4 Important Spring Dog-Safety Tips
With spring rapidly approaching, it is time to consider how to keep your dog safe as you both spend more time outdoors. Spring and summertime present unique health challenges for your dog.
Keep Artificial Sweets Away from Your Dog
With spring comes Easter, and with it, lots of chocolates and sweets will be around. You will want to keep your dog away from all the sweets that holidays like Easter are associated with. Chocolates, as well as artificial sweeteners, are not suitable for your dog. Both chocolate and artificial sweeteners can be dangerous and deadly for your dog, so be sure that you keep your sweets out of reach from your pets.
Don't Throw Sticks
There is a popular image in American culture of throwing sticks with your dog. Throwing sticks, however, is very dangerous for your dog. Bark and other small parts of sticks can get logged in your dog's throat, damaging their throat and internal organs. Playing with sticks is really dangerous and should be avoided. Bring a toy that will not choke or injure your dog's mouth and throat when you want to play with your dog outside. A frisbee, ball, or other toy is a great and safe alternative.
Be Careful with Cleaning Products
Next, spring is often associated with spring cleaning. If you are getting ready to clean your home, be incredibly careful with the cleaning products that you choose to use to clean up your home. Many cleaning products contain ingredients that are harmful to your pets. You will want to look for pet-friendly cleaning products that are safe to use. You don't want to poison your pet while cleaning your home. Environmentally friendly cleaning products are generally safe for your dog as well.
Protect Against Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks start to reappear once the weather worsens, and you will want to ensure that you are protecting your dog against fleas and ticks. There are many ways to do that, by applying topical medications or giving your dog oral medications. Work with your veterinarian to determine how to protect your dog against fleas and ticks. Fleas and ticks carry diseases that can be really harmful to your pet's overall health, so you are going to want to keep these little pests that carry big consequences away from your dog.
If your dog eats sweets, consumes cleaning products, or gets a stick lodging in their through, get your dog to a pet hospital or veterinarian to get treatment right away.
