Spring Gardening Concerns With Pets

by Jennifer Smith February 28, 2019

Spring is just around the corner; and both pet owners and pets are excited to be outside. With every new season comes new challenges and health concerns; and spring is no different. In fact, spring is one of the most concerning season for outdoor enthusiasts and pets. Here's what you should know:

Gardening In Spring: Ticks

Spring is a great time of year to begin a garden; and many gardeners are excited to work while pets play outside in the fenced-in yard. The problem is that gardens are infested with ticks, dropped by wild animals such as white-tailed deer; and they can bite both humans and pets.

After outdoor time, pet owners will need to check their pets for ticks that may be hiding underneath the fur. Here are top hiding spots for dog ticks:

Between toes
In the groin area
Underneath dog collars/clothes
Elbows
Under the tail
In and around the ears

Have a tick remover tool on-hand in case of emergency.

Gardening In Spring: Fertilizer and Mulch

Most fertilizers contain toxic substances to dogs such as nitrogen and iron. They also contain pesticides, fungicides and herbicides that can be poisonous to dogs. Dogs risk pancreatic and gastrointestinal complications if ingested in large amounts.

Keep pets away from gardening sites with new batches of mulch and/or fertilizer.

Gardening In Spring: Bee Sting

Dogs are curious animals; and they may go sniffing around beehives that they find throughout the spring season. It's not uncommon for bees to sting dogs; and if they do, they may experience facial swelling, hives, drooling or pawing on the face.

Gardening In Spring: Wildlife Encounters

While planting and growing, gardeners may notice an array of wildlife poking around properties to get first dibs on new plants. Coyotes, for one, are known to attack pets; and they will not say 'No' to the meat of cats and dogs. Fence out wildlife; and keep pets secure away from deer, coyotes, wolves and other wild animals.

Summary

Spring is an exciting time for an outdoor enthusiast and his/her pet; but there are many health concerns that need to be taken into account and precautions to tend to this season. Keep close eye on pets this season.

Blog post shared from EasyPetFence.com.