With spring in full bloom, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is reminding pet owners that warmer weather and outdoor activities come with seasonal risks for pets. From toxic plants to parasites, springtime can pose a variety of dangers—but with a little preparation, pet owners can keep their animals healthy and safe all season long.
Dr. Sandra Faeh, 2024-2025 AVMA President
“Spring is a great time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air with our pets,” said Dr. Sandra Faeh, president of the AVMA. “But as flowers bloom and temperatures rise, we also see an increase in pet exposures to harmful plants, lawn and garden products, and parasites like fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Taking some simple precautions now can help prevent emergency trips to the veterinarian later.”
Common springtime threats
Spring hazards can be found both inside and outside the home. Examples include:
- Plants and flowers: Many popular spring plants, such as lilies, tulips, oleander, and sago palms are toxic to pets if ingested. Certain lilies, in particular, can be highly toxic and fatal for cats even in small amounts.
- Lawn and garden products: Fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides may help your yard thrive, but they can be highly toxic to pets. Always store these products safely and follow manufacturer directions carefully when applying them.
- Allergies: Just like humans, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies. If your pet is scratching more than usual or showing signs of skin or ear infections, talk to your veterinarian.
- Parasites: Rising temperatures mean an increase in the number of fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes in the environment, which can transmit serious diseases to pets, including heartworm, mange and Lyme disease. Make sure your pet is on year-round preventive medication and talk to your veterinarian about specific parasitic threats in your area.
- Spring cleaning: Household cleaners, even those labeled “natural,” can pose serious threats to pets. When cleaning, keep pets away from freshly treated surfaces until they’re dry, and store all products in a safe and secure location inaccessible to your pets. In addition, spring cleaning often leads to open windows and doors, making it easier for curious pets to escape. The AVMA recommends ensuring your pets are microchipped and that their registration information is current. Proper ID tags on collars are also crucial for a quick reunion if a pet gets lost.
While spring offers a great opportunity to spend quality time with your pet, awareness and proactive care are key.
“Veterinarians are your best resource for helping you protect your pets from seasonal risks,” Dr. Faeh said. “We encourage pet owners to schedule wellness visits, stay current on vaccines and parasite prevention, and reach out to your veterinarian with any questions or concerns.”
To learn more about common household hazards for pets, visit the AVMA website [https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/household-hazards].
Source: AVMA
