Finally, spring is here, bringing warmer weather and longer evenings to enjoy with your pet! As a vet clinic we get very busy helping pet owners who have encountered an unexpected spring hazard. Here's 10 tips on how to let your pet enjoy spring safely.

1. FLEAS

Routine treatment for fleas throughout the year will keep your fur friends flea free. We have up to 3-6 month protection options instead of monthly which are a convenient choice. Have you been treating your pet but they still have fleas? Using a flea comb can help you work out if you still have live fleas in the environment. Come grab a house flea bomb kit (12 month protection) from the clinic and we will give you the special tips and tricks of how to use.

2. ALLERGIES

Just like us humans spring can flare up a multitude of allergies that can present with hay fever symptoms as well as itchy skin. We have topical creams, medicated shampoo, non-steroid options and skin diets that are all safe ways to protect from these allergies. Any licking, itching and biting come talk to us.

3. PLANTS & FLOWERS

They may look beautiful but they are lethal - Daffodils, tulips, lilies and more are toxic to pets! Keep your pets away from nibbling on these bloomers as they can cause serious harm. Don't hesitate to give us a call straight away if you are worried.

 

4. BEE STINGS

Cats and dogs often chase and play with wasps and bees. Most of the time you need to check and remove the sting if it is still in place, then bathe the area in warm water. If stung near the mouth you may need to give us a call. Pets, like humans can be allergic and show signs of swelling, distress or breathing difficulties. You must come straight to the vet clinic if this happens.

 

 

5. SUDDEN INCEASE IN EXERCISE

Most of us prefer staying inside warm and cosy, which means our pets exercise levels decrease. Be careful with the sudden change of exercise (especially for older pets). This is when we see a lot of torn cruciate ligaments and muscle strains. Start with lead walks before letting them off to sprint around!

 

6. CAT FIGHTS

Cats will start to venture outside more, it is also when male cats will go roaming to find a mate. This combination is a recipe for cat fights! Cat fights frequently happen from dawn till dusk, so keeping your cat in at night is wise. If this isn't a reality for you, do physical checks for any bumps or wounds that could be from fighting. Don't leave fighting wounds for longer than a day, come straight to us to clean/flush to reduce the chance of needing antibiotics or worse case; surgery.

7. SPRING CLEANING

Everyone loves a good spring clean, opt for natural detergents when washing your pets bedding. Cleaning is a great way to reduce dust mites that irritate skin. Fly spray's can come in pet friendly ingredients now, if you are planning on bombing the house be sure to read the instructions carefully and remove all pets from the area.

8. BEACHES

The beach is where it's at for kiwi dogs, some dogs can pick up rashes and itchy skin afterwards though. A way to reduce this from happening is simply washing them after a trip to the beach - simple! Another hazard is what is on the beach, try to keep them from eating things like rotten fish or slugs. For puppies - don't let them eat sand!

 

 

9. HEAT STROKE

Don't under estimate the New Zealand sunshine. Pets need a cool sheltered place for those hot days. All the "brachycephalic" (short nosed / flat faced pets) have a higher risk of heat stroke so be even more prepared. Ways to cool your pets are; cooling mats & vests, ice in water bowls, fans or air conditioning, always have access to shade, wet towels, get a paddling pool or hose them down!

 

10. CHOCOLATE, XYLITOL & LEFTOVERS

This all-year-round hazard is commonly seen during warmer months with social gatherings. Get your friends and family members to ask before giving your pet food. Chocolate contains theobromine an ingredient poisonous to cats & dogs. Xylitol is artificial sweetener (found in chocolate, sugar-free gum, diet foods) and is often an unknown health risk to our pets. Leftovers can be very rich and difficult for our pets to digest and too much of a good think can cause health issues such as gastrointestinal upsets or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Stick to treats made for our pets or offer healthy snacks such as carrot sticks.