Pet Tips For Spring Time
Pet-Proof Your Home and Area This Spring
By Dr. Bush, Medical Director VEG ER for Pets Northern Liberties
As the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors, it’s a great time to make sure your home, building, and neighborhood are safe for pets. Spring is one of the busiest seasons for preventable pet emergencies. Curious dogs and cats explore with their noses—and sometimes their mouths—so everyday items found around the city can quickly become dangerous.
Start by paying attention to what’s around your sidewalks, building landscaping, and nearby parks. Cocoa bean mulch is sometimes used in landscaping and may smell appealing to dogs, but it contains the same toxiccompounds found in chocolate. Fertilizers used around buildings or dog parks that contain bone meal, blood meal, or high iron levels can also cause illness if eaten. Snail or slug bait that contains metaldehyde is extremely toxic to pets.
In some neighborhoods or apartment complexes, rodent bait may also be present. These are usually inside large black bait boxes along sidewalks or near dumpsters. If you notice loose pellets on the ground or bright green or blue blocks, keep your dog away and notify building management if possible.
While less common in dense city environments, it’s still worth being mindful of shared garden beds or community compost areas, which can grow mold that produces dangerous toxins. Certain plants used in landscaping can also be hazardous. Sago palms can cause severe liver damage in dogs, and lilies are extremely toxic to cats, even small exposures can lead to kidney failure.
As temperatures rise, remember that pavement and sidewalks can heat up quickly. Make sure pets have access to shade and fresh water, and try to walk during early morning or evening hours to avoid the hottest part of the day. Short-nosed breeds like French Bulldogs and Bulldogs are especially sensitive to heat. And as always, never leave your pet alone in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
A few simple precautions can help keep your city adventures safe for everyone in the family—including the four-legged ones.
If you suspect your pet may have eaten something they shouldn’t have, call us right away. We’re open 24/7, and you can speak with a veterinarian anytime at 267-351-8440.
