There are several dangers for dogs and cats that are present in the springtime.
Along with longer days and warmer temperatures, springtime brings special dangers for our dogs and cats.
Fleas Pose a Danger for All Dogs and Cats
Fleas pose a risk to all dogs and cats, and we start seeing these little pesks in large numbers in the spring. Besides making your pet uncomfortable and feeding off of his blood, fleas also carry diseases like tapeworms and, in some areas, even plague. That’s right. Plague, the same disease that caused the “black death” that killed countless people in the past, is carried by fleas.
In addition to being disease carriers, fleas can also cause “hot spots” and other skin problems for your dog or cat.
Do you think your pet is not at risk because he does not go outside? Think again. Fleas can very easily make their way into your home even if your pet never ventures past the front door.
Ticks Are Dangerous for Dogs and Cats
Ticks also like to make their presence known in the spring. In some areas, dogs can literally pick up hundreds of ticks at a time. Though they are less problematic for cats, ticks can nevertheless infest your cat as well.
Besides taking their meal from your pet’s blood, ticks carry many diseases. Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are just a few diseases that can be passed from ticks to dogs. Many of these diseases can infect people as well.
Flea and Tick Products Pose a Danger if Not Used Properly
Preventing fleas and ticks is important. Equally important is reading and following all label directions for any flea and/or tick product you choose. Misuse of flea products is one of the biggest causes of adverse reactions to them. Never use a dog product on your cat.
Mosquitoes and Heartworms: Another Springtime Hazard for Your Pet
Warmer temperatures also bring mosquitoes. Your dog or cat can become infected with heartworms if he is bitten by a heartworm-infected mosquito.
Heartworm in dogs can cause serious damage to the heart and lungs. In cats, damage to the lungs occurs most frequently and sudden death is not uncommon.
Dangers Lurking in the Garden for Your Dog or Cat
Springtime sends many of us out into our gardens. But your garden can pose some serious threats for your dog or cat.
Some plants and flowers are extremely dangerous for pets. Lillies, for instance, are quite poisonous for cats. Spring bulbs can also be dangerous for your pet if ingested.
Many of the fertilizers and other chemicals we use in our gardens pose a danger for curious pets as well. Bone meal is a commonly used fertilizer that can be hazardous for your pet if ingested. Many of the foods and insecticides we use for our roses are also quite lethal.
Spring Brings Danger of Escape for Pets Housed Indoors
As temperatures rise and the climate softens, most of us open our windows and doors. While the fresh air is wonderful for us, screens can become damaged or torn during the winter months. Before you open your doors and windows, check those screens for damage that could allow your pet to escape.
Photo Courtesy of Neil Conway/Flickr.com
