Sorry, we couldn't find any results matching
Please:
Sorry, we couldn't find any results matching
Please:
Warmer spring weather could mean more outdoor adventures for you and your four-legged friend. But the change in seasons can also bring harmful plants, allergens, and other potential pet hazards.
Check out our spring pet safety tips to help you and your dog or cat get the most out of the spring season — and see how pet insurance can help you with covered vet costs when the unexpected happens.
Easter baskets can be filled with enticing treats and plastic toys that may pose a threat to your pets. One that’s particularly toxic to cats and dogs is chocolate, especially the dark variety. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in pets include:1
Other types of candy may contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can also be toxic to pets — especially if they’re diabetic.2
Easter grass, plastic eggs, and plastic toys or pieces can cause severe gastrointestinal issues if your pet eats them.3 If you suspect your dog or cat ate something they shouldn’t have, call your vet immediately.
While many flowers and plants are harmless to dogs and cats, some can be very toxic. Azaleas, daffodils, lilies, tulips, and other flowers or plants that commonly bloom during the spring are poisonous to your pets. English ivy, jade, and aloe vera may also lead to toxicity.4
To find out if a plant is safe for your pet, search the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants.
Spring cleaning may be good for your home, but many common household cleaning products contain chemicals that are toxic to dogs and cats.
Toxic household cleaning products include:5
Dogs and cats can accidentally ingest these chemicals while eating, drinking, or self-grooming.
To help prevent your pet from being exposed to harmful chemicals, keep them away from areas that are being cleaned, close your bathroom doors, and use windows and fans to provide ventilation.
Like humans, dogs and cats can have allergies to pollen, mold, dust mites, and other allergens that tend to be more severe in the spring. Common signs of seasonal allergies in pets include:6
To help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms in your dog or cat, wipe their paws after they’ve been outside, ensure their coat is clean, and talk to your vet about antihistamines, allergy shots, or other treatment options.
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are active in the spring and can latch onto your cat or dog. They can also transmit diseases like anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, and ehrlichiosis. In some cases, pets may even suffer from tick paralysis.7
You can help protect your pets from flea- and tick-borne diseases by preventing infestation and removing parasites early. This can include regular wellness exams with a vet, maintaining your pet’s bedding and your yard, checking your pet for ticks, and year-round parasite preventatives.
In addition to fleas and ticks, bees, wasps, spiders, and ants can threaten your pet with stings and bites. Take extra care to help your pet avoid these whenever possible.
As pets spend more time outdoors, there may be an increased risk of injuries, whether it’s an encounter with another animal or an orthopedic injury. To minimize these risks, introduce your pet to exercise gradually, and always supervise your pet’s outdoor activities.
Spring weather can also mean more open doors, windows, and screens, which could lead to your pet escaping from your home. You can help secure your pet by using baby gates and training them to stay in place. As an additional safeguard, you can make sure your pet is microchipped, wearing an ID tag with your contact information, and up to date on their vaccines.
As a pet parent, you probably know accidents can happen. Fortunately, pet insurance through MetLife Pet can help you cover unexpected vet bills this spring. Get a quote to learn more.
