Spring Hazards for Pets

It's finally spring! We can all let out a sigh of relief and say goodbye to those chunky oversized jumpers, hats and scarves we've been wearing all winter. But along with the arrival of the new season comes a list of seasonal hazards to keep an eye out for. Let's familiarise ourselves with the hazards spring can bring to our pets.

Flowers

Nothing says spring like the return of daffodils and other flowering bulbs in the garden, but did you know that some of the most common spring flowers are actually poisonous to your pets? These include:

• Tulips

• Hyacinths

• Daffodils and Narcissus

• Lilys

• Orchids

• Fox gloves

• Crocus

Fortunately, most pets avoid eating or chewing these plants, but the risk of accidental ingestion is increased with the introduction of spring bouquets and other flower arrangements into our homes.

If you do enjoy having cut flowers in your home, try to get bouquets containing non-harmful varieties, or place them well out of the way of your pets.

Chocolate

Chocolate is very harmful to pets, but do you know why? The hazard is due to a toxic substance called Theobromine which is similar to caffeine and is found in chocolate. While humans are able to process this substance relatively quickly, dogs struggle to do so, which causes harmful levels of toxins to build up inside their bodies. Cats are also affected by this substance, as well as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and pet birds.

It's never okay to give any of your pets chocolate, even in small quantities or as the occasional treat. Always be vigilant and keep wrappers and chocolate confectionery well out of your pets' reach.

Easter treats

Hot-cross buns are dangerous to dogs not only because they contain harmful raisins and currants, but also yeast, which can ferment inside the stomach and lead to bloat. Bloat is dangerous for all dogs, but particularly those with large and deep chests.

Simnel cake, another Easter classic, is also harmful due to the fact that it contains grape products as well as marzipan, which is made from ground almonds. Whilst almonds are not the most toxic nut for dogs to eat, they can cause intestinal upset and discomfort and therefore should be avoided.

Hay-Fever medication

While some pets are prescribed human antihistamines to treat medical conditions under veterinary guidance, it is worth noting that accidental overdose or ingestion can be very dangerous. Antihistamine poisoning can lead to irregular and rapid heartbeat, hyperactivity, seizures, vomiting and confusion. To keep your pets safe, always store medications well out of harm's way.

Lawn treatments

One of the joys of spring is being able to spend more time outdoors, particularly in our gardens. For gardening lovers, the dream of the perfect lawn can lead to us reaching for chemical lawn treatments, but did you know they can be harmful for our pets?

Artificial fertilisers and pesticides, harmful not only for pets but wildlife too, can have a varied effects from mild stomach upset to vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, difficulty breathing and seizures. Their use has even been linked to an increased risk of developing bladder cancer in dogs, which for those breeds with an already existing predisposition towards the disease (beagles, wire-hair fox terriers, Shetland sheepdogs and West Highland white terriers) is a cause for concern.

Cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and even free-roaming chickens who have access to chemically treated lawns are also at risk of poisoning.

To keep your pets safe consider changing to a more natural treatment containing non-toxic alternatives, keep all animals inside during treatment and for a minimum of 48 hours until the treated lawn is fully dry, follow all product instructions carefully and consider using removable overshoes to prevent spread and contamination into the home.