With the bright, sunny weather upon us, your pets are as enthusiastic as you are to get outside and enjoy the warmth. The opportunity to stretch their legs and roam free can be an exciting time for your pets. As a responsible owner, learn to recognize and take precaution against the following spring pet risks:
Heartworm Disease
Did you know that your pets are susceptible to heartworm disease through mosquito bites? If a mosquito bites an infected animal, it may transfer the disease to the next animal it bites, making this a serious spring pet risk. To prevent heartworm, keep up-to-date with your pets’ immunizations and other shots, especially in the spring.
Allergies
Like their owners, pets can suffer from spring allergies too. Pollen can irritate them and even get on their skin, causing rashes, so proper grooming and watching for signs such as excessive scratching, licking or chewing are necessary in the spring.
Fertilizers and Other Soil Treatments
Unfortunately you can’t control everything your pets ingest when outside. Although fertilizers and other soil treatments are generally safe, an abundant intake (especially when they eat it directly from the bag) can create obstructions in the stomach and potentially lead to pancreatitis. Be aware of the areas that your pets wander around and watch out for warning signs such as excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
Compost
What’s healthy for your plants can be devastating for your pets. As the organic matter decomposes, it grows types of mould that can be toxic, so keep your furry family members away from the compost bin or pile.
Spring Cleaning Supplies
If your pets love exploring and chewing on things, make sure you keep the spring cleaning supplies well out of reach — ensuring that your pets can’t access any chemicals.
It can be stressful when you let your beloved pets run loose in the warm weather. Knowing that Pet Insurance can help manage the costs that can accumulate if your pets get sick this season can help reduce that stress.
When you sign up for Pet Insurance arranged for by Hudson’s Bay Financial Services and underwritten by Petline Insurance, you’ll be protecting both yourself and your pets from any unforeseeable illnesses or problems that may arise from spring pet risks. Three levels of insurance are available, and you can be reimbursed for up to 80% of veterinary costs. You’ll also receive Canadian-based service, coverage that renews annually, multiple pet discounts when three or more pets are insured and Hudson’s Bay Rewards points redeemable for Hudson’s Bay Gift Cards.
Click here for more information about Pet Insurance.