Spring Time Pet Safety
Now that we are in spring, your house and garden are likely to have a few extra dangers around to look out for with your dog!
Chocolate - Chocolate contains an ingredient called theobromine (a bit like caffeine), which is toxic to dogs. Dogs aren’t able to break down, or metabolize, theobromine as humans can. Theobromine mainly affects a dog’s guts, heart, central nervous system, and kidneys. Darker, purer varieties of chocolate tend to have the highest levels of theobromine so but it’s also found in milk chocolate.
Here is a handy link to a chocolate toxicity calculator
2. Hot Cross Buns - currants, grapes, sultanas and raisins are toxic to dogs, and ingestion of even a small quantity can cause severe kidney failure. They also have other harmful ingredients like flour, suet, sugar and alcohol etc - it’s best avoided at all costs.
3.Spring Flowers; You may have seen our post about the most common spring flowers that are toxic for dogs but if you didn't, here is a list to watch out for;
Tulips & Hyacinths
Daffodils
Crocuses
Lily of the valley
Foxgloves
Lillies
4.Easter "Grass" - No, we don't mean the lush green lawn outside, we mean the shredded paper, sometimes plastic found in easter baskets and bags - this can be brightly coloured and some may even look like the real deal for our dogs - if swallowed, this could cause internal blockages.
5. Spring cleaning - it's that time of the year when we get our houses ready for summer - but there are very few cleaning products that are pet friendly - even the products that claim to be formulated for pets are rarely actually chemical-free. Consider using homemade cleaners - for a great all-purpose cleaner; In a spray bottle, combine equal parts water and vinegar (either distilled white vinegar or ACV) and shake to blend. For best results, use filtered or distilled water that won't leave behind mineral deposits, especially if you have hard tap water. You can add lemon or mint leaves to the solution to give it a fresh scent.
6. Time to start your parasite prevention! - With so many natural alternative parasite preventions - there is no need for the old school toxic chemicals our vets often prescribe. Check out our article in our file section to find the best natural parasite prevention product for your pet!
Allergies - As the weather gets warmer and the plants come back into bloom we also head into allergy season which can be particularly difficult to manage for those with environmental allergies. If your dog suffers - keep a closer eye for any irritation and consider adding natural antihistamines to their diet like quercetin and bromelain.
7. Pesticides - with plants coming back into bloom the use of potentially toxic pesticides will be on the rise - always ensure you know the chemicals used and avoid the area if you cannot find a natural alternative. Consider using a paw cup to wash your dog’s paws if you have walked in an area that has had pesticides sprayed.
As always, we recommend keeping a note of the veterinary poison hotline in your country & it may be a good idea to save this post for future reference!
