As the weather warms up and nature awakens, we eagerly anticipate spending spring with our furry, scaly, or feathered friends. But this season also has some sneaky dangers that pet owners should be aware of to ensure their pets remain safe and healthy.

Blooming Trouble: Toxic Plants and Garden Stuff

Spring gardens, although gorgeous, present potential hazards for inquisitive pets. Several showy spring flowers contain items that, if ingested, cause mild to severe reactions:

• Some Flowers: Some flowers are very susceptible and dangerous, particularly to cats, and even small amounts can lead to severe kidney issues.
• Bulbs of Flowers: The underground portions of certain flowers are the most dangerous, inducing stomach distress, salivation, and possibly more severe complications such as a rapid heart rate and difficulty breathing.
• Other Bulbs and Flowers: These can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and possibly cardiac or respiratory distress.
• Other Plants to Be Aware Of: There are some other plants that are poisonous to varying extents.

And the stuff we use to care for our gardens can be bad for us too:

• Fertilizers: Some may give only minor stomach upsets, but others can be very attractive and cause worse problems.
• Bug and Weed Killers: Several of these pesticides are poisonous if ingested or even if a pet crosses a treated lawn and licks their paws.
• Snail and Slug Bait: Frequently sweet-scented, these baits are extremely toxic and may cause seizures, shaking, and death.
• Certain Mulch: This mulch contains substances that are toxic, like chocolate.
• Safety Tip: Learn about pet-safe plants for your yard and keep gardening products and tools safely stored where pets do not have access to them. Supervise pets when they are outside and prevent them from ingesting any plants or gardening products.

The Crawling Menaces: Insects and Other Pests

Warmer temperatures mean fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes return, and they all have the potential to transmit disease to our pets:

• Fleas: Make pets itch, cause skin issues, and can transmit tapeworms to pets.
• Ticks: Can transmit severe illnesses such as Lyme disease and others.
• Mosquitoes: Transmit heartworm, which is potentially fatal and attacks the heart and lungs.

And other wildlife waking up may also be a danger:

• Snakes: Are more active in spring, and venomous snakes can be hazardous.
• Bees and Wasps: Pets may get stung, which causes swelling or, in severe cases, a bad allergic reaction.
• Rat and Mouse Poisons: When humans work with spring pests, pets may inadvertently ingest these poisons, which cause internal bleeding or nerve issues.
• Safety Tip: Ensure your pet is on year-round prevention medication for fleas, ticks, and heartworm as advised by your veterinarian. Inspect your pet for ticks after it has been outdoors and exercise caution where wild animals may be. Keep rat and mouse poisons in a secure location.

Hazards Within the Home: Spring Cleaning and Beyond

Our actions to clean the house for spring can also cause hazards:

• Cleaning Supplies: Several household cleaning products contain chemicals that burn or irritate skin and cause issues when ingested.
• Open Doors and Windows: As pleasant as it is to air the house out, loose screens can cause falling, and open doors can permit pets to escape.
• Holiday Treats and Ornaments: Chocolate, sweets that contain specific sweeteners, and plastic ornaments all pose danger if ingested.
• Safety Tip: Clean with pet-safe products or keep pets at a distance until all surfaces are dry and the air is fresh. Secure window screens and stay alert for open doors. Place holiday treats and ornaments where your pet won’t have access.

By being aware of these silent hazards and doing our best to avoid them, we can ensure our cherished pets have a healthy and happy spring alongside us. If you are unsure, always consult your vet for guidance pertaining to your pet’s safety and well-being.