RSPCA Great Southern Inspector: Spring dangers for your pets

The Great Southern is full of luscious new growth this time of year, with our pets being susceptible to collecting grass seeds in their coat, toes and in some cases, their ears. Recently I had a German Shepherd that was very uncomfortable around his backside. The vet discovered two grass seeds lodged in his left anal gland and he had a raging infection as a result. The seeds were well hidden in his long coat. This shows the importance of checking your pets thoroughly for seeds, keeping an eye out for any changes in behaviour, and keeping up with parasite prevention to protect them from these seasonal issues. Grass seeds Grass seeds are a common problem in spring. These tiny seeds may look harmless however, they can easily attach to your pet’s skin. Grass seeds harbour a lot of bacteria and once they penetrate the skin, infection can quickly follow. Because grass seeds have sharp, pointed heads like spears, they can burrow into the body and end up lodging in major organs which can be fatal. The most common places that grass seeds get stuck are in paws and between toes, around eyes, and in the nose, and ears. There are a few common symptoms to look out for such as rubbing, scratching, redness, licking, and inflammation. It’s a good idea to check your pet regularly after walks and trips outside for any grass seeds. Seasonal allergies Just like us, many of our furry friends also suffer from allergies at this time of year. Knowing what signs to look out for means you can take the necessary steps to protect them. Common symptoms include a runny nose, watery eyes, ear infections, red sores, skin irritation and hair loss. Medicated baths and grooming your pet regularly can help but we suggest a chat with your vet if the symptoms continue. Snakes The warmer weather brings snakes out of hibernation. It is important for all pet owners to be vigilant. Even if you live an urban environment, it is still necessary to keep an eye out as snakes will hide in the most unlikely of places. If you know the location of the bite, it’s recommended to apply a pressure bandage to the area, keep your pet as still as possible to discourage the spread of venom and take your pet to a vet clinic immediately. If your pet has become unconscious and isn’t breathing, call a vet for instructions on how to administer CPR. Pests and parasites As the temperature rises, so does the number of pests and parasites that can harm your pets. Parasites often lurk in tall grass and sand so whether it’s after so after a hike or even a quick sniff in the backyard, it’s important to check your pets and take necessary preventive measures. Ticks and Fleas Both ticks and fleas breed prolifically during warmer weather, meaning your pet is at a much higher risk of being bitten in spring and summer. While ticks can be a little more obvious to spot on your pet’s skin, fleas can be much harder. In addition to ensuring your pet has had their flea and tick treatments, be sure to check their coat regularly for any uninvited guests. Heartworm As temperatures begin to rise, the risk of heartworm also increases. Mosquitoes, which are carriers of the disease, thrive in warmer weather, making heartworm more common at this time of year. If left untreated, heartworm can be fatal so it’s a great time to ensure that your pet is on year-round heart worming preventative. Georgina Brown is the Great Southern Inspector at RSPCA WA.