It is officially spring, and with the new period there is a risk of a new season to note. PDSA Veterinary nurse Nina Downing shares spring safety advice for pet owners.
“Many of us are happy to see that the winter darkness on our way out, more daytime hours are coming back, and that plants and flowers are in bloom.
“It is important for animal lovers to be aware of the specific dangers spring poses.
Toxic Spring Plants
“As temperatures rise, spring bulbs begin to bloom. Many beautiful common plants such as snowdrops, daffodils, and tulips are toxic to pets, and eating some of them can make you feel sick.
“Many other plants and bulbs that flower in the spring are toxic to pets as well. The level of toxicity in pets varies between plants. Some are irritants to the pet’s skin, but some are fatal to ingest.
“Bulbs often have higher nutrient concentrations than leaves and flowers, so if your pet has the chance to bite, it can be even more dangerous to them. When planning planting, do your research to make sure they are pet-friendly so that the flowers bloom throughout the year. If you think your pet accidentally bites or swallows them, call your veterinarian quite a distance from known toxic plants.
“Bumblebees also appear more in your garden as more flowers bloom, so your pets will be lively to avoid painful stings. Honeybees don’t tend to be very interested in our pets. Teach your pet a simple “left” command It can be convenient! You can teach your pets this using positive reward-based training. This is not only useful when your pet responds to commands, but it’s also great for bonding and working together as a team. If your pet is stung by a bee, don’t panic. If it’s safe to do so, remove the stab wound – you can use a credit card to scrape it off – and then apply a covered ice pack to the affected area. Unless your pet has side effects on a stab wound, your pet may feel sorry for himself for a while, but the pain should subside quickly. However, if you notice any severe swelling, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, or if your pet is stabbed inside or around the mouth or nose, you should call your veterinarian immediately.
“There are thousands of different varieties of fungi, more commonly known as wild mushrooms. Each type of wild mushroom will vary dramatically in size, shape, color and how toxic it is. Wild mushrooms are harmless, some are extremely dangerous and should be avoided.
“Signs of wild mushroom poisoning can vary dramatically depending on what type of food is eaten. Common symptoms to watch out for include stomach agitation, blood in stool or vomit, neurological effects such as hallucinations and fits, and kidney or liver failure.
“If your dog or cat eats unknown wild mushrooms while out, we highly recommend that you take them to the vet immediately. If possible, take a photo of what was eaten. It’s also important to keep a note of the area where wild mushrooms were found.
“Most active in warm months, mites tend to appear in the spring (though some species can remain active in winter!). They are parasites that feed on animals and humans by implanting their heads under the skin of their hosts. If they are infected by baptism bites, anorexia, or la bullets, pets need to be treated, as they are all signs of infection.
“Ticks are common in long grass, woodlands, hedges, and many areas of sheep and wildlife, so be careful when heading for dog walks. Make sure your dog is up-to-date with flea and mites treatments.
“After a walk, check your dog and check your cat to see if your cat friend is a bit of an adventurer. You can find the tick before it sticks. They are often found around your pet, ears, armpits, armpits, gro diameters and stomach, but pay a check on your pet. Remove the click. Do not use other methods, such as trying to pull out mites with petroleum jelly, alcohol, or fingers.
You can find more seasonal safety messages PDSA website.
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