Veterinarian offers pet owners springtime health tips

Most people enjoy the coming of spring, but veterinarians say that pet owners should follow some warm-weather health and safety guidelines to protect their animals.

These tips come from Dr. T.C. Branch, who has operated Oporto Animal Clinic in East Lake since 1986.

-- Make sure pets have their vaccinations.

-- Administer flea and tick prevention to avoid health hazards for both pets and people, including tapeworms and lyme disease.

-- See your veterinarian about preventing heartworms, which mosquitoes can cause.

-- Be aware that bees, wasps and snakes can harm pets and are more prevalent in warm weather.

-- Grasses, plants and pollen cause allergies, so contact your veterinarian if your pet sneezes or scratches more.

-- Make sure pets aren’t overexposed to lawns treated with fertilizers.

-- Warmer temperatures trigger shedding, so keep pets well-groomed.

-- Bathing and brushing can be done at home, but consider professional grooming if a pet’s hair is thick and has mats and tangles, which may cause skin problems.

-- Never leave an animal in a locked car in warm weather, which can lead to heat stroke and even death.

-- Don’t give pets over-the-counter medications, which can be very toxic to them.

--Be careful with your pets around swimming pools, because not all animals are good swimmers.

--Be aware of health risks for pets during backyard barbeques: For example, meat or other items cooked on the grill can lead to intestinal upset or blockage, and alcoholic beverages can be poisonous to pets.

-- One more tip that is good year round: Be sure your pet is wearing a collar with ID tags or is implanted with a microchip.

Branch also points out two other warm-weather safety risks for dogs.

“Dogs riding in open truck beds lead to injuries every year,” Branch said. “If your pet must ride in the bed of the truck, use a crate that is securely attached. Dogs also love to stick their heads out of car windows, but the wind and debris can irritate the eyes and nasal passages.”

And there are some serious health hazards for cats at Easter time, according to Branch.

“Easter lilies are highly toxic to cats and may led to kidney failure,” he said.

Cat owners should also keep their animals away from the plastic grass commonly found in Easter baskets.

“It can’t be digested and may cause an intestinal blockage,” said Branch, who noted that most cats in this situation will need surgery.

It’s also a good idea to keep needles and thread away from cats, according to Branch.