This week is the official start of spring and the experts at nutravet share some top tips to keep pets safe and healthy at this time of year.
With the promise of warmer weather and longer days, Spring is a light relief from cold frosty weather for many pet owners. We want to ensure we can all enjoy the milder weather and lighter nights together whilst avoiding the challenges that Spring can present. It’s important to remember the health of pets especially in the current climate.
Korina Stephens RVN for nutravet comments: “As the weather picks up, we love spending more time outdoors with our four-legged friends, but like most seasons, Spring also has it’s challenges and hazards for pets. It’s important to be aware of these, such as Spring flowers, cleaning products and chocolate Easter treats. If you’re worried about your pet’s health or if you think your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, you should contact your vet right away as they will be able to offer the best advice.”
Top tips from nutravet:
Spring blooms
Our gardens start to bloom at this time of year, but some flowers popular at this time of year are toxic to pets. These include Daffodils, Lilies and Crocus. Tulips can also irritate a pet’s mouth and the gastrointestinal tract. Limit these around the house and in the garden and watch out for your dog digging up bulbs, these can be the most poisonous parts of the plants.
Cold water
Despite the weather being slightly milder, the water in lakes and streams will still be too cold for your pet. Don’t let your dog jump in, as the shock of the cold water could cause them to freeze up and struggle to swim or cause them to develop hypothermia.
Spring-cleaning
It’s that time of year when we all love a good clear out. However, commercial cleaning products, almost without exception contain chemicals that are toxic to dogs and cats. Don’t leave household cleaning products lying around the house for your pet to get. You could try switching to non-toxic household cleaning products.
Vaccinations
Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date to safeguard them from Parvo Virus, leptospirosis, kennel cough or any other contagious diseases. Warmer weather and more contact with other pets could encourage these types of diseases to spread, so be sure to keep your dog protected.
Allergies
Just like you, your pet may need extra support for dry, itchy or sensitive skin, which could be caused by grass, pollens and plants. To prevent your pet from scratching all through spring, speak to your vet early to lessen the severity and give early relief. Ask your vet about nutramega, which is specifically formulated to calm sensitive skin and reduce itching and scratching.
Grooming
Brush your cat and dog regularly to remove any excess hair that they will start to shed. This will also help to keep your pet’s coat free from dirt and distribute natural skin oils that help to make their coat shiny. Grooming your pet will also give you an opportunity to look out for fleas and ticks and maintain a healthy coat and skin for your pet. It will also help to prevent fur balls from building up in your cat’s stomach.
Clean feet
During spring walks the weather might not always be dry and with rain comes mud. After your dog has been for a walk, be sure to clean their paws to prevent the mud from drying and getting stuck between their toes and tangled up in the fur.
Easter treats
Although it’s nice to enjoy a few treats during Easter, chocolate is toxic for dogs and should not be consumed. Keep all chocolate treats away from your dog and don’t let them pick up any scraps from the floor or other family members. When you are eating your Easter eggs, keep some of your dog’s favourite treats to hand to stop them from begging and prevent you from being tempted to give them some.
Flea prevention
Fleas can be an all year round problem for pets and owners, especially during winter months in centrally heated homes. However, it’s also important to keep up-to-date with your pets flea treatment throughout warmer months, especially as pets venture outside more.
Exercise
If your dog has been particularly inactive during the winter season, make sure you ease them back into their exercise routine. Start off slow to help rebuild muscle tone before engaging in strenuous outdoor activities.
For more tips visit www.nutravet.co.uk
