Spring, it’s finally here!! If you’re like our family, spring time is often a welcome relief after the dreary days of winter. While the warmer weather is sure to put a smile on most everyone’s face, it is important to remember that with sunshine there are some increased health risks for your furry family member. Here is a list of some important precautions to take this spring.
All those bugs!
With more time outdoors pets are at risk of being exposed to more infectious bugs. Preventatives are recommended for both dogs and cats to protect them against a number of infectious diseases including those transmitted by ticks, mosquitoes and intestinal parasites. As said before “an ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure.” Routine preventatives are a must for your pet this spring. Preventatives that are crucial to both dogs and cats include flea/tick preventative, heart worm preventative, and routine dewormers.
Vaccinations
Making sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations is also important as pets are likely to be exposed to more infectious diseases in the spring. For dogs, there are a number of vaccinations that are vital to their health including rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, influenza, Bordetella, lyme disease and leptospirosis. For cats vaccines include rabies, feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia; and for outdoor cats feline leukemia vaccination is crucial. Feline leukemia disease is highly contagious and transmitted through saliva, so vectors such as shared water bowls, mutual grooming and even urine are potential carriers for a deadly disease!
Microchip
Unfortunately, pets are always at risk of getting lost. The best way to ensure their safety if they accidentally wander from your care is by making sure your pet has a registered microchip. With the microchip implant a veterinarian or rescue organization can scan your pet and have you re-united quickly and safely! It is a true lifesaver.
Heat
It is important to make sure all pets have access to water, shade and a cool location as the temperatures get warmer. Pets should never be left un-attended in cars; in fact it is against the law in Illinois to leave a pet un-attended in a car without proper protection from heat or cold. Life threatening heat exhaustion can happen within minutes, if you are ever in doubt it’s best to leave those errands for another time.
Toxic plants
Spring time is synonymous with beautiful flowers. While plants are a must this time of year, please remember to do your research as many common plants can be toxic to dogs and cats. Easter Lilly’s, while beautiful, can cause kidney failure in cats. Other plants including hosta’s, hydrangea’s and tulips can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. If you are questioning the toxicity of a plant please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center has a comprehensive list of potentially toxic plants.
Bridget Vlakancic, DVM. Barrington Animal Hospital
216 S Northwest Highway, Barrington 60010
847.381.4100
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Macaroni Kid CaryGrove-Barrington-Palatine is a free weekly e-newsletter, online calendar and website focused on kids' activities, family fun events, parenting resources and information relevant to families in Palatine, Barrington, Fox River Grove, and Cary, IL. We compile all local family events and activities each week, and add useful information about family-centered businesses, product and business reviews, recipes, crafts, resource guides and more.
