As the weather warms up and we welcome the vibrant colors of spring, it's important to remember that the change in season brings new challenges for our pets. From ticks and fleas to overheating and dehydration, the spring months pose various risks to our furry companions. Fortunately, with a little care and awareness, you can ensure that your pet enjoys the season safely.
In this blog, we'll walk you through some essential tips to keep your pet safe and healthy this spring, as well as how CAA Members can take advantage of exclusive discounts on pet insurance to provide additional protection for their pets.
Ticks are more active in the spring, and they can pose a serious risk to your pet’s health. These tiny pests can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, so it’s crucial to check your pet thoroughly after each outdoor adventure.
What to look for: Ticks can attach themselves anywhere on your pet’s body, but they tend to favor areas like the ears, underarms, and between the toes. They appear as small, dark, round bumps.
How to remove ticks: If you find a tick, use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and gently pull it out. Avoid squeezing the tick, as this can release harmful bacteria into your pet’s bloodstream.
Prevention tips: Talk to your vet about tick prevention products like collars, spot-on treatments, and oral medications that can help protect your pet throughout the spring and summer.
As temperatures rise, it’s easy for pets to become overheated or dehydrated, especially during outdoor activities. Pets, particularly dogs with thick coats, are more susceptible to heat exhaustion during the warmer months.
Hydration is key: Ensure your pet has access to fresh water at all times, especially when you’re out and about. If you’re going on a walk or a trip to the park, bring a portable water bowl to keep them hydrated.
Watch for signs of dehydration: Symptoms include dry gums, lethargy, excessive panting, and a loss of appetite. If you notice any of these signs, make sure your pet gets plenty of water and rests in a cool place.
Avoid peak heat: Try to walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperatures are cooler, and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.
With the arrival of spring, we also see more outdoor activity, but keep in mind that hot surfaces, such as asphalt, concrete, and sand, can burn your pet’s sensitive paws.
Be cautious of hot pavement: If it’s too hot for you to walk barefoot on the pavement, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. The best way to protect their paws is by walking on grass or shaded areas during peak heat.
Regular paw checks: Inspect your pet’s paws regularly for cracks, cuts, or abrasions. Apply a pet-safe paw balm to help soothe and protect their paws.
Spring is also a time when pollen, grass, and other allergens are at their peak. Pets can suffer from allergies just like humans, and these allergens can cause discomfort, including itching, sneezing, or watery eyes.
Keep an eye on your pet’s behavior: If your pet is constantly licking, scratching, or rubbing their face, they may be experiencing allergic reactions to pollen or other irritants.
Baths and wipes: Giving your pet a bath with hypoallergenic pet shampoo can help remove pollen from their coat, reducing their exposure to allergens. You can also wipe their paws with a damp cloth to remove dirt and pollen after outdoor walks.
Spring brings a burst of new life, including plants, flowers, and wildlife. While beautiful, some of these can be harmful to pets.
In addition to these safety tips, CAA Members can further protect their pets by taking advantage of an exclusive 13.5% discount on Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance. Pet insurance is an important tool that can help cover the costs of unexpected medical expenses, from routine check-ups to emergency treatments.
With Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance, you can help choose from a range of coverage options to ensure your pet receives the best care possible, with less worry of high out-of-pocket costs. Whether it’s for accidents, illnesses, or wellness care, having insurance can help give you peace of mind knowing that your pet is covered in case of the unexpected.
Learn More About CAA Pet Insurance
Spring is a time of fun and adventure for you and your pet, but it’s also important to be mindful of the seasonal hazards that come with the warmer weather. By taking simple steps to protect your pet from ticks, dehydration, paw injuries, allergies, and other risks, you can ensure that they stay safe and healthy throughout the season.
And don’t forget, as a CAA Member, you can enjoy the added benefit of discounted pet insurance, giving you extra protection and peace of mind for your furry companion.
Protect Your Pet from the Unexpected
Explore Pets Plus Us coverage options and get a quote today to ensure your pet’s health and happiness this spring and beyond.
**CAA Members receive a discount of 13.5%. Non-members receive a discount of 9% off. All pet insurance plans have limitations and exclusions. Specific products, features, rates, and discounts may vary by province and territory, eligibility, and are subject to change. Medical Conditions that are noted, symptomatic or diagnosed prior to enrollment, or during a waiting period are pre-existing to Coverage and not eligible for reimbursement. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. This advertisement is an outline only; policy terms and conditions 'User Guide' will prevail. For all terms and conditions visit: https://www.petsplusus.com/service-claims/brochures-guides © 2024 All rights reserved. Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance policies are underwritten by Northbridge General Insurance Corporation, distributed by PTZ Insurance Services Ltd. & Société d'Assurances Collectives (Sodaco) Inc. in Quebec. Sodaco is registered with Autorité des marches financiers as a Damage insurance broker firm, in the following disciplines: Insurance Damage (Broker) and Personal Insurance (Reg#603622) https://lautorite.qc.ca/en/general-public/registers/register-of-firms-and-individuals-authorized-to-practice Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance is available in all provinces and territories. Pets Plus Us®, Pets Plus Us & Design and related words and logos are trademarks and the property of PTZ Insurance Services Ltd.