Love your pet ... love your vet - March 2011
Spring has sprung!
As we move into the warmer spring weather your pets will probably be feeling a little bit livelier and wanting to be out and about more. Here are some top tips and reminders as we move into this new season:
- When going out on walks as the weather improves, try to make any increases in exercise gradual to avoid injury due to over-exertion.
- Stick injuries are a big hazard when out and about – dogs love chasing and retrieving sticks, but sticks are sharp and if your dog makes a misjudgement when trying to catch a stick at speed, this can result in serious injuries to their mouth and throat. Toys, such as Frisbees, are a much safer option.
- Around the garden pets should be kept well away from garden chemicals such as fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides. Slug pellets are generally green or blue in colour and are a particular risk; they frequently contain a chemical called metaldehyde which is extremely toxic to pets and should be used with care. Non-toxic versions can be purchased and are much safer to pets.
- Another hazard is cocoa mulch which gardeners often apply to flower beds in the spring and summer time. Dogs are attracted to the mulch by the smell, but it contains high levels of theobromine which is very poisonous to dogs. Use tree bark mulch instead as this is much safer.
- Watch out for spring plants and bulbs too – puppies in particular will sometimes chew on leaves and dig out bulbs. A surprising number of common garden plants can be toxic!
- Ensure vaccinations are kept up-to-date – check with your vet when boosters are due.
- Take preventative action against fleas, ticks and worms – your vet will advise you on the best treatment for your pet.
- Want to take your pet abroad? Pet owners can take advantage of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) with no need for a stay in quarantine on the way back. You do need to plan in advance so speak to your vet for advice.
- Enjoy the spring sunshine and take care!
Keith Moore BVSc MRCVS is a Veterinary Surgeon at Hillside Veterinary Centre in Corfe Mullen. For more information visit www.hillsidevets.co.uk. Follow us on Facebook.
Archived Articles :
- April 2013 - New pet in the family
- March 2013 - Itchy skin – could it be an allergy?
- February 2013 - Thyroid problems in pets
- January 2013 - Arthtritis - is your pet affected?
- December 2012 - love your vet this Christmas
- November 2012 - Combat firework fear!
- October 2012 - Troublesome ticks!
- September 2012 - Thirsty work…
- August 2012 - Kennel cough – is your dog protected?
- July 2012 - Don't get the summertime blues!
- June 2012 - Rabbit dental problems & a growing issue
- May 2012 - Fact file: Heart Disease
- April 2012 - Healthy teeth and gums
- March 2012 - Healthy teeth and gums
- February 2012 - Drinking like a fish?
- January 2012 - New Rules for the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
- December 2011 - Top ten tips for Christmas
- November 2011 - Remember, remember your pets this November
- October 2011 - Autumn aches: is your pet affected?
- September 2011 - Worms: a wriggly problem!
- August 2011 - Kennel cough – is your dog protected?
- July 2011 - Summertime: The heat is on!
- June 2011 - Pet passengers - are fleas and ticks an issue?
- May 2011 - Rabbit Awareness Week
- April 2011 - Eyes: taking the long view!
- March 2011 - Spring has sprung!
- February 2011 - Getting to the root of the problem!
- January 2011 - Pet Insurance - a really good idea!
- December 2010 - The big chill – a seasonal survival guide!
- November 2010 - Ticker trouble! Is my pet affected?
- October 2010 - Remember, remember your pets this November
- September 2010 - Autumn Alert!
- August 2010 - Thyroid disease – is your pet affected?
- July 2010 - It's official: Chips are good for pets!
- June 2010 - Beat the heat this summer!
- May 2010 - Wriggle your way out of this one!
- April 2010 - Parasites… spring into action and pollen problems
- March 2010 - Planning your trip abroad this summer?
- February 2010 - Meal deal – choosing the ideal diet!
- January 2010 - Winter Worries!
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