Winter is coming to an end and spring is finally coming.
Sunshine, singing birds and more pleasant walks are at our doorstep. This is good news for the morale which can be gloomy during the winter with the rainy weather.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind for Titou’s safety when the sun comes out and we’ve outlined them below.
5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR DOG WITH THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING
SPRING MEANS DIY
The grass is growing and the blue sky is giving you the desire to create a vegetable garden or an English garden… There is nothing wrong with that, except that you will have to be careful with the various products such as pesticides, fertilizers, etc… that your dog could ingest and therefore get intoxicated.
Keep them out of reach in your garage/lobby and be careful when handling them if your dog is a little thief. Also be careful with pruning shears, or other sharp tools that Titou could step on or even grab to play without realizing the danger.
TOXIC PLANTS
Speaking of vegetable gardens, there is another point where your vigilance will have to be increased: the toxic plants which can be found in your house or outside. These will depend on the region where you are, but I can quote some of them:
Buttercup which can cause a burning sensation and the urge to vomit.Tulip which can irritate, cause drooling and vomiting and cause diarrhea.Lily of the Valley which causes heart problems. The hyacinth that causes vomiting and diarrhea.The anemone can cause irritation and blisters, until causing tremors and / or convulsions.The rhododendron. It is the leaves that make the dog vomit. It can be dangerous in too large quantities by causing heart problems. The yew is very fearsome, because it also attacks the heart of the dog?
And many others.
5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR DOG AS SPRING ARRIVES
THE EPILLS
Let’s continue talking about plants by switching to the famous spikelets.
This is a grass seed that can be found everywhere and can have a disastrous effect on the dog. This grass will cling to the dog’s coat and can seep into the skin or orifices.
Keep a close eye on your dog every time you return from a walk and don’t hesitate to go to a veterinarian if you have any doubts (for example: a dog that shakes its head and looks like it is suffering in its ears may have a spikelet at the bottom of the ear canal and this needs to be handled by an animal health professional.
FLEAS, TICKS AND PROCESSIONARY CATERPILLARS
Even if these are present all year round, due to their increased resistance, you must be more careful when the sun and heat are approaching.
Protect your dog with an anti-parasitic and a dewormer.
This will not be a miracle solution, because ticks have become tenacious against these products, but it will protect your dog a minimum. Like the spikes, a good delousing is necessary each time you return from a walk.
Also beware of processionary caterpillars if you live in a high-risk area.
They are as dangerous to humans as they are to dogs.
Their stinging hairs are very risky for our animal friends, because they cause very important lesions on the tongue or the skin (the dog will tend to sniff or lick the unknown element…).
If you have any doubt, the symptoms of a processionary caterpillar bite are: important drooling, loss of appetite, vomiting and weight loss.
5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR DOG AS SPRING ARRIVES
SPRING ILLNESSES
Spring also means leishmaniasis.
This disease is mainly present in the Mediterranean basin and is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito called the phlebotomine.
It is a delicate disease to diagnose and its symptoms can be: nosebleeds, general and progressive emaciation, intense hair loss and skin problems.
These symptoms can occur anywhere from one to six months after infection and not all dogs will show these symptoms. They can be carriers of the disease without reporting it.
A vaccine is possible, otherwise you will have to arm yourself with anti-mosquito and anti-parasite diffusers for your dog.
To conclude, spring is a season that represents some dangers for the dog. But every time of the year has its little risks.
We must not become paranoid, but just be careful and pay attention to some details to avoid small inconveniences.
It’s the return of the sun, so take advantage of it while being careful and let’s go for the great family outings with Titou!
