Spring is Here!
Did you get out and walk your dogs last month? Did they love it? Did you? It's such a great way to get in a little exercise for everyone without feeling like your "exercising".
Now that Spring ha finally arrived in Douglas County, I see a lot of neighbors planting, mowing, fertilizing, and spraying weeds.
It also means more time outside for your pets!
Unfortunately it also means potential outdoor hazards for your furbabies.
Firstly, make sure plants that your pets have access to are not toxic. Dogs and cats like to chew on leaves and some can cause serious health problems and be fatal.
Here's a list of symptoms and toxic plants from the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association:
When using fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, make sure you read the label thoroughly and keep pets out of the area as directed. Also make sure your storage of these products is pet safety minded.
If you even think a possibility that your pet was exposed to some form of toxicity, don't hesitate and call your veterinarian and keep the Pet Poison Helpline handy.
1-855-764-7661
It's also a good time to get your pets up to date on their heartworm tests and are on medication. Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and as we know, the warm, wet weather is perfect mosquito breeding time!
And don't forget to check your fences and make sure they are in good shape to keep pets safely contained. As always, have ID tags on collars with current contact information in the event your dog does get out so they come back to you!
Happy walking and happy gardening!
