Summer often means more time outdoors, which is great for your pet! But summer also brings a handful of hazards that are easy to overlook. Ticks, fleas and toxic plants all peak this time of year, a quick understanding of what to look out for will keep your pet’s summer problem-free.
Ticks
Ticks are most active between March and October, and they’re not just a countryside problem. Long grass and woodland are the obvious spots, but urban parks and gardens get them too, especially anywhere wildlife passes through.
After walks, check your pet thoroughly: around the ears, neck, armpits, groin and between the toes. If you find one, it’s better to use a tick hook rather than tweezers, and it’s best to avoid twisting or crushing it. Ask your vet to show you the technique if you’ve not done it before.
The Vetbox monthly spot-on treatment covers ticks as standard, alongside fleas and flea eggs, so if you’re keeping on top of that, you’re already doing the right thing.
Fleas
Fleas are far more common. Most cats and dogs will encounter them at some point, and the problem often goes unnoticed until there’s itching or bites on you too. Pets pick them up through contact with other animals, hedgehogs, or even carpets in a new house.
Regular prevention is the most reliable approach, and not all products are created equal. Vetbox spot-on uses Fipronil and S-Methoprene, which are highly effective at killing fleas and flea eggs at every stage.
Plants to avoid
A few common garden and house plants can cause real harm if your pet chews on them.
Daffodils and tulips are two of the most widespread risks, with the bulbs holding the highest concentration of toxins. Bluebells, foxgloves and wisteria are also toxic to cats and dogs.
Look out for house plants such as Aloe vera, which causes vomiting and lethargy if eaten. It’s worth moving any toxic house plants out of reach of curious noses!
For cat owners, true lilies (the kind commonly found in bouquets) are among the most dangerous plants going. Even pollen that lands on fur and gets groomed off can cause acute kidney failure. If you have cats, it’s safer not to have cut lilies in the house at all.
How to spot the signs of poisoning:
Symptoms of poisoning vary, but watch out for:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea, especially if sudden or repeated
- Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Lethargy or unusual weakness
- Pale or yellowish gums
Seizures or collapse
If you think your pet has eaten something toxic, call your vet straight away. Don’t wait to see if things improve. The PDSA Poisonline (01202509000) is also useful if you need guidance fast.
Most pets get through summer without any of this becoming an issue. Knowing what to look for is usually enough.
Keep your pet protected all year round
If you’re not already on a VetBox subscription, now’s a good time to start. Our monthly spot-on covers fleas, flea eggs, ticks and worms, delivered straight to your door so you never miss a treatment. New subscribers get 30% off for the first three months.
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