Springtime Safety Hazards for Cats and Dogs

As spring weather moves in and eventually turns into the warmer months of summer, a few health hazards for our pets come into play. Fortunately, with some simple precautions, you can keep your pet safe and sound! Learn more below from a vet in South West Fort Wayne, IN.

Outdoor Pests

Pests like fleas, ticks, and worms are just waiting to take a bite out of your pet when the temperatures rise. It can be expensive, time-consuming, and heart-wrenching to eradicate an infestation or infection after the fact, so avoid the issue initially—keep your pet up-to-date on quality heartworm and flea-and-tick preventatives. Talk to your vet if your pet isn’t already set up with these medications.

Pesticide Products

Other types of pests present a danger in another way. If you use pesticide products inside or outside your home, as well as fertilizers, herbicides, and similar substances, it’s important to exercise caution. These substances can harm pets who manage to get their paws on them! Place pesticides carefully, and don’t let pets come into contact with freshly treated plants or grass. Store chemical products carefully where pets won’t be able to reach.

Spring Cleaning Dangers

Doing a little spring cleaning this year? Remember that a wide variety of cleaning products may be able to harm your pet. Household disinfectants, air fresheners, carpet cleaners, furniture polish, bleach-based solutions… the list goes on and on! While it’s unlikely that your pet will seek out a cleaning product to ingest, you can never be too careful. Move pets elsewhere when using chemicals, and keep the supply closet shut tightly at all times.

Allergies

Did you know that pets can suffer from springtime allergies, just like many humans? Dogs and cats may react to pollen, mold, dirty, dust, and other substances that can make humans sniffle and sneeze as well. If you’ve noticed your pet exhibiting signs of allergies as springtime rolls on, it’s time to pay a visit to the vet’s office. Medications and preventative steps around your home can make your pet more comfortable.

Escape

When it’s warmer outside, you’re more likely to have doors and windows open. This presents a greater risk of your pet escaping. That’s why it’s important to have your pet wear ID tags on the collar, a microchip, or both.

Does your pet need identification measures or pest-control products? Call your South West Fort Wayne IN, veterinarian.