Seasonal Pet Hazards
There are many potential dangers that pets may encounter during any season of the year. Riverside South Animal Hospital will help our pet owners stay informed about the greatest dangers their pets may come across. Some hazards are not obvious. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.
Spring Hazards
Like us, animals get spring fever, and they want to spend more time outside after a long winter. Along with the health benefits of fresh air, sunshine and cool breezes, there are dangers for your pet.
Parasites
In the Ottawa area, year-round protection against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites is recommended.
Grass
A pet eating grass can be considered very normal behaviour — it is their natural instinct to aid in digestion or stomach upset. However, grass treated with fertilizer or pesticides can be very poisonous.
Puddles
Spring rain and sprinklers can create puddles of standing water. Do your best to keep your dog from drinking standing water; it is a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal upset or other ailments.
Spring Flowers
There are many plants and flowers which are toxic to dogs and cats. When you bring flowers into your home, it is a good practice to put them out of reach of pets or keep a close eye on pets when they venture close.
If your pet does ingest what you think is a poisonous plant or flower, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
For a list of common Spring plants/flowers which are toxic to pets, please read:
http://www.healthypets.com/springhazards.html
Easter
Chocolate
Chocolate is toxic to animals because it contains a caffeine derivative called Theobromine that cannot be metabolized. If enough is ingested, it can cause severe complications and death. As little as 4 ounces of chocolate is enough to seriously harm a 10-pound dog. Symptoms of chocolate ingestion are: hyperactivity, tremors, racing heartbeat and seizures.
Xylitol
Some candies, sweets and baked goods contain a sugar substitute called Xylitol. This additive can cause low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs.
Easter Tips
- During the Easter Egg Hunt, give your dog a special treat to occupy him/her.
- Make note of where all chocolate and candy have been hidden so that your dog does not find any lost ones at a later date.
- Be cautious of other toxic Easter items, including cellophane, ribbons, balloons and stuffed animals. All festive wrapping and decorations should be properly disposed of or put out of reach of pets. Some dogs and cats love to eat these things, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and blockage.
How to spot an allergic reaction:
- Gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy
- Swelling of face/body
Summer Hazards
Heat Stroke
We all enjoy walks or runs on hot days, but you need to remember that when taking your dog, they are wearing a fur coat and may not be able to regulate their temperature as well as you. This can lead to heat stroke.
Signs of Heat Stroke
- Excessive Panting
- Bright red tongue and gums
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Body temperature over 104°F or 40°C
If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, you must act quickly! Move the dog into a cool, air-conditioned space like a cool car or an enclosed area with a running fan. Place a cool, damp towel on the dog. You want to cool your animal down slowly; cooling down too fast can be life-threatening. NEVER USE A HOSE on a dog you believe has heat stroke. Most importantly, get your pet to the nearest veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
Tips to Prevent Heat Stroke:
- Always allow your dog to have access to lots of fresh water
- When going for a walk, take water bottles and portable dog dishes
- If it is too hot or humid outside, don't exercise your dog outside
- It is safer to walk/exercise your dog in the early morning or evening when it is cooler outside
- Certain dogs have a greater risk of overheating, including brachycephalic, breeds overweight and large heavy coated pets, and dogs with heart and respiratory problems
Water Safety
Not all dogs like to or are able to swim. You should never leave your pet unsupervised in or near the water. For their safety, pets should never be left unsupervised in or near water. A dog can get knocked out of the boat, or get tired/cold/injured and not be able to make it back to the shore. Kiddie pools and sprinklers can be a safer method of water play for older dogs or dogs that don’t swim well.
Travel Safety
Vehicles can heat up to 120°F within minutes on a hot day — even when parked in the shade or with the windows partially open. If you can’t bring your dog with you to your destination, it’s safest to leave them at home.
When travelling, all pets should be properly secured in the vehicle using a crate, seat belt, or harness. **Never** transport your dog in the back of a truck — they can be thrown from the vehicle in an accident or jump out into traffic.
If your pet struggles with travel due to motion sickness or anxiety, please talk to us. We’re happy to help find solutions to make car rides safer and more comfortable.
Fall Hazards
Halloween Hazards
Halloween brings many potential hazards for pets — from candy and costumes to frequent doorbell ringing and trick-or-treaters. Use extra caution when letting pets outside, and keep all Halloween treats well out of reach, especially chocolate or anything containing Xylitol, which can be extremely dangerous to pets.
Walking a dog at night — is it safe?
With busy schedules and shorter winter days, many dog walks happen in the dark. Reduced visibility increases the risk of accidents for both you and your dog. To stay safe, use reflective vests, collars, and leashes, add clip-on collar lights, and consider wearing reflective clothing or a headlamp to improve visibility during nighttime or early-morning walks.
Pet Home Alone: Back to School’s Effect on Your Pet
As kids head back to school, it’s important to consider how the new routine will affect your pets. After a summer of constant companionship and family activity, suddenly being left alone can be stressful — especially for dogs, but cats can experience anxiety and depression too. Taking time to ease this transition can help keep your pets happy and comfortable. We can advise on ways to help reduce and manage your pet’s stress and anxiety.
Rodent Poison
Rodenticide use often increases in the fall as rodents seek shelter from cooler temperatures. These products are highly toxic to pets and can cause serious injury or even death. If rodenticides must be used, place them only in areas completely inaccessible to pets. Consider hiring a professional pest control service, as many offer effective, pet-safe methods for managing unwanted pests.
Mushrooms
99% of mushrooms are known to be non-toxic, leaving just 1% which can be life-threatening to humans and pets. It is very difficult to distinguish between the toxic and the non-toxic mushrooms, so be very cautious when taking your dog to places where mushrooms grow.
Thanksgiving Turkey
If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Do not feed large amounts of turkey to a dog, as this can potentially cause pancreatitis. Do not offer raw or undercooked turkey, as this may contain large amounts of Salmonella bacteria.
Fatty Foods
Thanksgiving celebrations can include a lot of fatty foods such as turkey, ham, gravy, sweets and chocolates. Please do not feed these to your pet. Foods with high fat concentrations can cause pancreatitis or gastroenteritis. These medical conditions can be very painful and life-threatening.
Bones
Please dispose of turkey bones appropriately and out of reach of your pet. Turkey and other bones can lacerate or obstruct your pet’s insides.
Onions and Sage
Onions are commonly used in making stuffing, but they are toxic to cats and dogs. Ingested onions can destroy red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Sage is a common spice used in stuffing. Sage may contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression in animals if ingested in large amounts.
Bread Dough
Raw bread dough contains yeast, which causes it to rise when exposed to heat. If ingested by a pet, the dough can expand in their stomach, leading to vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and dangerous bloating.
Thanksgiving Chocolate
Chocolate is toxic to animals because it contains a caffeine derivative called Theobromine that cannot be metabolized. If enough is ingested, it can cause severe complications and death. As little as 4 ounces of chocolate is enough to seriously harm a 10-pound dog. Symptoms of chocolate ingestion are: hyperactivity, tremors, racing heartbeat and seizures.
Xylitol
Some candies, sweets and baked goods contain a sugar substitute called Xylitol. This additive can cause low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs.
Thanksgiving Garbage
After your Thanksgiving feast, please make sure your garbage bag is securely fastened to prevent your pet from reaching items such as bones, aluminum foil, food wrappings, and other harmful items.
Winter Hazards
Christmas Dangers for Dogs
Christmas is the time to indulge, celebrate and have fun — and as part of the family, our dogs will normally be enjoying some of the action too. But the festive season also presents a world of hidden dangers to our four-legged friends, from toxic foods to dangerous seasonal plants. Read more about Christmas hazards for dogs.
Keeping Your Cat Safe at Christmas
- Tinsel and decorations can be dangerous if swallowed
- Curious cats trying to climb Christmas trees are at risk of injury
- Snow globes can be extremely dangerous, as they can contain antifreeze
- Poinsettia and berries are among the festive plants which pose a risk
- Some foods and alcohol are also poisonous to our feline friends
Antifreeze
Antifreeze has a very sweet taste, making it attractive to animals, but it can be DEADLY even in the smallest of amounts. Clean up antifreeze spills on your driveway and in your garage. If you suspect that your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Freezing Temperatures
Never leave your pet outdoors unattended when temperatures drop below freezing, as they can quickly develop hypothermia or frostbite. Depending on their coat length, some pets may benefit from a doggie winter coat and booties for added warmth and comfort. Pay special attention to older and arthritic animals, as severe cold can make them stiff and sore. Snow and ice can make walking difficult, increasing the risk of falls and further joint injury — exercise extra caution with these pets.
Ice Melting Solutions
Chemicals and salt solutions used to melt ice can injure and/or irritate the pads of your pet’s feet and be harmful if ingested. There are pet-friendly products available.
Cars
Never leave your pet in the car, even for a short time. Cars can trap cold air, turning them into mini-freezers. In freezing temperatures, pets left inside can quickly develop hypothermia, suffer frostbite, or even die.
Winter Tips:
- Put your dog in booties to protect its feet.
- Gently wipe your pet's feet with a damp towel to remove excess salt and to prevent licking, which can result in ingesting harmful chemicals.
- Purchase pet-friendly salt for melting ice.
