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When spring arrives, most of us are happy. Your pet is no exception. Fido and Fluffy are definitely looking forward to those warmer breezes the same way you are! But unfortunately, this time of year presents a few hazards for our animal companions. The trick is knowing what to watch out for so that you can keep your pet safe. Read on as your veterinarian Columbia, TN tells you more.
Pests
Fleas, ticks, mites, mosquitoes… the list of hazardous pests goes on. As the weather warms up, these pests come out of hiding to latch on to your animal friend. Ticks can carry dangerous diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and Ehrlichiosis. Fleas can cause hair loss and even anemia if the problem isn’t addressed. Mosquitoes carry heartworm. Ask your vet Columbia, TN for more information about these specific problems.
The best way to keep your pet safe from pests is through preventative medications. Keep your animal friend on a high-quality flea and tick preventative, as well as a heartworm preventative. These steps are usually enough to keep most pets safe all year round. Call your animal hospital Columbia, TN if your pet needs these medications.
Be aware that pesticides, insecticides, and the like are just as harmful for house pets as they are for the critters they’re made to kill. Metaldehyde, an ingredient in snail and slug bait, is especially dangerous. Keep your pet indoors if you’re spraying with chemicals. Store pesticides in places where pets can’t reach. Call your veterinarians Columbia, TN to learn more about pesticide poisoning in pets.
Allergies
Springtime allergies can affect pets, just like they can affect you. Environmental allergens include pollen, dust, dirt, mold, and many others. There are also food allergies. If you notice your pet sniffling, sneezing, or scratching more than usual, it’s time to pay a visit to your vet clinic Columbia, TN. Your vet can run tests and determine what your pet is allergic to. From there, you can take steps to have your pet avoid it. In the most severe cases, allergy medications can be prescribed.
Escape
Because the weather is warming up, doors and windows tend to stay open around the house. This presents an opportunity for pets to escape. Keep a close eye on your pet, and avoid letting doors and windows hang open unsupervised. Your veterinary clinic Columbia, TN also recommends checking all windows to make sure they contain sturdy screens.
It’s also important to ensure your pet is properly identified with ID tags, a microchip, or both. Contact your pet clinic Columbia, TN to secure these identification methods for your animal companion.
Toxic Plant Life
There’s a long list of potentially toxic or hazardous plants and flowers for pets. Some common offenders include dieffenbachia, elephant ear, the sago palm, lilies, aloe plants, rhododendron (also called azalea), philodendron, and chrysanthemums. Ask your animal hospital Columbia, TN what kind of toxic plants are common in your area. Take steps to remove them from your home, garden, and landscaping if necessary.
Want to learn more about keeping your pet safe this spring? Your pet clinic Columbia, TN can help. Call the office today!
