Never Take the Health of an Indoor Cat for Granted

It's A Little Wet Outside: 3 Things Hazards To Protect Your Dog From

Spring is here. It's time to prepare for the wet weather. While you're busy waterproofing your house, it's important to remember that the wet weather holds special hazards for your canine family members. This is particularly true if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors. Here are potential hazards that the wet weather can pose to your dog.

Mushroom Menace

When it rains, mushrooms start popping up all over the place. You might find them in your yard, the local park, or even along your favorite hiking trails. While not all mushrooms are poisonous, it can be difficult to identify which ones are safe, and which ones will pose a health risk. Unfortunately, if your dog eats the poisonous variety of mushrooms, it could become seriously ill. To prevent accidental poisoning, keep your yard free of all mushrooms. While you're out at the park, or on hikes, watch what your dog approaches. If you notice mushrooms, guide your dog past them as quickly as you can.

Bug Bites

Mosquitoes are a big threat to your dog during the spring and summer. One mosquito bite can infect your dog with heartworms, which can be fatal. To protect your dog, you should provide it with monthly heartworm medication, which is designed to prevent infection. It's also a good idea to protect your dog against mosquito bites whenever you go outside. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice onto your dog's fur.

Rub the juice into its fur, getting behind its ears and around its neck. You can also make a bandana repellent, using water, fresh lemon and a bandana. Fill a pan with water and add one sliced lemon. Bring the water to a boil and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes. Once the water cools down, place your bandana in the water and let it soak for about 5 minutes. Wring the bandana out and tie it around your dog's neck. The mosquitoes will stay away all day.

Creature Concerns

If you're going on a nature hike with your dog, and water will be present, you'll need to watch out for toads. You might not realize this, but some toads are poisonous to dogs. Licking the toad, or drinking water that a toad has been in can make your dog extremely sick. For best protection, keep your dog away from all toads, and bring fresh water for it to drink.

If you're going to be enjoying spring and summer adventures with your dog, use the tips provided here to help keep it safe on your outings. For other tips on how to prevent pet emergencies, be sure to speak to a veterinarian near you.