Springtime is a fun time! As the temperatures rise and the world bursts into color, many other things appear, and not all of them are good for your Dachshund.
Creepy crawlies like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes make their unwelcome appearance and seasonal allergies can rear their ugly head. In addition, if you are gardening with your Dachshunds in the area, you might want to know which are Dachshund-friendly plants and which can be toxic to your precious pooch.
In this blog post, we’ll look at common springtime dangers for Dachshunds like mosquito-borne illnesses, flea and tick prevention, and how to keep a pet-friendly garden.
Dachshund Mosquito Repellent
Spring temps can be the best, but once you are out, you’ll need to protect your Dachshund from mosquitoes. A mozzie bite not only is annoying but also can result in parasitic conditions such as heartworm disease.
Heartworm is a serious condition that can damage internal organs like the lungs and heart. Make sure that your Dachshund is kept up to date with the vaccination requirements as well as preventative heartworm medication.
If you are chilling by the park or beach, you can have your Dachshund lounge around in a mosquito net, or you can use bug repellent to keep those pesky critters at bay. Also, if the weather is still a bit chilly, a warm jacket or sweater can not only keep your Dachshund warm but also prevent bug bites.
If you can, always go for a natural and organic repellent that is free of harmful toxic chemicals. You can also make your own homemade repellent with essential oils like fennel or neem.
Flea And Tick Prevention
Not only are the mozzies out, but the darn fleas and ticks are out too! Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of animals, including dogs, and can transmit a variety of diseases. These diseases can cause serious health problems for your dog, and in some cases, even lead to death.
Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis, among others. These diseases can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, lethargy, joint pain, and in some cases, organ damage.
In addition to the potential health risks to your dog, ticks can also be a nuisance for you and your family. They can hitch a ride on your dog and then attach themselves to you, causing itchy bites and potentially transmitting disease.
Protecting your dog from ticks is therefore important not just for their health and well-being, but also for your own. Here are several preventive measures you can take to protect your dog from ticks.
Topical treatments - Topical flea and tick treatments, such as Frontline or Advantage, are applied to the skin on the back of the dog's neck. These treatments can be effective for up to a month.
Oral medications - Oral flea and tick medications, such as NexGard or Bravecto, are given to the dog in the form of a chewable tablet. These medications can protect your Dachshund against the pesky springtime bugs for several months.
Collars - Flea and tick collars, such as Seresto, are worn around the dog's neck and can provide protection for several months.
Shampoos and sprays - Flea and tick shampoos and sprays can be used to treat existing infestations or as a preventative measure. However, they may not be as long-lasting as other preventative measures.
It's important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best flea and tick prevention plan for your specific dog, as some products may not be safe for certain breeds or health conditions.
Dachshund Allergies In Spring
Just like us hoomans, dogs can be allergic to environmental allergens such as pollen as well! If your dog is allergic to pollen, there are several things you can do to help manage their symptoms:
Minimize outdoor time - Try to limit your dog's outdoor time during the peak pollen season. If possible, keep them indoors during the morning and evening when pollen counts are highest.
Wipe down your dog - After your dog comes inside from being outside, use a damp cloth or wipe to gently clean their paws, face, and coat. This can help remove any pollen that may have accumulated on their fur.
Use air conditioning - Keep your home's windows and doors closed during peak pollen season and use air conditioning to help filter the air. Consider using a HEPA air filter to help remove pollen and other allergens from the air, especially if you are allergic too!
Bathe your dog - Regular baths with a hypoallergenic shampoo can help reduce the amount of pollen on your dog's skin and coat. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best bathing frequency and shampoo for your dog's specific needs.
Consider allergy medication - Your veterinarian may recommend allergy medication, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, to help manage your dog's allergy symptoms. Be sure to follow your veterinarian's instructions and dosing recommendations closely.
Keeping Your Garden Safe
If you’re an avid gardener, note that not all plants are safe for dogs. Certain plants can be toxic to dogs, especially smaller ones like Dachshunds.
Here are some common plants that are toxic to dogs.
Sago Palm - This highly toxic plant can cause liver failure, vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice.
Unfortunately, even if medical attention and treatment are sought quickly after ingestion, the prognosis is often not good as the toxicity of the plant tends to cause irreversible damage before it's discovered. To ensure the long-term health of your canine companion, make sure all sago palm plants are kept far away from pets.
Lily of the Valley - Eating lily of the valley can be highly poisonous and dangerous to your dog, even in small amounts.
Ingestion of this plant can cause serious symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal pain, tremors, and difficulty breathing.
Tulip - Tulips contain toxins that can cause vomiting and even more severe symptoms.
It is best to get your pet to the vet immediately if you suspect it has consumed a tulip - the sooner treatment is administered, the better its chance for a full recovery. In addition to the aforementioned stomach issues, ingestion of tulips can also lead to drooling, lethargy, and skin irritations.
Oleander - Ingesting any part of this flowering shrub – the leaves, flowers, or other parts – can cause serious physical repercussions.
Symptoms of oleander ingestion include gastrointestinal upset, cardiac arrhythmias, and more severely, death.
There are too many plants that are toxic to dogs to list in a single article, so be sure to check with SPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants or this list from PetMD and keep your Dachshund out of anything that could make it sick.
In addition, a dog-friendly garden design will keep your pooch out of your precious plants and we all know Dachshunds love to dig!
If you have any plants that are potentially harmful to your Dachshund, make sure the area stays safe with some secure fencing, without forgetting to use natural avenues such as ground covers and shrubs.
Ingestion of toxic plants can result in serious health problems for dogs, with potential symptoms ranging from mild stomach upset to death.
If your Dachshund ingests any type of toxic plant, it is essential to contact a veterinarian immediately and provide as much detail as possible regarding the type of plant that was consumed. In some cases, veterinarians may be able to perform an antidote treatment or offer supportive care.
However, if the situation is more serious, your dog may need to be hospitalized for further observation and treatment.
Leave a comment