Spring time is finally here and the warmer weather is certainly welcomed! In the past week we have seen a drastic increase in medical appointments scheduled with complaints of lameness, cut pads or flea/tick related conditions. Here are some tips on how to prepare your pets for spring time.
1. Apply flea and tick preventative, every month!
The fleas and ticks are coming out full force right now. It is important to be using preventatives regularly. If you have an inside cat but a dog that goes outdoors, I STRONGLY recommend also using a preventative for the cat. Dogs commonly carry the fleas and ticks into the house where they can quickly jump onto the cat and start problems. Talk to your veterinarian about which products they recommend. There are topical, oral and preventative collars to choose from. Your pet's doctor can help make the decision about which product is best for them.
2. Check the yard for sharp objects that might have been covered by snow
The snow is melted and for the first time in months, many of us will be taking advantage of our yards. Walk through the yard once or twice this spring and check closely for any trash or sharp debris that might have blown into your yard over the winter. Often times, these objects may get hidden by snow and not found until a pet has eaten it or cut their pads on it.
3. Carefully inspect fences and along property lines
During the winter, heavy snow and ice storms cause tree limbs to fall down. This can damage fence lines. Take a minute and walk around the property line to make sure any fencing is still sturdy and intact. Also look for any new hornets or bees nests under decks or in the woods. Check for any areas snakes may have been hibernating over the winter. These are all things that might be new since the fall and you want to eliminate a problem before it happens.
4. Have geriatric pets seen by a veterinarian every 6 months
Everyone knows the saying that a year for a dog is equal to 7 for a human. That being said, our older pets age faster and can develop arthritis or other health conditions in short periods of time. For example, an older dog may have been gradually developing arthritis over the winter but you may not notice it until the you take the dog for the first long walk of the spring. Older pets should be seen by a veterinarian every 6 months, instead of the once a year recommendation for younger pets. See your veterinarian for a complete wellness exam this spring to make sure your older cat or dog is prepared to have a happy, healthy spring.
5. Make sure all antifreeze and other winter supplies are stored out of your pet's reach
Antifreeze is sweet and cats and dogs love the taste. It is deadly if ingested though so it is very important to make sure it is cleaned up. Bags of salt or other products applied to prevent ice formation should also be tightly sealed and not in an area where pets can get into them. These products can be very dangerous to cats and dogs if ingested.
These are just a few things you can do to ensure your pets have a safe and healthy spring! See your veterinarian for more information on these topics and more ideas.
