these toxic chemicals to a minimum. Pay special attention to N-P-K fertilizers, which contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium salts, as they can lead to gastrointestinal upset and paw or skin irritation. Also watch out for iron content of more than 1%, which can be fatal if ingested. Be sure to safely store all products away from children and pets when not in use.
- As the weather warms and days lengthen, pets who are not spayed or neutered will begin roaming and seeking new companions. It is vital to the safety of your pet and welfare of the pet community that pets be spayed or neutered. While it can be fun to watch the circle of life as puppies and kittens mature, it is also important to remember the sad end that many of these pets will face. If your pet is not already spayed or neutered, share the gift of love and life today and make an appointment with your veterinarian for this imporant surgery.
- While outdoor playtime is increased, practice safety protect your pet from traffic by always walking him or her on a leash, and restrict time off the leash to areas that are safely confined for free play. Also be aware of other pets, who may not be on-leash, and be sure your pet is current on their Rabies vaccination in case of a bite incident.
- Check your pet regularly for fleas and ticks and monitor the health of his or her coat and skin. Signs of skin irritation or unhealthy coat may warrant a vet visit to identify and treat the underlying cause. Also be careful of mosquitoes, as they can transmit heartworms to your cat or dog, which can be fatal. If your pet is not already on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, take him or her to the vet today and start this spring out right!
- In case of an accidental runaway incident of your pet, keep an identification tag on your dog or cat that includes your current phone number. Additionally, have your pet microchipped to increase the chances of a reunion, even if his or her collar is removed. Microchips are tiny implants that can be read by special readers, which are used by animal shelters and vet clinics around the nation. If your pet is microchipped, be sure to keep your current information on file with the registered microchip company!
- Enjoy fishing or sunning by the lake? Lakeside fun is a common past-time as the sun warms the waters. While enjoying the water, sun, and fishing, keep your pet safe by keeping all fishing line, hooks, and bait away from your pet. Any of these can cause serious trauma and potential surgical emergencies.
Reduce the time required to receive emergency medical treatment for your pet by having the following numbers and information at hand:
- Pet’s regular veterinary clinic name & number
- Pet’s medical history including a list of current medications, special dietary needs, and a history of known medical problems or non-routine procedures
- Local emergency veterinary hospital(s):
- Alabama Veterinary Specialists
3783 Pine Lane, SE
Birmingham, Alabama 35022
Phone: (205) 481-1001
http://www.alabamaveterinaryspecialists.com/ - Emergency and Specialty Animal Medical Center
2864 Acton Rd
Birmingham, AL 35243
Phone: (205) 967-7389 - ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435
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