Spring is here!

Spring Pet Health Tips

The days are getting longer and our VIP’s are out and about more after the winter darkness. This is the time to spend time with your pets. In this article we give you some spring pet health tips on what to look out for at this time of year.

Flowers and Plants

Spring is an amazing time of year with beautiful new flowers and plants are appearing, but beware, some are poisonous to dogs and cats.

This list isn’t exhaustive but watch out for: Asiatic Lily, Asparagus Fern, Begonia, Box Hedging, Calla Lily, Cherry Laurel, Clematis, Cordyline, Chrysanthemum, Daisy, Daffodil Bulbs, Dahlia, Delphinium, Elderberry, Eucalyptus, Fern, Foxglove, Geranium, Grape Plant, Green See Potatoes, Hydrangea, Ivy, Lobelia, Lupin, Marigold, Nerium Oleander, Peony, Plantain Lily, Poppy, Privet Hedges, Tomato Plants, Verbena, Wisteria, Yew Tree.

If your VIP has ingested a poison the signs can range from diarrhoea and excessive salivation to vomiting and collapse. Always consult your vet immediately if your VIP displays any of these symptoms.

Bees and Wasp Stings

Although rarely am emergency bee and wasp stings can be painful and require some care. Signs can range from swellings and general distress to breathing problems. Always check and remove the sting if you can but try not to push it in deeper. If you VIP is stung around the mouth or neck then you should contact your vet immediately.

If your VIP is stung by a bee you should bathe in bicarbonate of soda, or if sting by a wasp use malt vinegar.

Cats and Exercise

Cats can sleep for up to 18 hours a day so a little playtime and exercise can be great for them. It is also a wonderful way for you to bond with your little VIP!

Laser lights toys, balls of string or even just your sleeve will grab your VIP’s attention and 10 minutes of play a day will keep you both feeling happy. Regular grooming is also vital to a cat’s well-being. It prevents hair mats, skin irritations, helps you spot small cuts and keeps an eye on fleas, ticks and other nasties! Nails may also need trimming, especially in older cats.

Dogs and Exercise

It’s important for all VIP’s that they get regular exercise. There are, however, just a few things to remember. If you are taking your dog off the lead make sure the area is safe, that you have developed a string recall and that your VIP is wearing a collar / name tag and is micro chipped.

Make sure the length of your walks is appropriate and do not walk during the hottest part of the day. Heat stroke is serious can be fatal.

Remember never leave your dog in the car on a hot day. A dog can overheat in 2 minutes and die in less than 15 minutes.

Human Food

As most pet owners know chocolate is poisonous to cats and dogs but there are other foods that your VIP’s should avoid. Dogs should not have caffeine, onions, chives, garlic, alcohol, avocado, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, corn on the cob, unbaked yeast and bones.

Cats should also avoid these foods but also raw fish, raw eggs and any old raw meat.

Xylitol is used as a sweetener for humans. However in dogs it can cause insulin release leading to hypoglycaemia, acute liver disease and blood clotting disorders. Even small amounts can be extremely harmful. If you think your dog has ingested Xylitol seek advice from your vet immediately.

There is little to no evidence of Xylitol affecting cats but we always think it’s best to be safe than sorry.

Allergies

All our VIP’s can develop allergies at any time but especially during the spring and summer months when flowers and plants are in bloom and pollen counts are generally higher.

Watch out for breathing difficulties, hair loss, itchy skin areas, runny eyes and even changes in behaviour.

It’s also worth checking that your garden is still safe and secure after the winter months.

We hope you enjoyed our Spring Pet Health Tips! For more pet advice please check out our other blog posts.