Springtime Safety for Cats and Dogs

The flowers bloom, the grass grows, the birds chirp—and a handful of pet hazards come along with it! Keep this spring season as safe as possible for your cat or dog by avoiding the following hazards, as discussed by your Smyrna veterinary professional.

Allergies

That’s right, your cat or dog can suffer from allergic reactions this time of year just like us! If you see your pet sniffling and sneezing more than usual, an allergy is probably to blame. Set up an appointment with your vet to discover what’s causing the reaction, and ask how the allergy can be managed or treated.

Springtime Pests

The warmer weather brings out mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and parasitic worms, all of which can bite or infest our pets and cause disease. Since you can’t always prevent these tiny critters from getting onto your pet, it’s best to keep your beloved companion on year-round preventative medications against these pests. Ask your veterinarian what will work best for your dog or cat.

Pesticides & Fertilizer

Many homeowners are spraying fertilizers on their lawns and pesticides on their gardens this time of year. Please remember that these products contain harmful chemicals for our pets. Keep your cat or dog indoors when spraying chemicals, and don’t let them chow down on treated grass or vegetation.

High-Rise Syndrome

High-rise syndrome isn’t actually a disease; it’s veterinary slang for fall-related injuries when pets slip out of open or improperly-screened windows. Pets—especially cats—like to lounge by windows when it’s warm out, but if a window hangs open or the screen has a tear, a pet could slip out and seriously injure themselves. Check all the windows in your home to make sure the screens are sturdy.

Improper Identification

What pet wouldn’t want to spend some time outdoors in the warmer weather of springtime? Since your pet will probably be outside a lot more than during the winter, it’s especially important to make sure he’s identified properly. Your pet needs up-to-date ID tags, a microchip, or both. Call your Smyrna veterinarian’s office if your pet’s identification needs attention.