SPRING FUN & HAZARDS TO AVOID

By Anita Greenberg,DVM. member of Old Bridge Township Council since 2016

Much like you, your pet welcomes spring.

After a long winter cooped up indoors, it is nice to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, but take into consideration the safety of your pets. As the weather gets warmer, fleas, ticks and heartworms become more prevalent. Be sure to use preventative medicine to stop flea infestations, tick borne illnesses and heartworm disease, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Fertilizer, herbicides, and insecticides can be toxic to pets. Keep your pets indoors while mowing the lawn, or using a weed whacker and trimmers, to avoid injury.

Decorative Easter grass or plastic Easter eggs represent choking hazards for pets and potentially intestinal obstructions, requiring surgery. Keep candy out of reach, especially chocolate and sugar- free candies that contain xylitol. Xylitol causes low blood sugar and, potentially, liver failure. With the time honored tradition of spring cleaning, remember to keep cleaners and chemicals away from your pets, avoid contact and consider products that are rated pet-friendly. Spring is a great time of the year for home improvements. Paints and solvents can be toxic for your pets and very messy with spills. Be cautious with nails, staples, insulation, blades and power tools. It is best to isolate your pets away from the work area.

As the weather gets warmer, pets especially, cats love to nap on window sills and bird watch. Make sure the screens are secure to keep your pet from falling out the window, not only preventing injury, but also from running away.

Pets have spring allergies like their owners. With seasonal allergies the skin may be red or irritated and they may suffer hair loss. If your pet is scratching excessively, suffering from a nasal drip or watery inflamed eyes, visit your veterinarian to get medication to ameliorate the symptoms and make your pet more comfortable.

In severe cases, allergy testing (RAST blood test) is recommended.