Springtime Safety for Raw-Fed Dogs: Hazards to Watch Out For

With springtime on the doorstep it’s time to put away those woolly hats and scarves and get excited for warmer days ahead. As dog owners however, it’s worth remembering that the changing seasons can bring some unwanted hazards for our four-legged friends. Springtime Safety for Raw-Fed Dogs: Hazards to Watch Out For:

From poisonous plants to pesky parasites, springtime presents several dangers to our canine companions. In this blog we’ll highlight our top 10 things to look out for, helping you keep your doggo safe and happy this springtime. Ready to dive in? Right, let’s go!

1. Toxic Plants & Flowers

Spring is a season when beautiful flowers will start coming into bloom, however several of these common flowers and plants can be dangerous to dogs. Common culprits include Daffodils, Tulips, Foxgloves and Bluebells, all of which are toxic to our four-legged friends.

Common symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling and lethargy, however in some dogs the repercussions of ingesting one of these toxic flowers or plants can be far more severe.

2. Pesticides & Fertilisers

Another common springtime hazard for our pets are pesticides and fertilisers. We’re not talking about the types that farmers use to spray their crops, we’re talking about domestic pesticides and fertilisers that you can pick up in your local supermarket. Commonly used to prep lawns and gardens, these chemicals can be extremely harmful if ingested by dogs.

We’re not saying that you shouldn’t use them – we all want out gardens to look nice and our lawn to be lusciously green. All we’re saying is that you should use caution when applying these chemicals around the garden, restrict your dog’s access to any treated areas and supervise your dog when they’re outside. This will also help in ensuring that they don’t take a nibble on something that they shouldn’t when you’re not looking.

3. Fleas & Ticks

For many pet owners this one would be right at the top of the list when it comes to springtime hazards. As temperatures rise, fleas and ticks become more of an issue for our doggos. This is due to the warmer conditions providing an ideal environment for them to reproduce, with one female flea able to lay up to 50 eggs per day. These eggs then hatch within a few short days, leading to a nasty infestation in no time!

These pesky parasites aren’t just an uncomfortable nuisance for your dog; they can also present a significant health risk. Fleas and ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme Disease and Babesiosis.

Many dogs are also allergic to fleas, with Flea Allergy Dermatitis is one of the most common dog allergies. Just a handful of bites can cause severe itching, irritation and even hair loss.

Keeping up with flea prevention treatments is therefore essential for all dogs, regardless of if they have flea allergies or not. There are various options available, including oral medications, topical treatments, and flea collars. We recommend speaking to your vet about the most appropriate option for your dog.

You can also conduct regular cleaning of your dog’s bedding and any areas where they spend time to reduce the presence of fleas in your home.

4. Lakes, Rivers & Ponds

The warmer, drier weather often leads to more adventurous outdoor walks in springtime. If your dog is one for jumping headfirst into any lake, river or pond that they come across, there are several things to be mindful of.

Firstly, not all dogs are natural swimmers, therefore it’s important to know your dog’s limitations and keep a close eye on them when they’re paddling around. Also be aware that water may be deeper, colder or more heavily contaminated than it appears on the surface. Your confident canine may quickly realise they’ve bitten off more than they can chew.

Stagnant water in particular can be hazardous to dogs, as it often contains harmful bacteria, parasites, and toxins. Blue-green algae, also known as ‘cyanobacteria’, is a type of bacteria that often grows in stagnant or slow-moving flowing water such as ponds, lakes or streams.

Cyanobacteria is highlighted by the PDSA highlight as a particularly significant risk to UK dogs as it releases potentially fatal toxins and is often hard for dog owners to spot.

We recommend you look out for any green/blue scum on the water’s surface, or any streaks that may look like oil or paint. Also look out for foaming on the shore’s edge, or (the ultimate red flag!) dead fish or wildlife in the water. If this is the case, avoid at all costs.

Even if your doggo isn’t one for paddling or swimming in lakes, rivers or ponds, much smaller bodies of water can also present similar hazards.

Stagnant puddles for example can be breeding ground for bacteria, so try to discourage your dog from drinking from these. Consider packing fresh drinking water with you on any long walks, offering it to your dog at regular intervals.

5. Spring Cleaning

This wouldn’t always be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about springtime hazards, however you may be surprised at just how many risk spring cleaning around the house can pose to your dog. Here’s just a small selection of things to be mindful of:

Cleaning Products – Certain cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that may be toxic to your dog if ingested. Items containing bleach, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or a range of other phenols or phthalates can be extremely harmful. Keep all cleaning products out of reach and restrict your dog’s access to areas immediately after cleaning. You could also consider swapping them for natural pet-safe alternatives.
Air Fresheners – many air fresheners contain chemicals that can irritate a dog’s skin, eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system. If you are using an air freshener in a house, consider using a natural, non-toxic one to avoid any potential harm to an inquisitive or nosey doggo. Your pet may also be allergic to certain chemicals.
Open Windows – this may seem like an odd one to include in the list, however you’d be surprised how many dogs make a break for freedom when they see an open window that you’ve left ajar to air a room out. If you like in a flat/apartment or have a balcony, an open window can also present a fall risk.
Electrical Wires – loose wires or a discarded phone charger that you’ve found in a random drawer can pose a serious hazard to your dog. Dogs can easily chew through or damage electrical wires, which can cause severe injury or death. Similarly any discarded batteries may look like something fun to chew on for your doggo, who is blissfully unaware of the choking or chemical poisoning hazard that these items pose.
Foreign Objects – during spring cleaning, various foreign objects could be left lying around, including things like plastic bags, scissors or children’s toys for example. Plastic bags pose a choking or suffocation hazard, so should be kept away from your dog, as should any sharp objects like scissors or knives (for obvious reasons). Children’s toys may also pose a hazard to your doggo as they haven’t been designed for dogs and the small plastic parts could present a choking hazard or digestive issue if swallowed.

We know the list is potentially endless, however these are just some of the things to look out for if you’re doing a bit of spring cleaning around the house with a dog around. Accidents do happen and it’s easy to lose sight of something when you’re busily rushing around trying to make everywhere look nice.

We’ve not even talked about the fact that in addition to cleaning products, dust, and mould are also common allergens that can be easily stirred up during cleaning. That’s the topic of the next blog!

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