Spring is on its way. Is there anything that can harm my newly adopted dog?

Q

We have just picked up our new rescue dog – is there anything in particular to be looking out for around the home at this time of year?

EMMA SAYS

A

If you’re getting outside with your pet, think about things like slug pellets and rat poison. Both are very dangerous if eaten. Many plants can be harmful too; examples are rhododendron, lilies and daffodils. Indoors, you might be doing some spring cleaning with various bleaches and cleaning fluids. Most pets would be put off drinking these liquids

by the smell, but if they get splashes on their fur they might groom themselves and swallow some that way. If you’re using cleaning fluids on the floor, make sure it’s completely dry before your pet walks on it, or they could suffer burns to the paws. Other things to watch for include any sort of pills you may have, and foods such as grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas. Chocolate is also poisonous to pets, so watch out for that at Easter. If you suspect that your pet may have eaten something harmful, always contact your vet immediately. Don’t wait to see if any symptoms develop, as by then a lot of damage may be done already.