5 spring dangers to protect your dog from: parasites attack again

Spring has arrived, along with sunshine and good weather. During this time, many people set out for hiking and excursions in the outdoors, but these activities also come with their own dangers. We'll show you what to pay attention to during this season to preserve your dog's health.

Spring brings many positives to the lives of dog owners. With the arrival of good weather, you can spend more time outdoors with your pet, go hiking, trekking, and engage in sports activities together. However, it’s important not to forget about the spring dangers threatening your dog. It’s worth introducing some precautions to ensure that your beloved companion stays healthy. Here are a few of them.

Spring cleaning

Spring cleaning is a common practice in many households. During this time, people tackle household chores that they often put off in their daily lives. During a global pandemic, cleaning might be more important than ever. However, it’s advisable (for your own sake as well) to replace chemicals with environmentally and pet-friendly cleaning products. Switching to such products is practical not only because they are cheaper to procure but also because they are less harmful to health. You also don’t have to worry about your dog accessing them and getting poisoned.

The Holy Trinity of pet and environmentally friendly cleaning agents consists of vinegar, salt, and baking soda. With these, you can eliminate almost any type of dirt and replace many harmful substances. You can also neutralize the smell of vinegar by adding a few drops of essential oil. Inhaling various air fresheners is also harmful to your dog. Many products available on store shelves are labeled as pet- or environmentally friendly, and you can also use these to replace various chemicals.

The season of parasites

Many people believe that parasites posing a threat to pets only occur from spring to early autumn. This is not the case; defense against them is necessary throughout the year. However, their numbers multiply significantly from spring onwards, so special attention must be paid to prevention during this time as they can spread life-threatening diseases. If you’re using a collar for protection, pay attention to its expiration date, as they only provide protection for a few months. Also, check the fine print because it may happen that they are effective against ticks for a longer period than against fleas. In such cases, it’s advisable to replace them because the latter can also cause serious health problems for your pet. If you still find parasites on your dog, it’s important to remove them promptly and professionally.

The lawn mowing can begin!

If you live in a house with a garden, you probably know that spring marks the beginning of the lawn mowing season. This is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also for protecting your dog’s health. Various parasites – such as fleas and ticks – prefer longer grass as it provides better hiding spots for them. Therefore, it’s advisable to mow the lawn frequently to minimize the chances of parasites.

Bee or Wasp Stings

In spring, bees and wasps emerge, and encountering them with your dog can be painful or even life-threatening. If your pet hasn’t been stung by a bee before, you need to be very cautious. It’s advisable to consult your vet to decide whether to bring them in. This is because if your pet is allergic (which can develop even after several stings), it needs immediate treatment. It’s important to recognize the warning signs, which often include difficulty breathing, drooling, increased pain, and fainting.

If your pet is not allergic, it’s still worth treating the sting site according to whether it was caused by a bee or a wasp. You can find more detailed information on what to do in such cases in our previous article.

Easter chocolate is just for kids!

Although it’s well known that chocolate is toxic to dogs, it’s always important to talking about it. Your dog should not receive or have access to Easter chocolate bunnies or eggs. If you hide them in your garden for children to find, it’s crucial to collect them all afterward. Dogs’ sense of smell is infallible, and in a careless moment, they may discover the leftover treats. This can be extremely dangerous for them.

Watch out for the plants!

Flowers and plants are one of the spring dangers which threaten the dog. Many plants are toxic to dogs, so it’s important to ensure that your pet doesn’t have access to them when roaming outdoors. If possible, avoid keeping flowers, bushes, or trees in your garden whose fruits, leaves, or any part could be harmful to your four-legged companion. When going hiking, always keep an eye on your dog to prevent them from consuming anything that could harm them. Some of the most common poisonous plants for dogs include tulips, daffodils, ivy, acacias, laburnum, and lily of the valley.