9 springtime safety tips
The snow is finally melting away, and spring is in the air! It’s time for gardeners to dust off their tools, pull on their gloves and start transforming their yards from the browns of winter to the all the colors of the rainbow!
Spring is also the traditional time of year to throw open the windows and do a thorough “spring cleaning.” Other folks see spring as the signal to hit the road and start exploring the country or head to their cottage for a getaway!
However you spend your time this spring, make sure you consider the safety of your pets, keeping them safe from harsh cleaners, poisonous gardening products or hazards on the road or in the woods. Follow these 9 tips to keep you pet happy and healthy while you celebrate the arrival of spring:
- Avoid using slug and snail bait in the garden. Most of these baits contain the active ingredient metaldehyde which is poisonous to pets. These baits come in different forms (e.g., pellets, powder, liquid) and often contain bran or molasses to attract slugs and snails. This means that other critters—and your pets—may be attracted to the bait. Only a small amount needs to be ingested for severe poisoning, so your pet could be poisoned via grooming if the product transfers to their fur when exploring treated areas. Avoid using these products and instead use broken shells, lava rock or other rough materials to deter slugs. If you do use metaldehyde, keep your pets out of treated area for at least two weeks.
- Poisonous plants for pets. Growing a kitchen garden or flowers is a common hobby, and many people spend the long winter months planning their garden for the summer ahead. Research which plants are pet-safe or create an inaccessible area.
- Be wary of onions, garlic and chives which can cause red blood cell destruction and anemia.
- Rhubarb leaves can cause kidney failure if consumed in large quantities.
- Many ornamental plants, such as foxglove, bleeding hearts, lilies and sago palms are extremely toxic to pets.
If your pet shows signs of poisoning after nibbling on garden plants, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (1-888-426-4435) right away.
- Lawn and garden safety. Everyone loves a lush lawn and bountiful flowers, but all those fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides used to create a picture-perfect yard can harm your pet. Fertilizers and herbicides generally cause nothing more than gastrointestinal upset, but if fertilizers contain iron and enough is eaten, significant health concerns can result. When used according to package instructions, pesticides and herbicides can usually be used safely, but some products contain ingredients that can cause neurological problems. A good rule of thumb is to keep pets off treated areas until the products have completely dried. If your pet wanders across a treated lawn, wash them down and contact your veterinarian immediately for advice on next steps.
- Snakes. Spring is the time that snakes also become more active, and are more venomous than at other times of the year. Dogs can either step on snakes and surprise them, or are curious and get their face too close. If you are in a region where snakes are common, take extra care when spending time outdoors with your pet.
- Window safety. Before you throw open your windows to welcome the freshness of spring into your home, make sure your window screens are tightly fitted. This will keep your pets safely inside your home and has the added bonus of keeping unwanted pests, like mosquitoes outside your home!
- Speaking of pests… Under all that melting snow, some of the most common pests are lying in wait to hitch a ride with your pet and feed on them too. Ask your veterinarian for the best recommendations for heartworm, flea, tick and deworming medications to keep your pet pest free and happy this spring.
- Spring cleaning! Out with the old and in with the new! With the change of seasons comes spring cleaning for many households, but using products containing ammonia (e.g., window, stainless steel, oven and floor cleaners), bleach (e.g., toilet bowl cleaners, scouring powders, mildew removers, all-purpose cleansers) or alkaline substances (e.g., oven cleaners, lye, pipe and drain cleaners) can cause skin and eye irritation, vomiting and diarrhea and occasionally wheezing and coughing. Keep your pets in a different room while you scrub and clean and keep your home well-ventilated to protect both you and your pet! Contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect your pet has been exposed to chemicals.
- Fasten your seatbelts! Not just for the people passengers in your vehicle, seat belts are for your furry friends too. While most dogs love the feel of the wind in their fur, it’s dangerous to let them ride in the bed of a truck or with their head stuck out the window. With the accumulation of sand and other debris over winter, it’s easy for dust and gravel to be thrown up from vehicles during spring drives. This debris can end up in your dog’s eyes or ears, causing irritation or injury. Many insects are beginning to emerge and can also be whipped up in the spring winds, causing eye or ear damage. Severe injury can occur with abrupt stops or turns, so keep your pet secured in their crate or buckled in using a seatbelt harness.
- Keep it cool. If your pet spends a lot of time outside, make sure they have protection from the heat and sun, and access to fresh cold water at all times. Limit your pet’s exercise on hot days and try to keep your walks on the grass—hot asphalt and concrete can burn your pet’s paws. Always carry water for both you and your pup to keep hydrated. And finally, never leave your pet in your car unattended; better yet, leave your pet at home when running errands.
Enjoy a stress-free spring with your pet and enjoy the warmer weather now that it’s finally here! Stay connected with free Live Chat* on the myVCA app, where our licensed veterinary professionals are always ready to answer your questions anytime, day or night.
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*Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
