SPRINGTIME HEALTH & CARE

We all look forward to coming out of the dark, cold winter months and emerging into the lighter, warmer Spring weather. Our dogs do, too, but there are a few points to bear in mind to keep those brighter Spring walks safe and enjoyable.

• Spring flowers: look good and they characterise Spring but daffodils, tulips and spring crocus can cause stomach upset and vomiting if eaten or if your dog drinks water from a display. Severe cases are rare - get your dog to the vet ASAP if this happens - but just keep an eye open for this. Be wary of bluebells, though: these are poisonous to dogs.

• Ticks: can cause infectious diseases to dogs and potentially humans so check your dog for parasites after a country walk. Run your hands all over the dog to feel for lumps and bumps, make sure you look under the fur and don’t forget to check inside their ears, too.

• Lungworm: is usually picked up from snails and slugs, by licking or attempting to eat or chew them! Symptoms include breathing problems, coughing, tiredness and changes in behaviour. Consult a vet immediately.

• Snakes: the only venemous UK snake is the adder and Spring is when they awaken from winter hibernation. If your dog has been bitten, symptoms include small puncture wounds, bleeding, swelling, bruising, dribbling, vomiting and increased temperature. GET YOU DOG TO A VET ASAP. Don’t apply a tourniquet or attempt to suck the poison out - this will more than likely cause more harm than good.  (N.B. Not every vet stocks the anti-venom so it's worth asking before you go if they have it, or can get it quickly.)

• Domestic care: a lot of folks have a Spring cleaning push around the house so make sure to keep all materials out of dogs’ way and don’t let them play with empty bottles etc.

• Gardening: many gardens benefit from lawn treatment, especially after a hard winter, so be very careful with these as well as weedkillers, slug baits and so on. You should look for pet-safe brands and even then, be careful about how you use them and when you let your dog back into a treated area.

And finally: if your dog hasn’t seen many other dogs or people during the winter months, do remember good dog manners when you’re out and about. Make sure the owner of the other dog is comfortable with the two dogs greeting each other, do it on a loose lead and keep it brief the first time. When meeting humans, no jumping up.