The warmer spring weather is here at last. Here are a few tips to keep your pets fit and healthy:
- When going on walks, as the weather improves, try to make any increases in exercise gradual to avoid injury due to over-exertion
- Stick injuries are another hazard when out and about. Dogs love chasing sticks, but sticks are sharp and if your dog makes a misjudgment when trying to catch a stick at speed, this can result in serious injuries to their mouth and throat. Toys such as Frisbees are much safer.
- Around the garden pets should be kept well away from garden chemicals such as fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides. Slug pellets are generally green or blue in colour and are of particular risk. They frequently contain a chemical called metaldehyde which is very toxic to pets and should only be used with great care. Another hazard is cocoa mulch which gardeners often apply to flower beds in spring and summer. Dogs are attracted to the mulch by the smell but it contains high levels of theobromine which is very poisonous to dogs. As a result it is safer to use an alternative such as tree bark mulch.
- Watch out for spring plants too, puppies in particular will sometimes chew on new leaves, and a surprising number of common garden plants are toxic.
Be mindful of the dangers of cleaning the patio for your pets…
People seem to be getting their gardens ready for the Spring. The Veterinary Poisons Information Service has reported a rise in calls about patio cleaners. The ingredients of these cleaners can differ; however, most contain Benzalkonium chloride (BAC), which is also found in a lot of household cleaning products.
The primary effects of BAC are due to its irritancy- systemic effects are uncommon. Common signs include drooling, irritation to the mouth, and inappetence. There may also be irritation to the skin, with inflammation and hair loss. Concentrated solutions may cause chemical burns. Signs are often delayed, and animals can present hours later.
When using these products on your patio in the coming months, make sure you use them as directed (diluted if appropriate), keep your pets away during use, and make sure they can not get into the product when not in use!
IF you have any concerns please contact us immediately.
Enjoy the spring sunshine and take care!