BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) -- The change of seasons from winter to spring can pose a number of unique risks for your pets. We saw recently when Koozie the dog was saved by Erie County's Air One Helicopter after she had gotten loose from her owner's property and wandered onto the melting ice of Lake Erie. And that's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to pet safety in spring. "The animals stay indoors most of the winter, they don't go on those lengthy walks like last summer. The leashes... the collars may not be in secure shape," Gina Browning, from the Erie County SPCA, said. "Before you begin your walks again for the season make sure everything is secure and make sure the pet has some form of identification."
Something as simple as having a traceable microchip implanted in your pet or just a collar with ID could make for a happy reunion. There are also the dangers of spring flowers. The SPCA recommends you do plenty of research on the plants and flowers you plan on bringing home or planting, since many common varieties can pose a health risk to your pet. "Every kind of Lily and every part of the Lily is fatal to a cat so if you have cats in the neighborhood or cats in the house, you don't want Lilies around," Browning said.
Also, an Easter basket can be dangerous for your animals because chocolate can be fatal to dogs and cats. Also the Easter grass is just as deadly. "If an animal ingests it, it can't be broken down properly and if it's not broken down there's that chance it could start twisting the internal organs and internal parts of your animal."
The SPCA also says this a good time to look over your pet's health records to make sure that everything is up to date.
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