Greetings! Spring is coming quickly upon us even with the recent snow we just had here in Puget Sound. We have for you some quick spring tips and reminders for the coming season.
Easter Dangers
First, let us point out that while rabbits can make fine pets, they require as much care and consideration for their health and well-being as dogs and cats do. These pets can live for 7 to 10 years, and long-haired breeds need a great deal of daily brushing. Don't give a rabbit as an Easter gift to an unprepared family!
And speaking of bunnies, be sure to keep your pets well away from rabbits of the chocolate variety, as well as any Easter candy. Easter grass can also be dangerous for pets to ingest. A little bit of hard-boiled egg is a fine treat, though.
Spring Cleaning and Gardening
It's also the time of year for sprucing up the home and making repairs. Be sure to keep your pets away from tools and cleaning chemicals, and paint.
Make sure to also be sure the plants in your garden will not be harmful if ingested. For example, lilies, can make cats sick if they chew it.
Also keep an eye on your fertilizer--some dogs may try to eat too much of it, causing gastrointestinal issues. Some dogs will try to eat mulch, causing obstructions in the gut. Be mindful of herbicides, pesticides, etc.
Pet Health Concerns
Now let's discuss the far more common issues associated with spring.
First of all: fleas! While fleas infest pets year round, some people see more fleas in spring and summer than in colder weather. Make sure your pet has flea control products. There are oral and topical types available that are used monthly. Talk to your vet about which one is right for your pet.
Next: intestinal parasites. These are never any fun. Tapeworms are spread via fleas, and other roundworm parasites are spread via contaminated soil. Make sure to get your pet's stool sample tested yearly (or biannually) to ensure they are parasite free. Clean your yard of animal feces, and keep your pet flea free.
And finally, it's allergy season. Your pet can get allergies too. Dogs and cats usually tend to lose their fur when the allergy season starts for them. If your pet is losing hair, or itching, has red skin, etc, they will need a trip to the vet for a discussion of options to get them through the season.
Have fun this spring with your pet, and don't forget to make sure they are up-to-date on vaccines for any Spring Break travels!