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<\/a><\/p>\nSpring means more quality time outdoors with your pet, but it also means that pets are going to be exposed to a lot of hazards that they\u2019ve been sheltered from during the colder months- busy roadways, plants, bees, other animals, the list goes on and on. Here are some tips for making sure that you both are ready to take on the outdoors and spend some quality time together.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Allergies<\/h4>\n
If your pet has allergies, be on the lookout for excessive scratching. \u00a0If your pet is doing a lot of this, especially after coming in from a walk, it could mean that it\u2019s time to take a trip to the vet. If left untreated, allergies can lead to painful hot spots and infection, so it\u2019s best to treat them early.\u00a0 Please see my article Canine Allergies<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n With the weather warming up, your pet will be eager to get outside and start exploring. However, be cautious of buzzing insects; curious cats and dogs can be stung by bees if they stick their nose a little too close.<\/p>\n If your cat or dog gets stung, your best bet is to call your veterinarian and describe your pet’s symptoms. Like humans, animals’ allergic reactions differ in severity, so as soon as you notice that your pet has been stung, act fast to avoid further complications.<\/p>\n April showers bring May flowers … and they also bring lush, green grass. Don’t be alarmed if your pet If your dog makes a habit of eating grass in large quantities, it’s best to have your pet looked at. Eating grass can be a sign of an upset stomach, so if your dog has eaten something that isn’t settling, it might turn to grass as a natural remedy.<\/p>\n Here are a few tips to keep your kitty from bringing Tweety Bird to your doorstep.<\/p>\n If the Easter bunny brought tasty chocolate treats for your family, make sure to store them in a safe place. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate are the most toxic for your pet, while white chocolate and milk chocolate don’t pose quite as much of a risk. However, no amount of chocolate is good for them. If your pet ingests chocolate, take him to your veterinarian immediately.<\/p>\n With gardening in full swing during the spring, pay special attention to poisonous plants that are accessible to your cat or dog. Popular outdoor plants that are poisonous to cats and dogs include rhododendron, sago palm, and azalea, to name a few. For a complete list of plants that are poisonous to your pet, go to\u00a0ASPCA.org.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n It’s time to clean house! When using harsh cleaning chemicals around your home, keep your pets out of harm’s way. Almost all cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to animals. If it’s a nice day, open windows while cleaning to air out the chemicals, or secure your dog outside while you clean and allow the chemicals to air out before bringing your pet back inside.<\/p>\n Whenever possible, use eco-friendly cleaning products<\/a><\/strong>. They are good for pets, people, and the planet!<\/p>\n Spring is a great time to get your lawn in tip-top shape. However, many of the chemicals used on your lawn and garden can be dangerous to your pet. Fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides are usually poisonous and not meant for consumption. Always read the labels and heed the recommended waiting period before allowing your pet back on the lawn. Always skip cocoa mulch<\/em><\/strong><\/a> when landscaping! While it is lovely to look at, it is irresistible to dogs because of its chocolatey smell. It is toxic to dogs if eaten!<\/p>\n While composting is great for the planet, it\u2019s not meant to be consumed by pets. As food and garden waste breaks down, it may grow mold. Curious pets that might nibble at your compost may become sick. Keep compost bins closed or out of pets\u2019 reach.<\/p>\n Once the ground thaws, the bugs begin to emerge. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on its medications, including flea and tick medication and heartworm preventative. These medications should be taken monthly to keep your pet safe from these pesky insects and parasites.<\/p>\n If your pet does get a tick, follow these steps to ensure quick and painless removal:<\/strong> 2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Place the tick in a screw-top jar containing some rubbing alcohol. Screw on the lid.<\/p>\n 3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Disinfect the bite site on your pet. Wash your hands thoroughly, and disinfect all tools that came in contact with the tick.<\/p>\n 4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Monitor the bite site. If it is still inflamed after a week or so, bring your pet and the tick in to the veterinarian for examination.<\/p>\n An easy way to remove ticks is by using the Tick Twister<\/a><\/strong>, which is sold on Amazon.com.\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bees and Butterflies<\/h4>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Grass Is Always Greener<\/h4>\n
<\/a>munches on grass now and again; for the most part, it’s completely normal. For whatever reason, most dogs nibble on grass from time to time. Please refer to my article Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?<\/a> for more info.<\/p>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bird’s the Word<\/h4>\n
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\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sweet Treats<\/h4>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Flower Power\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0
<\/a><\/h4>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Spring Cleaning<\/h4>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Lawn-Care Essentials<\/h4>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Preventive Measures<\/h4>\n
\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wearing gloves and using a pair of tweezers, grab the tick as close to your pet’s skin as you can. Pull straight up in a swift movement, making sure not to grip too hard.<\/p>\n
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