When winter is over, you no longer need to worry about the wintertime pet hazards like rock salt or worry about your pet getting lost in the snow. However, there are springtime hazards too. You should make yourself aware of springtime pet hazards so you can avoid emergency visits to Kindness Family Pet Clinic in Forest Grove, OR.
Foxtails
Foxtails are a common outdoor spring pet hazard. The barbed seed heads of the foxtail plant can easily work their way into any part of your dog or cat, from the nose to between the toes and inside the ears, eyes, or mouth. They can also become embedded directly into your pet’s skin, leading to infection. If your pet has been injured by a foxtail, call our veterinarian.
Fleas and Ticks
When it starts getting warm outside, fleas and ticks start reproducing. One flea can cause your pet and your home to become infested. Fleas make your pet very uncomfortable when they bite. Your pet can develop an allergic reaction to flea bites, which can result in redness and swelling.
Ticks are also a serious problem during the spring. If your pet is bitten by a flea that is carrying disease such as Lyme, your pet can get very sick. It is essential that you keep up with your pet's flea and tick prevention regimen all year, and especially in the spring.
Toxic Shrubs and Plants
Plants and shrubs begin to bloom in the spring. Though beautiful, some plants are toxic to your pet. Lily of the valley, azaleas, rhododendrons, and wild mushrooms are poisonous to your pet and can be deadly. Before you allow your pet to spend time outside, you must remove all poisonous plants and shrubs from your lawn. This will prevent an emergency visit to our veterinarian.
Toxic Lawn Treatments
Many homeowners have their lawns treated in the spring to keep fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes away. Treated grass can be deadly to your pet. If your lawn or a neighbor's lawn has been recently treated, you should keep your cat indoors for a few days. If you have a dog, they should be kept on a leash for the first few days following lawn treatment.
Spring Hazard Treatment in Forest Grove, OR
It is important to be aware of spring hazards that can be harmful to your pet. If your pet experiences an emergency related to a spring hazard, visit our veterinarian at Kindness Family Pet Clinic. For more information on spring hazards or to schedule an appointment, call us at (503) 376-9385. You can also request an appointment online.