Springtime Weather Pet Tips
SPRINGTIME PET TIPS
SPRING FEVER
Springtime is the season for breeding for many cats and dogs. Please do your part to help with pet overpopulation by spaying and neutering your pets. If you have an unaltered pet, it is important to keep him or her away from other animals. This is especially true for cats; shelters are overrun every spring and summer with litters of homeless, unwanted kittens.
APRIL SHOWERS
If your pet spends time outside, she will need protected shelter in order to stay safe and dry. Outdoor food and water bowls should be cleaned out after a shower, as toxins from the rain could end up in the bowls. If you are not using filtered or bottled water for your pet, be sure to check local water condition alerts to ensure that heavy rains have not contaminated your water supply.
SPRING CLEANING
Your pet will soon start to shed his winter coat in preparation for the warmer weather. Daily brushings will help you to keep up with the shedding.
SMELL THE ROSES
New plant growth is a highlight of spring, but with it can come toxic hazards to your pet, such as snail bait, ant poison, and other related gardening additives or chemicals. Lawn herbicides and/or pesticides can also be poisonous to your pets, so be sure to keep them out of the yard when treating and use extra caution for several days afterwards.
AH-CHOO!
Dogs and cats can suffer from seasonal allergies too! If your pet suddenly starts scratching, sneezing, losing excess amounts of fur, developing red or dry skin, or exhibiting nasal or eye discharge, she may be experiencing allergies. Visit your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
BUGGIN'
Fleas and ticks abound in spring. Be prepared for parasite control by making sure your pet is up-to-date on all of his vaccinations. Ask your Vet about flea and tick control and Lyme disease inoculations.
GONE HUNTING
In many areas, springtime is the beginning of the hunting and fishing seasons. When walking on the beach or near a river or lake, watch for fishing lines or hooks. If you are spending time in a wooded area, keep an eye out for leg-hold traps or poison bait. It might also be a good idea to dress you dog in a high-visibility jacket so he is not mistaken for another creature.
EASTER PARADE
Dogs and cats may not enjoy the Easter hubbub as much as you do; the hustle and bustle surrounding the egg hunt could cause some stress. If your pet is overly shy or easily excited, it may be best to find a quiet room for them and give them something to keep busy, like a favorite toy for your dog or a catnip pillow for your kitty. Be sure to include them in your celebration when things simmer down.
Many items often found in Easter baskets, including plastic grass, which can be tempting to kitties who like to chew on plastic, and chocolate, which attracts dogs, can be dangerous, even fatal, to pets. Tissue paper is an affordable yet festive substitution for plastic grass. Chocolate and any other pet-toxic foods should always be kept safely out of the reach of a curious kitty or sneaky snoopy.
Plastic Easter eggs, on the other hand, can make a fabulous toy for your cat! Check out Bideawee's Kitty Corner advice on other inexpensive cat toys you can make at home.
...most importantly, enjoy each and every season to its fullest with your four-legged friends!
Sew Velcro strips into the sock opening so it can be closed up and easily reopened. Next, fill the sock with batting, scrap fabric, or dried catnip, and seal shut. In no time, your kitty will have a new favorite plaything!
