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Dogs - Prepare for the Spring
Now that those long cold winter months are behind us and spring is well and truly underway, most people like to start getting out and about more, spring clean our homes, and get back into the garden. These are all great, however sometimes it is worth considering how this can affect your four legged best friend and how to protect them.
Snake Bites - Adders
In the spring adders are just coming out of hibernation, it is this time that bites are most common. The snakes like to bask in the sun and a dog can unexpectedly suddenly find themselves faced with one. It is the more inquisitive ones that face the biggest risk as they investigate the snake and are commonly bitten on the face, muzzle, and front paws.
What should you do if think your dog has been bitten by an adder?
You should seek immediate veterinary care. It is very important that until you manage to get to see a vet that you leave the bite alone. Do not apply any tourniquets or attempt to suck out the poison as this may create further complications.
Read more about Dogs and Adder Bites here
Lungworm
The spring months are usually the peak for this danger to your pet dog. It is due to the slightly warmer but wet weather that you will see a lot more slugs and snails out and about. All of them have the potential to be carrying lungworm. Lungworm is a parasite that is ingested in the larvae stage then grow inside the dog and move into their heart and blood vessels. It can cause heart problems, breathing problems and pneumonia. Left untreated it can be fatal. It is very important that you take immediate action and seek veterinary care should you suspect your dog has lungworm
Read more about the dangers and symptoms of Lungworm here
Ticks
Ticks can be a very common problem for dogs and their owners in some parts of the UK. As well as the unpleasantness of having a small insect feeding on your blood, they can also carry some very serious diseases. Namely, Lymes disease.
This infection can be passed onto both you and your dog, so when out walking it is important to take precautions for both of you. Ticks tend to be the most active during Mild weather, usually the spring and Autumn. The cold of winter and high heat of summer will significantly reduce their level of activity, although not them completely.
Read more about Ticks and how to protect you and your dog here
Spring cleaning
With the change in the weather and the start of spring, many of us get the urge to give our homes deep clean ready for the summer ahead. For those with pets, household hygiene is arguably even more important. However it does bring with it, its own unique dangers for our pets. Should you suspect your dog has been in contact with or consumed cleaning products contact your vet immediately and inform them of the product that is involved.
To find out more about the dangers to your dog when cleaning the house read this article here
Dangers in the Garden
Those with dogs and a garden will undoubtably love to share their outdoor garden space with their doggy best friend. For those who are keen gardeners it is important to be aware of what potential dangers lurk there for their dog.
To find out about the more common threats faced read this article here