Keep Your Pet Out of the ER With These Spring Pet Safety Tips

Spring is a wonderful time of year, with longer days, warmer weather, and blooming flowers. However, it also brings various health hazards that can pose risks to your pets. Whether you’re decorating for the holidays or sprucing up your lawn, these spring pet safety tips can help keep your pet out of the emergency room.

Celebrate Spring Holidays Safely with Your Pets

• Lilies: A Hidden Danger for Pets
  Lilies are one of the most popular flowers during the spring, but they are also one of the most dangerous for pets, especially cats. While lilies are toxic to both dogs and cats, even a small amount of ingestion in cats, such as chewing on a leaf or drinking water from a vase containing lilies, can lead to severe lily poisoning and acute kidney failure within 12 to 24 hours. Without treatment, kidney failure can result in death within 24 to 72 hours. If you suspect your pet has ingested lilies, contact your family veterinarian immediately. If they are not available, take your pet to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital, like MedVet. Safer plant alternatives for pets include daisies, orchids, roses, or sunflowers.
  
  To learn more about lily toxicity in cats, including the signs of lily poisoning, what to do if you suspect lily poisoning, and the treatment and prognosis for affected cats, read our in-depth blog post on lily poisoning in cats.

• Pet-Friendly Dining
  When cooking a holiday meal, it’s best not to share your plate with your pets. Human foods like fatty meats and poultry skin can lead to pancreatitis. Ham or turkey bones can splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract. Certain foods are toxic to pets, including bread dough, grapes, avocado, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, and alcohol. Instead, provide them with their own pet-friendly treats. 
• Keep an Eye on the Table
  Try not to leave your table unattended and keep food containers covered until it’s time to eat. It’s also a good idea to monitor the garbage to prevent it from overflowing or getting knocked over. Curious pets may find themselves exploring and eating things they shouldn’t, which can become stuck in their stomach or intestines. Learn more about what to do if your pet swallows a foreign object.
• Beware of Candy and Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
  If your spring celebrations include candy or chocolate, make sure to keep these treats out of your pet’s reach. Chocolate is extremely dangerous for pets because it contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which can overstimulate the central nervous system and heart. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous due to their higher theobromine content. Chocolate is extremely dangerous if ingested, and sugar-free candies containing xylitol, a sweetener used in gum, baked goods, peanut butter, among others, can be equally harmful. Chocolate toxicity can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, heart failure, and seizures. Even small, wrapped candies can pose a risk if swallowed, potentially causing an obstruction in your pet’s digestive system.
• Decorative Hazards for Your Pet
  Decorative items like grass, plastic eggs, breakable decorations, gift wrap, and bows can be dangerous if ingested. These items can become lodged in your pet’s intestinal tract, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, intestinal blockages that may require surgery. To keep your pets safe, choose pet-friendly alternatives like paper grass, paper eggs, or natural hay. These materials are easier to digest and less likely to cause harm if accidentally swallowed.

Keep Your Lawn Beautiful and Your Pet Safe: Choose Wisely

• Read Labels and Store Products with Care
  Fertilizers are generally safe for pets when spread in the yard, but ingesting large amounts can be dangerous. Store lawn and garden products where pets cannot access them, such as in a cabinet or on a high shelf. Some products contain ingredients like blood meal, bone meal, and feather meal, which can make them more attractive and more dangerous to pets. Always read the labels to know what you are spreading on your yard.
• Mind Your Mulch
  Certain types of mulch can be hazardous. Cocoa bean mulch, for example, is made from discarded cocoa bean shells or hulls and has a slight aroma that can be very attractive to pets. These products may contain theobromine and caffeine, which are the same compounds that make chocolate toxic for pets. Ingesting mulch can also cause obstructions that may require surgery. Consider alternative options like rubber mulch or stones. It’s best to consult your veterinarian about the safest products for your situation.
• Build a Fence Around Your Compost Area
  While compost creates rich soil for your plants, it can pose health risks to your pets. As organic matter breaks down, mold can grow, and some molds produce hazardous toxins called tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can cause tremors or seizures if ingested. Additionally, if you’ve added any toxic foods to pets (like grapes or onions) or plants (like lilies or azaleas) to the pile, they can remain dangerous throughout the decomposition process. Building a fence around your compost area can help keep your pets safe.
• Be Picky About Your Plants
  Some plants are extremely dangerous to pets, including lilies, daffodils, azaleas, crocuses, and sago palm. Other plants have varying levels of risk. Before planting, research the plants you intend to grow to ensure they are safe for your pet.

Use Pesticides, Insecticides, and Other Pest Control Products with Caution

• Read Labels and Follow Directions Carefully
  Always read the labels and follow the directions for appropriate application. Even if the product is marked as “safe for pets” keep your pet out of the treated area until it is completely dry. Pets explore with their noses and can encounter wet treatments that may be harmful. If using pest control products indoors, ensure all sprays are dry and the rooms are well-ventilated before allowing your pet back in. You may also want to remove pet food bowls, bedding, and toys during treatments.
• Extra Precautions for Exotic Pets
  For birds, fish, and other exotic pets, take extra precautions during treatments. Covering tanks and cages might be sufficient, but depending on the treatment, it may be best to remove them from the area entirely. Consult your veterinarian before starting any treatments to ensure your pet’s safety.
• Place Baits and Traps Out of Your Pet’s Reach
  If you are using baits or traps for rodents or insects, place them in areas your pet cannot reach. Slug and snail baits, which come in powders, granules, pellets, or liquid formulations, often contain metaldehyde, which is toxic to all species. Similarly, baits for moles and gophers can contain dangerous ingredients like zinc phosphide or bromethalin, which have no antidote and can lead to life-threatening situations.

Take Preventive Action: Ward Off Infectious Diseases and Viruses

• Keep Your Pet’s Vaccinations Up to Date
  Current vaccinations are important for pets, especially canines that often spend time in places with other dogs, like kennels, dog parks, grooming salons, and dog shows.  Viruses like parvovirus and kennel cough are highly contagious and can survive in the environment for a long time. Vaccinating your pet is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure their health.
• Protect Against Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes
  Ectoparasites such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are not just annoying; they can transmit harmful diseases. Make sure your cat or dog is on a reliable flea and tick preventative, as well as heartworm prevention. Always read the labels carefully, as some treatments are only for dogs and can be toxic to cats.
• Avoid Stagnant Water
  When outside, prevent your pet from drinking from stagnant water or puddles. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause severe illness and is spread through the urine of infected wildlife. The bacteria can survive in wet soil or standing water for days. Always provide fresh, clean water for your pet to drink.

Stay Prepared for Pet Emergencies

These spring pet safety precautions can help keep your pet out of the ER. However, we understand that even with the best efforts, pets can be curious and may get into areas or things that aren’t safe. Always have the contact information for your family veterinarian and the nearest emergency veterinary clinic, like MedVet, readily available. It is also useful to keep the Pet Poison Helpline number (855-764-7661) easily accessible. Additionally, keep a pet first-aid kit on hand and familiarize yourself with basic first-aid procedures.

Visit our Pet Care Resources library for more pet health and safety information.