There is little to match the bounce in our step when the first muddy, verdant signs of spring arrive. But spring is not just a time of tulips and bunnies. It's also a hazardous time of year for our dogs. Dr. Justine Lee is an emergency and critical care specialist at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. She has a number of suggestions on how to prevent the most common springtime emergency room visits.
Dr. Lee cautions that melting snow and increasing sunshine don't just usher in spring - they also usher in "hit-by-car" season. One of the most effective ways to keep your dog out of harm's way is to keep your pet leashed. While conscientious obedience training allows many dog owners to effectively call their dogs back from the brink of disaster, even the most obedient canines can be lured into the path of danger. For safety's sake, secure your gates and doors and keep your dog leashed or safely contained (and supervised) in a fenced area.
Insect bites
Ticks, fleas, and yes - Minnesota's state bird, the mosquito - love it when we come out to play. Not only can bites from these creatures be an itchy nuisance for our pets, they can also lead to potentially fatal conditions. Lyme disease and Lyme-related kidney failure (Lyme nephritis) are surprisingly common - especially for outdoorsy Labradors and golden retrievers. Dr. Lee notes that prescription insecticides, such as Advantix, Preventic and Frontline, are much more effective than their over-the-counter peers. If your dog will be outdoors for springtime exploration, you may want to explore preventive medicine options with your veterinarian.
Heat stroke
Spring's brief waves of warmth can be potentially dangerous as we become more active with our dogs. The most dodgy temperatures are not the 90-degree temperatures but the 80s, because we underestimate how overheated our dogs can become. Heat stroke is a very real danger in the spring and summer. Dogs with dark hair, airway disease, smushed noses (like pugs and bulldogs) and obesity issues are particularly vulnerable. Dr. Lee's tips: exercise in the early morning or evening when the temperature is moderate, provide abundant fresh water, and don't make your dog carry his own ball or stick on the walk home as dogs cool off through their mouths. A rule of thumb: don't exercise your dog outside if the sum of air temperature and humidity exceeds 150.
Antifreeze toxicity
Antifreeze, which is used to alter the freezing and boiling points of liquid in car radiators, air conditioners and even cabin toilets, is incredibly poisonous. Unfortunately, it tastes sweet enough to entice even the pickiest critter. Ingestion of less than a teaspoon can cause fatal kidney failure in a small mammal. Antifreeze toxicity is treatable if caught within eight to 24 hours. Dr. Lee recommends seeking immediate veterinary help if you notice your dog acting thirsty or disoriented. Inspect your garage floor for leaks, lock up your solvents and keep toilet lids down even after you remove all traces of winter antifreeze from the cabin's loo.
Jeannine Moga, MA, MSW, LICSW is a social worker and human-animal bond specialist at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, and an editorial advisory board member for Star Tribune Pet Central. www.cvm.umn.edu/vmc/aboutvmc/clientsupport.html.
