Spring Safety for Toronto Dogs
March 12, 2015
Spring Safety for Toronto Dogs
We’re all gearing up for spring in Toronto, with Easter soon to arrive, snow defrosting, and the sun shining warmly. But, living in the city in the spring can present some odd challenges for dog owners and there are many things to watch out for. Dogs, being as they are, certainly love getting down and dirty rolling around in the mud and eating things they shouldn’t be. Unfortunately, there are many pollutants on the ground and other dangerous materials that dogs can get in to. So, we’ve taken some time to break down some major issues with dogs in springtime and have outlined 5 tips on what to watch out for and do this spring.
Doggy Snatching: Yes, it’s odd, cruel and completely incomprehensible – but the fact of the matter is, people really do steal dogs! Now that the spring is here puppy snatchers are more likely to be out and about, so make sure you don’t leave your best friend unattended outside, especially in unfamiliar places.
Collar Tags: Of course this probably goes without saying, but everyone could use a reminder once in awhile – make sure your dog has his or her tags. Overall good weather just means heightened risks of dogs getting lost, whether it be because of puppy snatchers or something more typical like your pooch running off after a squirrel in the distance.
Poisonous Plants: With the spring comes abundant plant life and while this is a very beautiful thing, it can also come with its hazards. Make sure you know which plants are poisonous for dogs, there are actually quite a few; some are more toxic than others of course.
Chemicals: The spring brings with it a heightened use of pesticides and other lawn or garden treatment chemicals and these are things you want to have in mind when taking your pooch out and about. Try your best to keep them off chemically exposed lawns and watch out for other sources of chemical intoxication, such as contaminated pools of water.
Shots: Quite simply, dogs just get into more trouble in the good weather, well…don’t we all!? So, overall you’re going to want to make sure to have an emergency medical number on hand for a vet as well as making sure your pooch is up to date on his or her shots. Dogs are very susceptible to getting worms and other problems from mosquitoes or other bugs and mandatory shots are meant to aid in the prevention of these issues. However, if you remain in the city this spring then you might be able to get away without some of these shots as mosquito and other dangerous bug populations aren’t as abundant and issues with disease carrying bugs are reported less in city pockets.
Oh my goodness after a winter like that we’re all certainly looking forward to this spring!! So, we hope these tips will help you keep you and your friend safe while you’re out enjoying the sun in the city.
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Author: Aileen Schultz