Springtime is a time of renewal, and many of us look forward to warmer weather and longer days. As we start spending more time outdoors with our furry companions, it's important to keep their safety in mind. In this blog post, we'll cover ten tips to help keep your dog safe during springtime in British Columbia.
Watch Out for Seasonal Allergies
Spring can be a beautiful time of year, but it can also bring seasonal allergies for both humans and dogs. If you notice your dog scratching, licking, or biting themselves more frequently, it's possible they could be experiencing allergies. Contact your veterinarian to see if they recommend any medication or other treatments to keep your dog comfortable.
It's also important to keep an eye out for springtime plants that can cause allergies, such as certain types of grasses or pollen-producing flowers. If you notice your dog is particularly sensitive to certain types of plants, try to avoid those areas during walks or hikes.
Finally, keep in mind that dogs can also be allergic to certain types of food. If you notice any changes in your dog's behavior or health after introducing a new food, talk to your veterinarian to see if it could be an allergy.
Protect Your Dog from Ticks
Spring is also the time when ticks become more active. These tiny bugs can carry diseases such as Lyme disease, which can be dangerous for both dogs and humans. To protect your dog from ticks, make sure they are up-to-date on their tick prevention medication.
When you're out for walks or hikes with your dog, try to avoid areas with tall grass or dense foliage, as these are prime tick habitats. After spending time outdoors, check your dog for any ticks that may have attached themselves. If you do find a tick, remove it carefully with tweezers and monitor your dog for any symptoms of tick-borne illness.
If you're unsure about how to remove a tick or suspect your dog may have contracted an illness from a tick bite, contact your veterinarian right away.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
As the weather gets warmer, it's important to make sure your dog stays hydrated. Bring plenty of water with you on walks or hikes, and offer your dog water frequently throughout the day.
If you notice signs of dehydration such as lethargy, dry nose or gums, or excessive panting, it's important to take a break and offer your dog water immediately. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to heatstroke, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
Remember, even if your dog loves to play and run around, it's important to take frequent breaks and offer water to prevent dehydration.
I use a Rambler® 1 L Bottle & Rambler® Bottle Sling (screw Stanley, I love me a Yeti!) with a Pawaboo Collapsible Dog Bowl for our adventures.
Be Mindful of Hot Pavement
When the weather gets warmer, pavement and other surfaces can become hot enough to burn your dog's paws. Before heading out for a walk or hike, test the pavement with your hand to make sure it's not too hot for your dog to walk on.
If the pavement is too hot, try to stick to grassy areas or wait until later in the day when the pavement has cooled down. You can also consider getting protective booties for your dog to wear on hot pavement.
Remember, if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
Keep Your Dog Away from Wildlife
Spring is a time when many animals come out of
hibernation or become more active. While it's tempting to let your dog run around and explore, it's important to keep them away from wildlife such as bears, coyotes, and raccoons.
Encounters with wildlife can be dangerous for both dogs and humans. Keep your dog on a leash and avoid areas where you know wildlife is present. If you do encounter wildlife, stay calm and slowly back away without turning your back on the animal.
If your dog does happen to get into a scuffle with wildlife, contact your veterinarian right away to make sure they are not injured or in need of any medical attention.
Protect Your Dog from Poisonous Plants
Spring is a time when many plants start to bloom, but not all of them are safe for dogs. Some plants can be toxic if ingested, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures.
Common springtime plants that are toxic to dogs include lilies, tulips, daffodils, and azaleas. If you're not sure if a plant is safe for your dog, it's best to err on the side of caution and keep them away.
If you suspect your dog has ingested a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian right away.
Be Prepared for Spring Storms
Spring can also bring rain and thunderstorms, which can be scary for some dogs. Make sure your dog has a safe and comfortable place to retreat to during a storm, such as a crate or a quiet room in your home.
If your dog is particularly anxious during storms, talk to your veterinarian about possible treatments or medications that could help keep them calm.
Finally, make sure you have a plan in place in case of an emergency, such as a power outage or flooding. Have a disaster kit ready for both you and your dog, including food, water, and any necessary medications.
Keep Your Dog Secure in the Car
If you're planning on taking your dog on a road trip or even just a short drive, it's important to make sure they are secure in the car. Unsecured dogs can be dangerous for both the dog and the driver in the event of an accident.
You can secure your dog in the car using a harness or crate specifically designed for car travel. Make sure the harness or crate is properly secured to the car to prevent it from moving around during a sudden stop or accident.
Finally, never leave your dog alone in a hot car, even if it's just for a few minutes. Cars can heat up quickly in the sun, even on mild days, putting your dog at risk for heatstroke.
Final Thoughts
Springtime can be a fun and exciting time for both you and your dog, but it's important to keep their safety in mind. By following these ten tips, you can help keep your dog safe and healthy during the springtime in British Columbia.
“When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.” ― Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast
Comments