Spring into the Season—Safely!

Spring into the Season—Safely!

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, and as the weather warms and you and your pet start getting out more, we want you to be prepared. Crossroads Animal Hospital has affordable pet first-aid packs available here at the hospital—just ask about them at our reception desk the next time you’re in. Also, here are a few tips to help your pet stay safe this spring:

• Avoid mushrooms. Many poisonous mushrooms look like edible mushrooms and can make your pet very ill. Make sure to inspect your yard for mushrooms and watch your pet closely on the trail.

• Spring cleaning. Keep all cleaners and chemicals far away from pets. Even “all-natural” cleaners contain chemicals that may be harmful to animals. You can visit the ASPCA’s Poisonous Household Products page for more information.

• Grow your garden with care. Fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides can have ingredients that can make your pet very sick if they’re ingested. Also, many popular spring-blooming plants, such as rhododendron and azalea, are highly toxic to pets—check out this list of poisonous plants to avoid in your home and garden if possible.

• Bee aware. Bees and other insects are on the move in spring and if your pet is stung, you’ll want to know what to do. Look for a stinger and remove if possible. You’ll also want to reduce swelling, which you can do with a paste of baking soda and water. Check with your vet about administering an antihistamine to stave off an allergic reaction.

• Get the app! The American Red Cross offers a free first aid app for your phone that can quickly give you information on handling specific pet emergencies. To get is, just text GETPET to 90999.

As always, you should contact your veterinarian or an ER veterinary clinic in the case of any pet emergency. More questions about pet first aid? Call us at (540) 288-4683.