Spring Has Sprung!

Now that we are all looking forward to the weather getting nicer, we are drawn to be outside more.  So are our pets!  Here are a few things to remember before things get too crazy!

1) Treat your yard for fleas!  Do it now, before they get out of hand.  First, make sure you mow (and rake up) your grass -- this will help to limit any hiding places.  Get some Diatomaceous Earth (food grade -- NOT the stuff made for swimming pools!) and cover your lawn with the floury white stuff.  Done.

2) Make sure you are watching what you plant!  Some plants that are toxic to dogs, cats and rabbits include (but are not limited to)

• Azalea
• Bittersweet
• Caladium
• Clematis
• Crocus
• Day Lily
• Death Camus
• Easter Lily
• Ferns
• Foxglove
• Hyacinth
• Iris
• Lily of the Valley
• Morning Glory
• Oleander
• Rhododendron
• Tiger Lily
• Tulip

Remember, fertilizers and weed killers are poisonous too! Keep an eye on your pets when outside.

3)Does pollen make your eyes water?  It may do the same for your furry friend!  That's right, dogs and cats can suffer the same allergies as humans -- be it food, dust, pollen or plants.  Symptoms may be as docile as sniffling/sneezing, life-threateningly serious anaphylactic shock!  If you suspect your pet is suffering from allergies, please visit your vet asap!

4)Those birdbaths look cute, and I'm sure the birdies love them, but then again, so do the mosquitoes! Standing water is where these bitey bugs lay their eggs, and this includes flower pots, trashcan lids, gutters, ditches, and ponds.  "So my dog will be itchy for a few days, no biggie, right?" Wrong! Mosquitoes carry HEARTWORM!! (Dun dun dun!!)  So, other than ditching the stagnant H2O, what can you do?

• Place plants around your yard to deter the mosquitoes from entering:
  Marigolds, catnip, Rosemary, Citronella grass and Mosquito Plants (kind of a duh, hmm?) all have mozzy repellant properties, and they look nice to boot!

• K9 Advantix II (not safe for cats - suggested to not allow contact between treated dogs and cats for 24 hours after use)
• Keep them indoors during mozzy's most active times - Early morning and Dusk
• Spray a DEET free mozzy repellant on a bandana and tie it around your pup's neck for while it's outside.  Make sure your dog is use to wearing a bandana first, so it is not biting at it and risking ingestion of the toxic chemicals.  DO NOT SPRAY PESTICIDES DIRECTLY ON YOUR DOG.

Get outside and enjoy your dog!  And don't forget the sunscreen!

PS - Happy first birthday Stella!