April is Wildlife Awareness Month – a perfect time to celebrate all the birds, bugs, and beasties that share our outdoor spaces 🐦🦔🌼 Whether you're out on a woodland walk with your dog or letting your cat explore the garden, nature is buzzing (literally!) – and it’s important to keep our pets safe while still letting them enjoy the great outdoors.
Here’s how to make sure your dog, pup, cat or kitten can explore safely this spring 🌸
1. Stick to the Path on Spring Walkies
It’s tempting to wander into bushes or long grass but be mindful – this is prime nesting season for birds and other wildlife. Keep your pet on a lead when walking in nature reserves, woodlands, or near farmland. Not only is it respectful to wildlife, but it also keeps everyone out of trouble too!
💡 Pipkin and Bella leads are sturdy, stylish, and great for staying in control while still giving your pet freedom to sniff about safely.
2. Watch Out for Hedgehogs & Other Garden Visitors
Gardens can be mini wildlife havens – and hedgehogs, frogs, and even birds often nest in nooks, under sheds, or in piles of leaves. If you let your cat or kitten outside, try to supervise their garden time.
💡 Cats are natural hunters, and even well-fed cats might chase. A good compromise? Enrichment toys indoors and limited garden access when wildlife is most active (early mornings and evenings).
3. Be Snake-Aware on Warmer Days
Yes, the UK does have snakes! Adders, our only venomous species, are most active in spring and early summer. They like basking in sunny, quiet spots like heathlands and moorland.
💡 If you're walking in snake-prone areas, keep your pet on the path and away from long grass. If you suspect an adder bite, it’s vet time immediately.
4. Know Your Pet-Poisoning Plants
Lots of springtime flowers are toxic to dogs and cats – daffodils, bluebells, tulips, and lilies are all common in UK gardens and parks. Cats can be sensitive to even tiny amounts.
💡 Avoid letting cats nibble on outdoor plants and double-check your garden or bouquet before bringing anything indoors!
5. Don’t Forget Ticks & Fleas
With wildlife comes creepy crawlies! Deer, foxes and even birds can bring ticks into areas your pets love to explore. Check your dog or cat after outdoor time – especially around the ears, neck, and underarms.
💡 Natural tick sprays or spot-on treatments (vet-approved, of course) can help keep the nasties at bay and Pipkin and Bella have shampoo bars for dogs that contain neem oil which bugs don’t like!
Nature and Pets CAN Co-Exist
With a few simple tweaks, you can let your pets enjoy nature while keeping them, and wildlife, safe. It’s all about awareness, respect, and a little extra planning 🐾🌿
