The dog handler spoke about the risks to the health of dogs in the spring

With the onset of spring, insects become more active not only in forests, but also in city parks and yard lawns. On March 17, Vladimir Golubev, President of the Russian Cynological Federation, told Izvestia about how to protect dogs during this period.

According to Golubev, ticks become active at the first warming and the appearance of greenery. Their peak activity occurs in April and May, but the danger persists as early as March. Parasites are found not only in forests, but also in city parks, squares and yard lawns. The main threat is pyroplasmosis, a deadly blood disease transmitted through a bite.

As the expert noted, owners should carefully monitor the dog's condition after walks. If a tick is found, it must be carefully pulled out with tweezers or a special tool, unscrewing and trying not to damage the parasite's abdomen. If allergic reactions occur, it is allowed to take antihistamines strictly in a dosage corresponding to the weight of the animal.

"Protecting a dog will require a comprehensive approach. No remedy will give a 100% guarantee, but a combination of methods, such as drops on the withers and a collar, significantly increases protection. Timely treatment is important: not when you first saw the tick, but strictly on schedule. Processing is carried out every three months, winter is no exception. Any remedy needs time to take effect," the expert noted.

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The choice of a specific remedy depends on the individual characteristics of the dog and consultation with a veterinarian. For example, for pets who bathe frequently, tablets may be preferable to drops. As an additional measure, special repellents can be used and timely vaccination can be monitored.

In addition to ticks, dogs are attacked in the spring by mosquitoes and midges, whose bites cause severe itching, swelling and allergic reactions. Mosquitoes are able to carry larvae of heartworms that cause dirofilariasis. This disease affects the heart and is considered incurable in its later stages. Also, at temperatures from +5 degrees, bees, wasps and bumblebees can become active, whose bites in the mouth or tongue area can lead to laryngeal edema, the cynologist concluded.

Golubev said on March 6 that some popular indoor and garden plants can pose a serious threat to pets, especially cats and dogs. According to him, lilies are considered to be one of the most dangerous plants. Their pollen can settle on animal fur and enter the body during licking. For cats, such poisoning is often fatal, and for dogs it can also pose a serious danger.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.