AS the weather improves and gardens, parks and outdoor spaces come back to life, VetPartners is calling on pet owners across the UK to take extra care to protect their cats and dogs from hidden seasonal dangers this spring.
VetPartners, a veterinary group led by vets with veterinary practices and animal healthcare businesses across the UK and Ireland, often sees a rise in injuries and illnesses in pets during the spring months, many of which are preventable with greater awareness.
Householders are being urged to take particular care when carrying out any spring cleaning in outdoor areas, given the risk of pets becoming unwell due to exposure to cleaning chemicals.
Many patio cleaning products and disinfectants contain benzalkonium chloride at varying concentrations, a chemical which can be toxic to pets. Pets are at risk when these substances are applied to outdoor surfaces, as they may walk across treated areas before they have fully dried. When pets later groom themselves, the chemical can be transferred from their paws to their mouth.
Seasonal Dangers Pet Owners Should Know
Caroline Scobie, a vet at VetPartners, said: “Spring is a lovely time of year for pets and their owners, but it also brings a seasonal increase in other hazards that can easily be overlooked. Each year, we see cases that could have been prevented with greater awareness of these seasonal dangers.
“As the weather gets warmer, adders – the UK’s only venomous snake – become active and owners should seek urgent veterinary attention for any pet with a suspected bite. At the same time, popular garden plants such as daffodils, tulips and crocuses can be toxic if ingested, while grass seeds can easily become lodged in paws, ears, eyes or under the skin, leading to pain, swelling and infection.”
Common signs that a pet may have been exposed to a hazard include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, swelling, lameness or pawing at the mouth. In some cases, symptoms may be delayed, so early veterinary advice is essential.
Caroline added: “If you think your pet may have come into contact with something harmful, it’s important to act quickly. Contact your veterinary practice as soon as possible and provide as much information as you can.”
Essential Spring Safety Tips for Pet Owners
Pet owners are advised to take a few simple precautions to help keep their animals safe and avoid unnecessary trips to the vet.
- Household products such as bleach, ammonia and other detergents can cause irritation and respiratory issues. Ensure that cleaning products are stored securely out of reach and always follow usage guidelines.
- Keep cats, dogs and rabbits away from treated surfaces until they are rinsed and fully dry. If contact is suspected, wash paws immediately and call your local practice for advice.
- Check pets regularly for grass seeds after walks, particularly if you’ve been out in long grass, paying close attention to areas such as the armpits, paws, ears and eyes.
- Be aware of the risk of adder bites, especially in rural or coastal areas, and seek urgent veterinary attention if a bite is suspected.
- Be aware of potentially toxic plants such as daffodils, tulips and crocuses, including their bulbs which can be harmful if ingested. Ensure unplanted bulbs are stored securely and supervise pets in freshly planted areas.
Article by Carolyn Small, PR & Communications Manager – email: [email protected]