The Haslemere Pet Company

Hopefully I won’t jinx anything by saying that spring has finally sprung in Haslemere!  After the horrors of Winter 2010, I expect you are all getting out and enjoying the beautiful weather with your pets, but there are already reports of accidents so please keep the following Spring Tips in mind:

1. Outdoor activities mean opening and closing doors more frequently. Be sure that you know where your pets are at all times. This is especially true for birds!

2. Time for a spring-clean? Please keep those household cleansers and chemicals out of your pets' reach. Or better yet, make your own natural alternatives as explained at All Eco Green and Beautiful

3. Some common types of houseplants and outdoor bushes, flowers and shrubs can be poisonous to your pets. TheASPCA have a great list , but it’s always a good idea to check with your vet if you’re not sure.

4. Speaking of gardening, use special care when applying fertilizers and lawn chemicals (see above for natural alternatives), and avoid mulch like the plague.  Aside from causing blockages if eaten, some mulches contain cocoa bark which can be fatal to dogs if consumed in large quantities.

5. Warmer weather means BBQs, but all those yummy meat smells can create dangerous temptations!  Be sure to keep your pets away from hot grills, and dispose of any cooked meat bones responsibly. NEVER give your dog or cat beer or any other form of alcoholic drink.

6. Longer days means longer walks and often in new or un familiar places. Make sure your dog has an up to date ID tag, and that his/her microchip is still in place and working. Keep your mobile with you at all times, and tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to be back. Bring a First Aid Kit with you.

6. And finally - we say it every year but every year we hear of dogs dying so please - NEVER EVER EVER leave your dog in the car.

While I'm against this practice in any kind of weather, it is particularly true at this time of the year. Don't lull yourself into a false sense of security by leaving the windows open, or parking in the shade. This will not prevent heat stroke and may even encourage the theft of your beloved pet.

Be safe, be happy, and bring on the SUN!