April is just days away, and with later sunsets and increasing temperatures many will be looking forward to spending a bit more time outside.
And nobody will be more excited about the prospect of more outside time than our four-legged friends. However, owners are being urged to keep some seasonal risks in-mind.
Dr Linda Simon, veterinary surgeon at Pooch & Mutt, has urged millions of dog owners to prepare for the arrival of April with some easy to make lifestyle tweaks.
According to the expert there are some avoidable mistakes that could lead to an unwell - or in trouble - pup, reports the Echo.
Here are four things that you should keep in mind when April rolls around to make sure that it's an enjoyable month for both you and your pooch.
Keep your dog away from the rubbish bins
With clearer weather beginning to set in, your dog might be outdoors a little more often than usual, which it will no-doubt be loving.
However, you should always keep your pup in sight as their super-sensitive sense of smell makes them great at finding food, even in the rubbish bin.
The vet comments: "To prevent potentially dangerous incidents, store your bin out of reach or weigh down the lid when your dog is around. Easter adds to the risk of food scraps, wrappers, and packaging that could cause blockages or internal damage if ingested.
"Items such as chicken bones can splinter when consumed. They can cause serious internal damage, and ingestion of wrappers and other non-food items can cause blockage."
Supervise your children at all times
Your pup will certainty be pleased that they're able to get out more, but you shouldn't let them get too overexcited
Dr Simon explains: "Even if you think your dog is good with children, there is still cause to remain vigilant when they are together, even more so around high-energy holidays such as Easter.
"With the increased excitement and the likely consumption of more sugar than they are generally used to, children can get a little bit hyper, and in turn, they might find pestering the dog a new form of entertainment.
"Whether it is getting in the face and smothering them with kisses, or pulling at their tails or ears, like humans, dogs will only withstand so much before they react.
Keep dogs indoors or on a lead during Easter egg hunts
And it's not just your kids you have to worry about when it comes to sugar rushes, you need to keep your dog away from chocolate, too.
"Chocolate is poisonous for dogs, as it contains theobromine and caffeine, two stimulants that dogs cannot efficiently metabolise, so ingesting even a small amount can make them quite unwell.
"As we know, dogs have an incredible sense of smell, so it wouldn't take them long to sniff out any hidden chocolate, most likely beating the kids to it.
"If you want to involve your dog in the Easter games, then hide some dog treats around the garden once the chocolate hunt is over and let them sniff them out."
If your dog does get a hold of chocolate, the expert urges owners to take them to your veterinary clinic right away.
Avoid sharing your roast dinner
You might think that it's just chocolate that could make your pooch ill, but that's not the case.
"A traditional UK roast dinner includes chicken, stuffing, gravy, veggies, and Yorkshire puddings, and some of these ingredients can make your pooch quite sick," says Linda.
Too much skin could cause pancreatitis in susceptible dogs, stuffing is generally a ‘no-no’ and richer gravies are too high in fat and salt and can cause stomach upsets
However, the vet adds: "Boiled carrots, parsnips, sprouts, and potatoes are good choices."
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