Spring has sprung! This is a great time for enjoying some fresh air and sunshine with your canine pal. However, just like any other season, this time of year has some particular concerns for dog owners to be aware of. Here, a Marietta, GA vet lists some spring care tips for Fido.
Preventative Care
Fleas and ticks will soon be coming out in droves. Make sure Fido is up to date with his parasite control products, including heartworm prevention. Your four-legged friend should also be current on his vaccinations.
Easter Hazards
Easter brings its own set of concerns. Chocolate bunnies, and candies are both toxic to Man’s Best Friend. Many popular bouquet flowers, such as tulips, lilies, and daffodils, are also poisonous to pets. Seasonal decorations, such as green plastic ‘grass,’ plastic eggs, and anything small or sharp, are also a concern.
Ticks
Get in the habit of checking Fido daily for ticks. Don’t forget to look between his toes, around his ears, and under his collar.
Heat
As the weather heats up, you’ll need to take precautions to keep Fido cool. Make sure that your pooch always has lots of clean, fresh water. Don’t leave your furry pal unattended in cars, and take care not to overexert him when it’s hot outside. On scorching days, keep your pup on soft ground, so he doesn’t burn his paws.
Allergies
Allergies are another issue. Just like people, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies. If you know or suspect that your furry friend has allergies, schedule an appointment to get him tested right away.
Gators
Gators can be a threat year round. However, they tend to be extra aggressive during spring, as it’s their mating season. Don’t walk Fido too close to bodies of water that may be housing gators.
Flora
Keep an eye out for dangerous plants. Many popular plants are poisonous to dogs! Some common ones are daffodils, lilies, azaleas, and bluebells. Foxtails are another concern: they have sharp seed heads that can burrow under your pet’s skin, causing severe internal damage. You can find more information online at the ASPCA website here.
ID
Make sure that Fido is microchipped and wearing proper ID tags. As the saying says, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Please reach out to us, your local Marietta, GA vet clinic, anytime. We are here to help!
