The days are longer, the air’s warmer… it’s spring at last, which means you and your dog will hopefully be able to get out more. Albeit, you should do this taking full consideration of the UK Governments current social distancing guidelines.
But the inevitable increase in activity and contact with other dogs, that’s driven by seasons, can come with a few common problems too, including a greater chance of your dog picking up parasites, or an infection from another dog, or even ingesting toxic plants.
Forewarned is forearmed, so here are a few things to look out for this month, as suggested by our head nurse Anna and the team at Clarendon Street Veterinary Surgery, who are always happy to take your call on 01223 359021 if you have any questions.
Contact us for spring care advice
Here’s a list of things to be aware of when you’re out and about with your dog this month:
- Ticks and fleas start waking up to the warmer weather so make sure your dog’s prevention treatment is up to date. Call us for the current COVID-19 advice on achieving this.
- Infectious diseases become more prevalent at this time of year as there is more dog-to-dog contact – for example, cases of kennel cough tend to increase – so it’s a good time to check that vaccinations are up to date.
- Spring flowers will be blooming and some of the bulbs are toxic to dogs. Tulips are especially dangerous and if a dog ingests any part of the plant it can get sick.
- As keen gardeners will be getting active, there may well be some fertilizers around that are also toxic to dogs, so always check the make-up and be wary of any that you haven’t spread yourself.
- While we’re on the subject of poisons, if you’re thinking of doing a spring clean be careful not to leave any of your household cleaners, or hand sanitisers where your dog might be able to access them.
If you have an appointment coming up or if your dog needs urgent attention, then please read our latest COVID-19 information on the current situation.