A heartworm infection can ruin more than your day
Heartworm is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes, and it can be fatal. Fortunately, there are a number of options for preventing heartworm. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the right one for your dog, and have them tested annually. Prevention is far less stressful than trying to cure a serious infection!
Be on the lookout for poisonous plants
Curious dogs might see those fragrant spring blooms as a tasty snack, but they can become extremely ill or even die from eating plants that are toxic to them. However, since some of those might be not only safe, but beneficial to humans, it's important to know what's what! If you’re not sure, ask your vet for a list, or else check out the ASPCA website. They keep a comprehensive and updated list of plants you'll want to avoid planting in your garden, or avoid while out on walks.
Steer clear of treated lawns
Watch for the little signs! Don’t let your dog walk on a lawn that has been treated with fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides until these potentially dangerous treatments have completely dried. There is usually a date listed on the sign, but you might want to give these areas some extra time, just to be safe.
Protect your dog from fleas and ticks
With warmer winters come extra ticks, and they can carry more than just Lyme disease. There are a number of effective flea and tick prevention options available, so ask your veterinarian which options will be best for you and your dog. Even if they have a prevention program in place, you should still get in the habit of checking your dog (and yourself!) for ticks whenever you come in from a walk where they might be present.
