We sat down with Policy Expert’s resident vet nurse, Faye, to ask about the things she’s seen cats and dogs get into trouble with during spring, and how she’d recommend avoiding them.
There are two big causes of spring-time claims for cats and dogs. Easter treats, and springtime plants.
Easter treats
Easter-time usually coincides with mountains of chocolate and (for the raisin lovers out there) hot cross buns. However, both of these treats can be highly dangerous to pets.
Chocolate, and any other sweet treat containing Xylitol, is toxic to both cats and dogs while raisins, currants and sultanas can all cause kidney failure in dogs.
Be extra careful to keep all your Easter treats high up and out of reach from pets. Remember, your kitchen table or side may well not be out of reach of enthusiastic pets. If you have children, be sure to explain to them that these foods are dangerous so that they are also careful not to feed pets. Finally, if you’re doing an Easter egg hunt, remember to keep dogs inside or on a lead, and make sure all chocolate is safely retrieved at the end!
Lilies
Bouquets of flowers are a lovely way to brighten up the home and bring a twist of spring indoors. However, don’t forget that lilies can cause kidney failure in cats – any contact with the pollen is harmful, so make sure that you only choose flowers without them.
Garden dangers
And finally, as the days become warmer and longer, your pets may want to spend more time sniffing around outside, stretching its legs or soaking up the sun. But be mindful of any harmful chemicals that you might have used. Fertilisers, weedkiller, mouldy food that is bring composted, slug pellets and plant bulbs can all be harmful to cats and dogs. Be sure to avoid mineral fertilisers, which leave salty granules, and make sure any weedkiller you use has completely dried before letting your pet outside. If you have a compost pile or are using slug pellets, make sure you’re doing so well out of reach from your dog.
Last but not least, keep an eye on your pets as they roam. As the weather warms up, adders begin to wake from hibernation and can bit curious animals that come over to investigate.
If the event of your pet coming into contact with any of the things above, ring your vet as soon as you can and seek further instruction. Remember, if you’re a Policy Expert pet customer, you also have access to a 24 hour vet advice line.
