After a winter indoors, spring brings cleaning and outdoor fun for many, but it also brings dangers for your dog. This post will delve into the various dangers that springtime presents to your dog, including encounters with toxic plants and other hazards. 

If you have concerns about your dog’s health or notice any changes in their behaviour, it is always best to consult your local vet for advice.

Ticks

Springtime is when ticks are most active and they can carry dangerous infectious diseases that can be passed on to both you and your dog. Always check your dog for ticks after going for walks in the countryside. Thoroughly run your hand over your dog’s body checking for lumps or bumps (don’t forget to check inside their ears).

Ticks should be removed quickly and carefully, but if you’re unsure how to do this then you should always ask your vet for advice.

Never try to burn the ticks off or smother them in lotions or petroleum jelly, as this can increase the risk of being infected by the diseases ticks carry.

The spring garden.

There are many different plants commonly found in gardens around the country that could make your dog ill.  Whilst spring blooms bright and you enjoy the sudden splash of colour in your garden and the hedgerow for your dog many represent hidden danger. Common spring bulbs such as Daffodils, Tulips and Spring Crocus can make your dog ill.

Daffodil

Daffodil are extremely dangerous to your dog with access to bulbs being the most common causes, but all parts of the plant are toxic. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning in dogs includes:

• nausea, retching and excessive salivation
• vomiting, which may be sudden and acute
• drooling or slobbering
• diarrhoea
• pain and discomfort
• erratic breathing
• accelerated heart rate
• seizures

It is imperative you seek treatment promptly, your vet may be able to reduce the impact of the toxicity and treat and reduce your dog’s symptoms, potentially saving their lives.

The odds aren’t as good for dogs showing heart and respiratory symptoms, but most cases of daffodil ingestion in dogs can still be treated successfully with veterinary intervention, so don’t delay.

Tulips and Spring Crocus, both commonly seen are equally toxic to your dog. It may not always be easy to judge what exactly your dog has ingested; however, the rule is simple, if your dog displays any change of character and/or any of the symptoms above seek medical advice from a vet urgently.

The joys of Spring Cleaning!

While cleaning products may taste unpleasant and deter dogs, their vibrant packaging and intriguing shapes can attract curious pets, posing a risk of ingestion or contact. For your dog’s safety, it is crucial to restrict their access to cleaning products and to keep them away from areas being cleaned or those that have just been cleaned.

Here are some tips to help keep your dog safe:

• When using bleach in the toilet, remember to close the lid and bathroom door to prevent your dog from accessing it.
• Oven cleaners and drain cleaners can be particularly harmful, so keep your dog out of the room while using these products.
• If your dog consumes any cleaning products, avoid inducing vomiting. Their vomit may be frothy and foamy, posing a risk of aspiration into their lungs.

If you believe your dog has come in contact with any cleaning products- contact your local vet immediately. 

Dogs die in hot cars

Dogs in hot cars can suffer from potentially fatal heat stroke in as little as 15 minutes. Dogs die in hot cars as they can overheat very quickly and struggle to cool themselves down, even when a window has been left open or water has been left in the car. Our dog in car temperature chart shows how quickly a car can heat up in hot weather.