After a long and cold winter, you and your dog are ready to get outside in the sunshine. However, you need to take additional precautions because there are unique dangers in the spring that can lead to an illness or injury for a dog.
1.) Seasonal Allergies
Your dog can have a mild to severe allergic reaction to seasonal items such as:
- Mold spores or growth
- Mildew growth
- Weeds
- Grass
- Pollen
Allergic reactions can include respiratory distress, nasal congestion, watery eyes or skin rashes. If you know your pet has allergies, then talk to a veterinarian about preventative treatments to avoid having a sick animal.
2.) Contaminated Water
There is a good chance that there are pools of water outside from melted snow or rainstorms in the springtime. It is important to remember that the water outside on your lawn, driveway or sidewalk is often dirty and unsafe for your pet to drink. The water can contain pathogens such as viruses, bacteria or parasites that can infect your dog, leading to a serious illness. In addition, a pool of water might have bits of sharp metal or broken glass that can cause cuts inside your dog’s mouth or internal injuries.
3.) Wild Animals
The warm spring weather can lead to more animals outside in your yard or at a park, but make sure to keep your dog on a leash to avoid an altercation. Wildlife or loose dogs can transmit fleas or diseases when coming into close contact with your pet. You also need to use additional caution at home when letting your dog go outside into a fenced yard because there are animals that invade a home’s property.
4.) Poisonous Plants
There are many plants that begin to grow in the spring that are poisonous, including:
- Foxglove
- Tulips
- Iris
- Ferns
- Morning glorys
Not only can your dog become ill from chewing on a plant’s blooms or leaves, but also, if a dog digs up the roots or bulbs, then it is possible for an animal to become poisoned.