Ah, the spring, the moment you and your furry pals have all been yearning for during those cold and snowy winter nights. The flowers are blooming, birds chirping, and parks wide open, just perfect to get back to the outdoors. Having fun is an absolute necessity (especially during these COVID-19 lockdown times), but so is being safe! In this article, we’ll be going through our top 5 safety tips you and your tail-wagging companion should know about. Without further ado, let’s spring right to it!
1. Fleas, Ticks and Heartworms
No one on this earth likes the sound of that. As the grass starts getting greener and taller, so does the opportunity for these sneaky parasites to jump on your dog. May it be at your local park, or your lovely backyard, anything could be breeding grounds for these nasty tiny foes.
With that being said, below are some preventive measures that you can take to shield your dog from these parasites:
- Book an appointment with your vet to seek advice on preventative oral medication for your dog. Typically it is a 6-9 month prescription for your pooch to prevent fleas, ticks and heartworms
- Routinely brush and bathe your dogs
- Regularly scan for fleas on your dog
- Keep your dogs away from wild and stray animals
Note: Please seek professional advice from your local vet for proper care and treatment if there are any signs of infection.
2. Allergy Season
Yikes! And this goes for both humans and our four-legged besties. As joyous of a time spring can truly be, pollen just seems to be all over the place! And you know what that means? Yup, pollen allergies. Like humans, our pets, too, may develop pollen allergies as the season shifts. Some common symptoms you may notice on your dog include:
- More-than-usual scratching, licking or itching
- Red and irritated skin
- Swelling
- Hair loss
Have your dog’s allergy tested and receive proper treatment. Should you notice persistent symptoms on your dog such as persisting itching, probably you could use some Benadryl for your dog. But, as always, consult your local vet before giving your dog any form of medication whether oral or topical.
3. Spring Cleaning Sweeps
About time you finally get to enjoy the calm and fresh spring breeze! Which also makes it the perfect time to get your home polished and all cleaned up. Though we may be fond of the lavender or jasmine-scented disinfectant cleaners, it might be dangerous for your dogs due to its toxicity.
But don’t worry! There are pet-safe cleaning kits available that you can consider buying to ensure you can have the best of both worlds; a healthy pet and a clean home. However, if it is an absolute need to use certain disinfectants (to prevent COVID-19 and other diseases), safely stow them away from your dog’s reach and keep your pets away from getting exposed to these products.
4. Toxic Plants
Undoubtedly one of the most anticipated times of the year, where flowers bloom, trees flourishing, and the gentle breeze sweeping across your faces. No matter the shape, size, color, and overall beauty, some of these plants may be red flags as they may be toxic in nature for your dog. However, there are instances where the plants are dog-safe but contain some pesticides. This, too, is toxic for your dog.
With that in mind, it’s always a wise move to know which types of greeneries are safe and which ones to avoid.
5. Dangerous Substances
As perfect as it is for a dog walk to the local park, so are the chances for devious and malicious intents to harm your pet. These intentions commonly arise by purposely placing dangerous substances for dogs in the streets, sidewalks and even in dog parks! Some of these substances include alcohol, medicinal drugs (e.g., Marijuana), tobacco, and even Xylitol chewing gums you typically find in a street corner. So, please, ensure you’re attentive to what your pet sniffs and eats while taking that stroll.
Conclusion
No matter how they choose to enjoy the spring, may it be park strolls or those morning jogs in the city, it’s always essential to ensure your dog is healthy and safe. It is also important to know where your dog is at every moment in order to keep your pooch safe. And with the YoPets GPS tracker, you can do precisely that while enjoying your time outside with your loyal friend.