Although I sit here and type about springtime, the mist is still heavy in the air outside, the heating still on as are the lights.
There are however some signs that spring is on its way.
For one the clocks changing into British Summer Time and spring flowers making their guest appearances.
The Easter Eggs filling the shops and the thoughts of a long Bank Holiday weekend just around the corner and the wish for warmer days in our hearts and heads.
As dog owners the onset on spring and Easter brings its own set of issues, ones we should all be mindful of. Whilst this isn’t an in-depth blog, hopefully it will remind us all to stay vigilant.
Most of us will start to wake our gardens up from their slumber and feed and treat our pots/tubs/boarders and lawns.
The use of slug pellets and weed killers will spring back into action, like the flowers peering through to say hello, so are the garden pests!
Slugs – remember can cause lungworm in dogs, so be sure not to let your pet eat them and if they do always contact your vet for advice. https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/lungworm/
Both slug pellets are weed killers are both harmful to dogs and if you have to use them, make sure they are pet friendly but if your dog does digest any or stand in solutions it shouldn’t have – seek medical advice from the vet immediately. https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/poisoning/common
The four day Bank Holiday and the seemingly endless flow of chocolate and treats. All lovely to us but for your dog, not so…. chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs as it contains theobromine and whilst us humans are perfectly safe to digest it, the same cannot be said for our furry friends. Veterinary help should be sort straight away. Keep the packaging and record times – these details could be key if treatment is required.
The presence of spring flowers and bulbs carry their own threat to dogs if they are digested as an example:
· Bluebells – carry a toxin that affects the heart and can be fatal.
· Azaleas & Rhododendrons - all parts of these plants are highly poisonous to dogs.
· Tulips – can cause heart problems and difficulty in breathing.
· Daffodils & Narcissus – can cause fits.
Whilst this is a small selection of flowers these are normally the first to show and remind us that warmer weather is coming. There are so many flowers/plants/bulbs that can cause serious harm to a dog.
The Kennel Club and The Blue Cross have a really useful pages on their websites. The links are below:
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/spring-plants-poisonous-to-dogs
Remember if you suspect your dog has eaten something he/she shouldn’t have, then veterinary help should be sort immediately.
Try and make a note or take a picture of the plant your dog has eaten and make the vet aware of the timings, again this could be crucial in any treatment.
Adders will also start to appear and I do believe that someone locally has already reported their first sighting this year. If you suspect your dog has been bitten, carry you dog as this will help prevent the venom from circulating further around their body and go straight to a veterinary practice for medical help.
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/snake-bites-in-dogs
It may seem that the above dampens one’s spirits at such a lovely time of the year, it is merely for all of us dog owners/lovers to be on our guard and enjoy the season to its full.
Wishing you all a very Happy Easter filled with lots of goodies and family memories.
All views and opinions are my own. If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s dog you should seek advice from professional services (useful contacts can be found here).
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