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Ah, spring is here (or so it seems at the moment) and it is time for cleaning and planting around the house. Just remember while we may be busy fertilizing, planting and de-cluttering, our four-legged friends love to explore (and eat!) many of the items we are using this spring. 

The less attention we pay them the more likely they are to get into trouble.

If you are inclined to garden there are several things to keep in mind. 

To dogs (especially puppies) many of the bulbs to be planted look like a pretty tasty treat (they really have no discretion when appetite is involved – ask anyone with a dog, a cat and a litter box).  One concern with a plant bulb would be gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction.  (The same goes for wood mulch, rocks, firewood, etc.).  A GI obstructed animal may present with vomiting, abdominal pain, lack of appetite and later diarrhea. Often times surgery is needed to correct the obstruction. Another and possibly even more critical concern would be toxins the bulbs may contain. Several bulbs (like the Peruvian lily and tulips) have irritating substances that can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, as well as irritation of exposed skin. The daffodil bulbs are highly toxic and can cause a severe gastroenteritis including vomiting. This can sometimes be accompanied by tremors, convulsions, low blood pressure and possibly death. True lilies (Lilium species such as Easter lily, stargazer lily, Oriental lily, Asiatic lily, and tiger lily) as well as the day lily can cause acute renal (kidney) failure in cats. Often times bone meal is used as a fertilizer (so I hear – I’m not the gardener in the family) and once ingested can cause GI upset and potentially lead to pancreatitis. Bone meal may be mixed with other fertilizers, which when eaten can cause their own set of problems.  Also old moldy fertilizers (found in the garden) may contain mycotoxins (mold) which can be life threatening.

Cleaning the garage may be on your to-do list for spring. Often times we may forget that rodenticides were set out the previous fall. Dogs are great at locating things before we do then eating all of it so they don’t have to share. This may mean the evidence is limited when trying to determine what, if anything they got into. Of course everyone knows how dangerous these poisons are. Your pet needs immediate medical attention if you suspect rodent poison ingestion. It is best to inform your veterinarian what type of poison was eaten as the treatment can vary. Uncovered antifreeze is another deadly substance found in many garages. Its sweet taste lures many unsuspecting animals into a lengthy hospital stay, if not worse.

Since you are now too scared to let your pets in the front garden or garage with you, into the back (hopefully fenced) yard they go.  Since the grass is greening up and the mold spore count is climbing, you may note some skin irritations and eye discharge develop. Your dog may also rub its face and lick the paws (signs of allergies).  Also the warmer weather brings along flea and tick season, not to mention mosquitos (which can transmit heartworms).  

OK, so maybe a little walk will be good for everyone, considering it was a long, cold winter and there was a little weight gain. Exercise is great but start out easy and work into longer distances. Along the way your dog may be inclined to feast on whatever delicacies lie in the way.  This can lead to exposure to intestinal parasites and parvovirus (through pet stool) as well as bacterial infections. One bacterial infection is Leptospirosis, usually found in standing water or contaminated soil. It can cause kidney and liver failure but is a preventable with vaccination.  

Isn’t spring great?