Trees are budding, grass is greening, days are getting longer, and temperatures are rising! Our furry companions are just as eager as we are to soak up the sunshine and explore the great outdoors.
While ‘tis the seasons for cats and dogs to explore, sniff, taste, chew, dig, roll around, and generally hang out in outdoor spaces in and around your home, neighbourhood and other areas, it’s essential to be aware of the unique hazards that go hand in paw with warmer weather and spending more time outside. By being informed, and taking a few simple precautions, you can help keep your pets safe, comfortable, and healthy all spring and summer long!
1. Beware of Chemical Lawn and Garden Fertilizers, Herbicides & Pesticides That Are Harmful to Pets
While chemical-based lawn, garden, and pest products will certainly help your yard and garden thrive, they can also be toxic to pets. Cats and dogs are vulnerable to exposure through inhalation and ingestion because they’re closer to the ground; lick their paws, fur and bodies; are prone to eating grass, weeds and other plants; and are notorious for getting into things they shouldn’t!
Exposure can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea and in severe cases pancreatitis, neurological issues, seizures, and more. As well, certain types of cancers in dogs and cats are directly linked to exposure to certain chemicals in herbicide and pesticide products.
- Avoid Chemical Lawn & Garden Products Wherever Possible: While NO chemicals are 100% risk-free, today’s products are safer than in the past. If you use a lawn and garden service, be sure to ask if their products are pet-safe.
- Look For Pet-Safer Options: Read labels and/or ask your local garden centre or vet for recommendations.
- Follow Application Instructions: Use exactly as directed and make sure treated areas dry completely before allowing pets access.
- Bathe Or Wipe Down Pets Often: Wash off your pet’s paws – and belly, if they are close to the ground – every time they come in from outdoors to help remove any lingering residue. For pets that may not welcome a bath use a pet-safe bathless spray or foam for a quick “wash”.
- Store Products Securely: Keep all lawn and garden products out of reach of pets.
- Opt For Natural Lawn & Garden Treatment Alternatives & Maintenance Methods: E.g., Use pet-safe compost and other natural soil builders; leave grass clippings after mowing; remove weeds manually from the root, keep grass ~2.5” high; water your lawn deeply yet infrequently (~1” a week); and try non-toxic insecticidal soaps or diatomaceous earth (food grade) for safer pest control.
SAFETY TIP: Avoid neighbourhood lawns and parks displaying signage of recent chemical treatment. Check if your area has designated chemical-free public parks: E.g., the City of Calgary provides a list of pesticide-free parks.
2. Avoid Garden Plants and Flowers that are Toxic to Pets
As you plan or cultivate your garden, it’s important to know that many popular plants are toxic to pets. Lilies, tulips, daffodils, and Azaleas are just a few that can cause harm if ingested. Lilies are particularly toxic to cats, even in small amounts. Tulips and daffodils contain toxins that may lead to vomiting, diarrhea and drooling. Azaleas can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and, in large amounts, can lead to heart problems.
- Know Which Plants and Flowers Are Toxic to Pets.
- Keep Toxic Plants in Your Yard & Garden Out of Reach to Pets, such as only including in hanging baskets or in fenced-off areas – especially if your pet is prone to nibbling or unmonitored when outdoors.
- Replace Accessible Toxic Plants with Pet-Safe Varieties.
3. Safeguard Pets from Fleas and Ticks
Fleas can cause intense itching and transmit diseases, while ticks can spread Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Problems with fleas and ticks vary across Canada due to climate variations and habitat. The pets most at risk are those that spend a lot of time outdoors or are part of a multi-pet household.
While there are many effective over the counter, prescription, and natural flea and tick products available, some conventional products may contain active ingredients that can be harmful to pets, especially for those that are very young, elderly, ill, pregnant or nursing. We recommend consulting your veterinarian before choosing any flea and/or tick treatment.
DID YOU KNOW? Health Canada regulates the sale of topical flea and tick control products under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA) through the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA).
- Consult Your Veterinarian About the Best Methods to Protect Your Pets from Fleas and Ticks, and whether, when, and what types of pet product applications are needed.
- Avoid Areas Where Ticks and Fleas Thrive, like densely wooded areas, brush, tall grasses, woodpiles, leaf debris, etc.
- Know the Common Signs of Fleas in Cats and Dogs, and check your pets regularly.
- Regularly Check Your Pet’s For Ticks: If you find a tick, have your vet remove it or remove them carefully yourself – and inform your vet as they may want to identify the tick for further diagnosis and/or monitor your pet for tick-borne illnesses.
- Never Use Flea or Tick Products Specifically Formulated for Dogs on Cats and Vice Versa, as some ingredients are toxic to one species but not the other.
TICK TIPS: Lyme vaccinations are available for dogs in Canada. Talk to your veterinarian to see if it’s
the right choice for your dog. Visit www.ticktalkcanada.com for more information about ticks.
4. Keep Pets Cool in Hot Weather
Dogs and cats overheat easily, making them especially susceptible to heatstroke (Hyperthermia) – especially in temperatures above 25°C (77°F). Unlike humans, pets don’t sweat all over – so they rely on other cooling strategies like vasodilation, panting (dogs), grooming (cats), hydration, and access to shade as well as cool indoor areas (air conditioned or well-ventilated indoor environment), basements, and surfaces (tile floors) to stay cool.
- Hydration is Key! Provide unlimited access to fresh water indoors and out.
- Shade: Ensure your pets have access to shaded areas when outdoors.
- Limit Walks & Exercise to Cooler Times of Day: Early mornings and later evenings are best.
- Avoid Paved Areas in Hot Temperatures: Surfaces can get hot enough to damage paw pads.
- Use Fans and/or Cooling Mats.
- Make and offer DIY Pet-Safe Frozen Treats as a refreshing nosh.
- Never Leave Pets in Vehicles: Even with windows cracked, heat quickly builds up!
IMPORTANT SAFETY TIP! Know the signs of heatstroke and, If your pet is showing any signs, act
immediately! Hyperthermia is a life-threatening condition that can escalate quickly if not caught early. Read this guide to learn about signs and symptoms and what actions to take.
5. Keep Pets Safe from the Harmful Effects of the Sun
Dogs and cats, just like humans, can get sun burns and cancer from sun exposure. Pets with light-coloured fur, lightly pigmented (pink) skin, short or sparse coats, and or hairless areas (due to breed type, allergies, surgery, or cancer radiation treatment) are particularly at-risk.
- Avoid Exposure during peak UV hours.
- Apply Pet-Safe Sunscreens: Make sure the product is formulated for pets! Ask your specialty pet store or veterinarian for recommendations.
SAFETY TIP: Never use human sunscreen products on your pet! They often contain ingredients like zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) that can be toxic to pets if licked/ingested.
6. Watch for Signs of Seasonal Allergies in Pets
Just like us, pets can also suffer from seasonal allergies caused by pollen and other airborne irritants. Focussing on minimizing exposure to allergens, maintaining a clean environment, and potentially using vet recommended medication or supplements can help.
- Know the Signs of Seasonal Allergies in Pets.
- On High-Pollen Days, Limit Time Spent Outdoors – and keep windows closed!
- Wipe Down Pets Often and Bathe Weekly: Use a wet cloth to wipe off your pet’s paws – and belly, if they are close to the ground – every time they come in from outdoors to help remove allergens or lingering residue. Bathe pets using a hypoallergenic shampoo and/or conditioner. For pets that may not welcome a bath, use a pet-safe bathless spray or foam for a quick “wash”.
- Wash Your Pets Bedding & Blankets Weekly with hot water and a hypoallergenic, unscented detergent.
- Consult Your Veterinarian if your pet is itching constantly, losing fur, or has open sores, to confirm if symptoms are allergy-related and recommend allergy treatments like antihistamines, medicated shampoos, or even diet changes or supplements. If your pet’s allergies are severe, your vet may prescribe steroids to help control inflammation.
7. Be Prepared for Simple Pet First Aid and More Serious Emergencies:
While pets face more risks of harm when spending more time outdoors in spring and summer, it’s always beneficial to be prepared for minor or serious medical situations all year round:
- Have Basic Pet Medical Supplies On-Hand:
- Purchase a Pet First Aid Kit or make your own DIY Pet First Aid Kit
- Create a Pet Medical Contacts List that Includes:
- Veterinarian: Name, number, address
- Nearest 24-Hour Emergency Vet Clinic/Hospital: Name, number, address
- Pet Poison Helplines: ASPCA Animal Poison Control 1-888-426-4435 / Pet Poison Helpline 1-855-764-7661
- Pet(s) Names, Breed, Age, Any Medical Conditions, and Current Medication(s)
- Learn Pet First Aid Practices for Added Peace of Mind:
- Register in, for example, the quick and affordable online First Aid for Dogs and Cats training course offered by the Canadian Red Cross.
HERE’S TO SAFE, HAPPY, AND PET-TACULAR DAYS AHEAD! Whether it’s a lazy nap in a sunbeam, spirited playtime in your yard, a walk in the park, or a camping or hiking adventure – stay paws-itively prepared and enjoy every tail-wagging, whisker-twitching moment with your pet by your side.