We are all excited that spring as finally sprung up around us, but we need to keep our pets in mind while we defrost after a cold winter and prepare to enjoy springtime! Veterinary hospitals in Chicago are here to help this spring season by helping us safely prepare our pets for the warmer weather.
Easter Safety
While Easter entails egg hunts, baskets of candy and hopes to catch a glimpse of the Easter bunny, our pets may attempt to join the holiday fun too! Holidays mean endless temptations for our pets, but to ensure their safety we should keep chocolate goodies and other candies away from animals to avoid harmful ingestions. Easter grass is another easy mistake for many pet owners as our furry friends love to munch on anything nearby. Fake grass in decorations and Easter baskets can cause dangerous health issues if ingested.
Although we love decorating our houses with the beautiful blooming flowers, keep an eye on where your mischievous cat is running off. We know how cats love to jump and climb around the house, so be sure to place Easter flowers such as lilies in a safe location, as they can be toxic to our feline friends.
Warm Weather
While April showers bring May flowers, they also bring new critters, pollen and poisonous fertilizers! As we welcome back the warm weather, we can also notice the return of many insects. Be sure to double check with your local veterinary hospital that your pet’s preventative medication is up to date in order to reduce the risk of heartworms, fleas, and ticks.
In addition to the influx of insects, pollen and other allergens are back as well. As you reach for another tissue, keep in mind that dogs and cats are also exposed to the springtime pollen and they may start itching, sniffling or sneezing too. If you notice symptoms of allergies in your pet, check with your Chicago area veterinary hospital to make sure your furry friend is doing okay!
Fertilizers and insecticides are another potential threat that springtime poses to our pets. Although we all want green lawns and bright flowers, these spring blooms can be dangerous if the fertilizers are not pet safe. Be sure to watch your pet while outside and use pet safe products on your lawn to ensure a happy and healthy animal.
With the weather warming up, we are eager to get out and about with our favorite friends! Keep in mind these pet safety tips and preventative measures during the spring season and alert Portage Park Animal Hospital if your pet encounters any springtime disasters!
Courtesy of: ASPCA
