Spring into Pet Health: Essential Wellness Tips for the Warmer Months
Each season holds unique challenges to pet health and safety. The spring, of course, is simply brimming with possibilities, but they aren’t all wonderful and happy-go-lucky. Luckily, with our wellness tips, your pet can enjoy all the season has to offer without increasing the risks of poisoning, parasites, or contagious disease.
Seasonal Pet Health
While people definitely await the arrival of blossoms and blooms, there are known dangers to pets associated with the following plants:
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Crocus
- Hyacinths
- Lilies
- Lily of the valley
The best strategy is to ensure that your yard and garden are free of these plants. If possible, do not bring these cut flowers into the home. Left alone, toxicity can cause seizures, coma, heart failure, and kidney damage. Keep an eye out for any of these symptoms, and call us right way if you know or suspect your pet ate a toxic plant:
- Vomiting/diarrhea
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Tremors
- Loss of consciousness
- Pale gums
- Excessive thirst
- Weakness
Flea and Tick Prevention
We recommend year-round parasite prevention medication. That said, it’s not uncommon for many pets to experience a pause or lapse in medication during the colder weather. A negative heartworm test is required to prescribe an up-to-date heartworm medication. These medications also prevent fleas, ticks, roundworms, hookworms, and other external parasites. As part of an overall health strategy, parasite prevention is central to pet well-being.
Similarly, contagious disease is a common trend in spring and summer as pets, feral animals, and predators have more potential exposure to each other. We can help you update your pet’s vaccinations to be sure they are current with all of their core feline or core canine vaccines, including:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Bordetella
- Canine influenza
- Leptospirosis
- Feline leukemia
Other non-core vaccines, such as Lyme disease vaccine for dogs, may be recommended based on lifestyle and potential risk.
Allergy Relief for Pets
Seasonal allergies can affect pets—mostly through their skin. Be aware of excessive itching and scratching, redness, bootie scoots, extra shedding, waxy ears, and respiratory problems. Seasonal allergies can be treated, and we’re happy to help your pet find relief.
Routinely cleaning their bedding, installing air purifiers, and vacuuming their indoor environment can reduce possible triggers at home. Mold, pollen, weeds, mildew, smoke, and perfume can all contribute to a pet’s misery.
Dehydration Reminders
As the temperatures heat up, it’s worth mentioning that dehydration and heatstroke are common among pets this time of year. Be sure to keep cool, fresh water on hand, take breaks in the shade, and only exercise in the early morning and evening hours. Never leave your pet inside a parked vehicle, for any reason or length of time.
Our team is always here to help you with questions or concerns regarding seasonal pet health. Please call Adobe Animal Hospital at (530) 673-4744.