It is the return of sunny days, and with it the dangers that poison the lives of dog and cat owners. If ticks are well known to everyone, other less famous parasites are just as worrisome … Here are our tips for protect your pets in the springand reflexes to take in case of symptoms!
Public Enemy Number 1: Ticks
Within the large family of dangers for our pets, ticks are probably the best known. If the mere bite of a tick does not endanger the dog or cat, it still runs the risk of transmitting diseases with serious consequences, such as piroplasmosis, ehrlichiosis or he borreliosis (Lyme disease).
Good reflections
- Treat your pet preventively. There are many effective solutions: external antiparasitics (antipope collars, pipettes, aerosols) or pills;
- When you return from the walk, inspect your pet for any ticks. This mite likes to stay in areas where the skin is thin and hidden: armpits, groin, between the pads, around the ears, in the neck …
How to remove a tick?
If you find a tick on your pet:
- Grab a hook;
- Drag it to insert the tick between the two parts of the hook;
- Turn the tick eliminator counterclockwise and gently pull to remove the body;
- Disinfect the wound.
No. 2: the processionary caterpillar, which must be avoided at all costs
This enemy of our animals returns to the parks and forests as soon as the good weather returns. This future butterfly is all the more formidable as it seems harmless.
Very stinging to humans, the processionary caterpillar can become deadly for dog or cat. In fact, your companion can easily touch or swallow a specimen during a walk, without you having time to see it or intervene.
Good reflections
Processional caterpillars live mainly pins. They leave their nest in the spring to bury themselves in the ground. They move in a row, in procession. Therefore, we advise youavoid walks through the coniferous forests in March-April. Be careful and try to spot white cocoons nailed to the trees, as well as processions on the ground.
Symptoms
In contact with your caterpillar’s hair, mucous membranes and your pet’s tongue start to swell strongly. Your pet may scratch frantically, drool profusely, and vomit. If nothing is done, their tongue is necrotic and the vet will have no choice but to cut it … then your pet will no longer be able to feed.
How to react?
If your pet’s allergic reaction is shocking, it shouldn’t stop you react immediately. Here, everything is done in a few hours.
Rinse your pet’s mouth with clear, unadulterated water. and run to veterinary emergencies. They will inject corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs, and relieve the patient with morphine or another analgesic.
No. 3: spikelets, these opponents (almost) invisible
Spikelets are simply small ears that come off their stems as they dry. Harmless at first glance, however, they are the cause of many scares and visits to the vet each year.
In fact, this cob is so thin that it is embedded under the bearings and holes of our animal friends: ears and nostrils, eyes, anus … It can leave serious sequelae if not taken care of in time: ulceration, inflammation (otitis), vaginitis, etc.
Symptoms of a spikelet
repeated sneezing, red or crying eyes, excessive licking, trembling of the head, fever (sign of infection or abscess), difficulty moving …
Good reflections
Thoroughly inspect your pet every time you return from a walk: head, tail, ears, pads, anus, vulva, etc.
Do not try to remove the ear alone ! There may still be parts present, which can cause infection. Make an appointment quickly with your veterinarian, who can safely remove the cob.
No. 4: fleas, embarrassing but less serious?
Small insect of a few millimeters, fleas are difficult to detect with the naked eye. They feed on the blood of our companions. Their bites sometimes cause severe itching.
Although at first glance they are less dangerous, they can still transmit it hadand cause allergies. In addition, they multiply very quickly. The best treatment? Prevention!
Good reflections
Does your pet scratch a lot, sometimes bleed? There is a good chance you have fleas.
There are many treatments for fleas, both curative and preventative. Necklaces, pipettes, sprays and antipope pills … You are eager to choose.
No. 5: Allergies and toxic plants for cats and dogs
The return of spring also symbolizes that of gardening, pollen … and poisonous plants for our pets !
Pollen allergies
If your dog or cat is scratching, it is licked and chewed, its eyes are covered with secretions and it sneezes constantly, it is probably an allergy to the pollen. Yes, like humans, animals are prone to allergies!
Your veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines that will treat the symptoms and provide relief to your pet.
poisonous plants
When it comes to poisoning, many varieties are likely to poison your pet. In general, it stings the leaves more out of boredom than out of hunger.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of plants you need to banish from your garden if you want to avoid any risk:
- Tulips, Hyacinths, Yucca, Baladre, Aloe Vera and Daffodils : cause severe digestive intolerance;
- lily of the valley: carries significant cardiovascular risks.
Symptoms
They are very varied depending on the type of plant ingested: nausea, vomiting, hypersalivation, irritation of the oral mucosa, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, prostration or agitation, seizures, tremors, cough …
Good reflections
In case of intoxication, digestive disorders often appear first. When cardiorespiratory or neurological problems arise, the prognosis is life-threatening. So if you have any questions, please contact your veterinarian or poison veterinary center.
The whole LeLynx.fr team wishes your furry friends a great spring!
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