Springtime Pet Safety

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Source: Flickr

Springtime means warmer weather and more time spent outdoors.  As you get ready for the change in seasons, remember to keep your pet’s safety in mind.  The ASPCA offers a few seasonal tips to keep your pets safe this spring.

Spring Safety Tips:

• Easter Candy – Chocolates and candies are toxic to most pets, including cats and dogs.
• Window Screens – As the weather warms you want to open your windows to let fresh air in.  Make sure that you have screens in your windows to keep pets from falling or jumping outside.
• Cleaning – Spring is a great time to clear clutter and clean your home.  Remember to keep cleaners and chemicals away from your pets.  Don’t leave home improvement products like paints, nails, staples and power tools out in the open.
• Gardening – Many popular springtime plants are highly toxic to pets, including rhododendrons, azaleas, and Easter lilies.  Pet parents should also be careful when using fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides on their lawns and gardens. 
• Allergies – A change in seasons brings about allergy problems for both you and your pet.  If you notice your pet might have springtime allergies, bring them to our office!

Read more about springtime safety tips on the ASPCA website.  You can also contact our office with any questions or concerns you have about your pet’s health!

Spring Pet Precautions

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo Source: Flickr / Tambako the Jaguar

Happy spring!  Now that the days are longer and the weather is getting warmer, it’s time to start thinking

about preparing your pet for the spring.  We want to remind pet owners to get their pets ready for the change in season before heading outside.

Spring pet precautions:

• Heartworm Prevention – Warmer weather means mosquito season.  Heartworms that are spread through mosquito bites are very dangerous to pets.  Once the temperature hits 55F, we recommend that pet owners take preventative steps.
• Flea and Tick Prevention – Before taking your pet on a nature walk, make sure that they are on preventative medication.  Fleas and ticks are difficult to get rid of and can carry a number of diseases, including Lyme Disease.
• Seasonal Allergies – Pets can suffer from allergies too!  Instead of getting a stuffy nose, your pet might scratch more often or experience ear troubles.  If your pet is exhibiting any symptoms, be sure to bring them into our office for a checkup.
• Exercise Warm Up – You probably didn’t spend a lot of time with your pet outside in the cold winter months.  Just like us, pets tend to gain weight in the winter.  Exercise is good, but be aware of increasing exercise too quickly to avoid injury. 
• Microchips – If your pet is going to be spending more time outdoors, consider getting a microchip.  This is a great way to identify your pet in the event they get lost.  We offer free microchips with any regularly priced spay or neuter!

Learn more about how you can care for your pet this spring.   Contact one of our offices to bring your pet in for a checkup and to take preventative steps for their health. 

Spring Safety Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Spring has sprung and warm weather is on the way. Although gardening and spring cleaning are probably on your mind, be sure to keep an extra eye out on your furry friends during this time of year!

Before you set out to begin your favorite springtime activities, take your pet’s health into consideration. To help you out this spring, here are a few tips for springtime safety, courtesy of aspca.com!

If you have any additional tips, be sure to share them with us on our Facebook page!

Screen yourself – Many pet owners enjoy opening windows and letting the fresh air in during springtime. However, be aware of your pets near window screens. Pets are known for falling through screen windows, especially cats! Be sure that all of your screens are snug and sturdy!

Buckle up – We know that when spring hits, pet owners enjoy bringing their pets along no matter where they’re headed. Although your pet may love to feel the cool breeze on their face, letting your pets hang out of the car windows or ride in your pickup truck – it’s extremely dangerous! If you’re going to bring your pets along for the ride, be sure that they are secure in a crate or a seat belt that is designed especially for them!

Spring Cleaning – Spring cleaning is a springtime must in many households. However, be aware of the products you’re using around your pets. Be sure to keep all cleaning products and chemicals out of your pet’s way.

Poisonous Plants – Spring is the ideal time to let your garden grow! Be sure that the plants in your garden aren't hazardous to your pet. Many springtime plants including rhododendron, Easter lilies and azaleas are highly toxic to pets!

Allergies – Just like their owners, pets can be allergic to food, dust, plants and pollen. If you suspect your pet may have any springtime allergies, contact your vet to schedule an appointment!