Spring is a great time of the year to get out and about with your dog. Flowers, warmer temperatures, and lighter evenings make adventures way more fun than the winter months! To have the best time possible, keep an eye on these spring dangers for dogs that you may not have known about.

Gardens

Dogs love to dig, but that doesn’t bode well for our gardens! There are a number of plants that are poisonous to dogs if ingested such as daffodils and tulips. These can cause stomach upsets and toxicity, so if you’re going to plant these make sure they’re in a part of the garden that your dog can’t access. Keep in mind that a number of chemicals like fertiliser, slug bait, and weedkiller are also poisonous to our pooches. If you think your dog has ingested any of these poisons, seek veterinary advice immediately.

Spring cleaning

Home cleaning products can also affect our furry friends. Although they will taste unpleasant, the packaging may appeal as it might look like a fun new toy to play with. Keep your cleaning products away from your dogs in a cupboard they can’t open. You should also keep your dog away from areas being cleaned or that have recently been cleaned. Again, seek veterinary advice immediate if you think your dog has consumed cleaning products.

Allergies

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies too. Where we humans can suffer hayfever in springtime, dogs can also experience allergies at certain times of year. Dogs can develop allergies to plants, pollen, and grasses. Look out for symptoms like skin problems, hair loss, runny eyes, or respiratory symptoms. For skin problems we highly recommend the Fur Love grooming range which has a range of products which can ease itches and heal rashes.

Fleas

Fleas come out in force at this time of the year - a single female flea can lay over 300 eggs a day! These pests can cause problems not just for your dog but for you and your home. Your dog can get fleas from contact with other animals or the environment. They cause itchy skin so keep an eye out for this symptom, or better yet prevention is better than cure! Speak to your vet about a flea treatment or check our subscription services that will deliver the treatment right to your door when it’s due like Vetty or Furmail.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there! But first…

More adventures outdoors mean there’s also more of a chance of your dog running off and getting lost. Spring is a great time to check that your details are up to date on your dog’s tag and with the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) and your local council. With this peace of mind, you’ll be able to enjoy your spring adventures to the fullest!