The Easter weekend gave us some lovely weather and the number of people out in the park with their dogs instantly went up. It’s great to see so many dog owners making the most of the sunshine and giving the dogs a chance to run off some pent-up winter energy!
However, with each change of season there are several things you, as a dog owner, should be keeping an eye on. To make that a bit easier, here’s 7 things to watch out for when walking your dog in Spring:
#1. Grass Seeds
This is one of the biggest hazards for dogs at this time of year. Grass seeds have pointed/barbed ends and can easily become embedded in a dog’s skin. Most commonly, this occurs between their ‘toes’, on the underside of their paws, in the armpits or groin, as well as in their eyes, ears, and lungs (through inhalation). The body cannot dispose of the seeds and the area can quickly become infected.
You should check your dog for grass seeds regularly, removing any you can see and taking them to a vet if the seed is lodged too deeply for you to remove.
#2. Hayfever
Believe it or not, dogs suffer from hayfever too! When the pollen count begins to increase in the springtime, dogs often show signs of allergies including a runny nose, itchy eyes, rashes and bald or irritated patches of skin. However, the most common symptom of hayfever in dogs is excessive scratching.
Mild cases can be dealt with by brushing regularly, wiping your dog down with a damp towel after a walk, bathing and checking for mites, fleas or other causes of itchiness. A case of hayfever which cannot be controlled like this should be seen by a vet. Vets will commonly prescribe anti-histamines such as Piriton (an anti-histamine which contains chlorphenamine) but should not be given without dosage advice from a vet.
#3. Baby Animals
One of the biggest joys of spring is seeing baby animals emerging in our parks and fields. However, there are a number of risks associated with taking your dog out among the new-born lambs, calves, birds and rabbits:
1. Baby animals are vulnerable to being chased or harmed by your dog. From deer hidden in the bushes to fledglings falling from nests or baby rabbits finding their feet, it’s vital you keep a close watch on your dog in wooded areas. Always put them on a lead if you suspect there may be baby animals around.
2. Your dog is vulnerable to adult animals protecting their young. New parents are likely to be more aggressive toward your dog if they’re disturbed or startled. Again, be sure to keep your dog on a lead in areas where wild or pastoral animals are breeding.
3. Farmers can shoot dogs to defend their livestock. Don’t take any risks when it comes to keeping your dog on a lead in fields at this time of year. Startling sheep/cows can harm unborn young and bacteria found in dog faeces can survive in soil and cause miscarriages in pregnant livestock.
#4. Poisonous Flowers
A simple google search will flag up just how many plants and flowers can cause harm if eaten by your dog. Keeping track of them seems like a massive task! If your dog spends a lot of time in the garden, I would suggest you familiarise yourself with which species you’ve planted that could be poisonous in case you see the dog eating them. While you’re out and about, a keen awareness of what your dog is munching on, and a knowledge of the most common poisonous varieties should help your dog stay safe.
Commonly found harmful plants include:
· Apples (pips)
· Apricots (kernel)
· Azalea
· Bluebells
· Buttercups
· Cyclamen (root)
· Daffodils/narcissus (blubs)
· Elderberry
· Foxglove (leaves and seeds)
· Hyacinth (bulbs)
· Ivy (whole plant)
· Lupin (leaves, seeds)
· Onion (causes anaemia)
· Peach (stones and leaves)
· Rhododendron
· Rhubarb (leaves)
· Sweetpea (stem)
· Tulips
· Wild cherry tree (twigs and foliage)
· Yew (berries and foliage)
[Source: Blue Cross]
#5. Cleaning Products
Spring cleaning is great news for you, bad news for your dog! It goes without saying that ingesting cleaning products can cause serious harm to your dog. To avoid them getting in the oven cleaner, always keep cleaning products out reach of dogs and be vigilant about closing bottles/boxes while you’re not using them.
#6. Easter Eggs
Chocolate is one of the most commonly known poisons, but did you know that nuts, raisins and other dried fruit can also cause serious harm. Keep chocolate out of reach and don’t risk you dog getting its paws on it!
If you suspect your dog may have ingested any of the poisons above, get them to a vet ASAP. Different substances have different effects so make a note of what they ate and when and be specific when you relay this information to the vet.
#7. Dehydration
As the days get warmer and longer, dogs can easily overheat and become dehydrated. Some common symptoms are a dry nose/mouth, excessive panting and a slowing down or lethargy. Some dogs may even lose their appetite.
During the warmer months, ensure your dog’s water bowl is filled throughout the day and take water with you on walks. If symptoms continue despite normal water intake, dehydration may signal an underlying health condition and should be checked out by a vet.
I hope you’ve found this a useful roundup and feel empowered to take this information with you into your daily walks. While there’s always a lot to keep an eye on, the warmer weather and longer days make dog walking a joy and nothing makes a dog happier than bounding around, playing with other dogs and spending time outside!
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