From long grass to spring flowers, slugs, alcohol and BBQ’s, there are many dangers to observe out for this spring and summer. Listed below are 12 dangers every dog owner should concentrate on
Whilst all of us warmly welcome the wonderful parts of spring and summer, from Easter to sunshine and blooming flowers – for dog owners this time of 12 months isn’t all rainbows and rose.
In actual fact, there are some dangers which might be highly hazardous to our beloved dogs.
‘There are numerous dangers that present themselves to dogs in spring and summer,’ says Caroline Spencer, ProDog Raw Behaviourist.
‘Unfortunately, there are many year-round dangers for dogs also. For instance, extreme weathers in any season are dangerous, be that hot sunshine, strong winds, or ice.
‘Frozen ponds are to be avoided, plants and foliage also present hazards all year long, with conkers for instance being poisonous within the autumn.
extreme weathers in any season are dangerous, be that hot sunshine, strong winds, or ice
‘It’s vital to remain vigilant when walking your dog; when you are experiencing extreme weather conditions, avoid occurring walks where possible. More specifically, avoid walking your dog during severe temperature spikes and drops.
‘It’s also vital that, as best you possibly can, you prevent your dog from eating foliage (because it’s often difficult to inform which plants are toxic for dogs), research where you’re letting your dog swim ahead of time, keep them away from hazards like open fires, and stop them from spending an excessive amount of consecutive time within the sunshine.
‘In case your dog has consumed something toxic, or you watched they’ve, they are going to likely change into lethargic and should show signs of vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, panting, and/or licking of the lips. If you have got any concerns all the time seek the advice of a vet as soon as possible’.
To benefit from the spring and summer months while ensuring your canine companion is totally protected, listed here are 12 dangers every dog owner should concentrate on…
Danger #1 Ticks
Ticks are particularly prevalent in areas which have tall grass and bracken where deer are present. Use natural tick prevention products, check your dogs for ticks after every walk, arm yourself with a tick remover, and all the time ask a vet when you’re unsure about how one can remove one.
Danger #2 BBQ’s
Barbeque leftovers, including cooked bones, are choking hazards and could cause internal injuries. Meanwhile, fatty foods could be harmful to dogs with pancreatitis.
Charcoal soaked with lighter fluid, fire lighters, and kebab sticks are also dangerous. Supervise your dog in any respect times after they’re around a barbeque and steer them towards a protected place.
Danger #3 Firepits
Firepits are also hazardous for obvious reasons, so make sure that you usually have an eye fixed in your dog and keep them away from open flames.
Danger #4 Alcohol
Alcohol is toxic for dogs so all the time keep it out of their reach, especially at outdoor summer parties where drinks is perhaps left on low garden tables.
Danger #5 Blue-green algae
Blue-green algae is present in still and stagnant waters; it is amazingly harmful to dogs and could be fatal. Monitor local alerts and look out for notices at lakes and ponds near you.
Also, all the time rinse your dog at home in clean water after swimming. Your bird bath must be cleaned out and replenished commonly too.
Danger #6 Water intoxication
Dogs devour large amounts of water when swimming with a toy of their mouths, so keep games of fetch on dry land; taking in an excessive amount of water could be fatal.
Danger #7 Overheating in warmer weather
To assist dogs stay cool in spring & summer, walk early within the morning and late within the evening when temperatures have dropped. Follow shaded areas on longer walks and provides your dog loads of breaks in shaded areas so that they can enjoy some enrichment time.
You’ll want to have some fans in the house, keep your dog well-groomed so air can flow into through their fur, all the time have cool water available, dampen their coat (their body cools because the water evaporates within the breeze), and don’t allow them to lay within the sun for too long.
Hot dogs will pant and drool, be unsteady on their feet, and appear lethargic. These symptoms all worsen quickly with flat-nosed breeds. In case your dog is showing signs of warmth stroke, cool their feet and legs with cold water and provides them a drink whilst calling your vet and arranging urgent transport.
Danger #8 Hot pavements
Hot pavements are harmful to dogs’ delicate paws. At all times do the new pavement test to see if it’s protected for them to be outside; place the back of your hand on the bottom and when you can’t hold it there for 30 seconds, it’s too hot and their feet will blister.
Danger #9 Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are a standard occurrence in spring/summer because of warmer weather and humidity. Anti-static body wraps hugely help to alleviate dogs’ stress, whilst I’d recommend staying at home along with your dog, constructing a protected zone for them, giving them affection if that makes them feel more comfortable, and offering positive distractions.
Danger #10 Summer plants
Some plants are poisonous for dogs in spring/summer, like rhododendron and yew berries. Seek vet assistance in case your dog has eaten anything which you think that might make them ailing.
Danger #11 Grass seeds
Grass seeds could be harmful to dogs’ eyes and paws. Don’t let your dog run in farmers’ fields of corn and barley. Long grass can be often home to those seeds so check your dog’s eyes, ears, and paws after very walk. If a seed is of their eye, contact a vet to have this removed.
Danger #12 Automotive travel
It might be dangerous for dogs to be in cars during warmer weather. Be certain that you usually have your air con on, stop commonly, and ensure water is out there in a non-spill bowl. Never leave your dog within the automobile, even with the windows down.