Dog central

SPRING arrives and many plants bloom and the high season for mosquitoes, fleas and ticks returns. Just like people, pets can have indoor and outdoor allergies that are exacerbated by the spring weather. Pollen, grass, flowers and weeds can increase and allergy symptoms may appear. Plant spikes can penetrate natural openings such as ears and noses causing serious problems.

Dogs enjoy nosing around.

With the return to activity of fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, care must be taken with diseases transmitted by them such as Ehrlichiasis and Leishmaniosis and also flea allergy dermatitis. It is important to use insecticides and repellents. Plants such as tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils can cause vomiting, diarrhea, arrhythmia, respiratory difficulties and inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes.

Dogs and cats can get stung by wasps or bees during the spring and summer when they enjoy nosing around flowers in the garden or chasing flying insects.

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Find a dog­sitter to care for your pets at home and help to minimise any separation anxiety by keeping them where they feel at home.

If you’re planning a trip register now to find petsitters in time. Whether your trip is short or long, you’ll know that sometimes you must leave pets at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Join our pet and house­sitting network, and the sitters come for free!

Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSit Match.com

2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. Housesitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets.

Trustpilot Testimonials ­ 4.9 / 5 Excellent 10 out of 10 for housesitmatch.com

I have had nothing but good and helpful service from the people who run this site, and my experience has been excellent. Tristram Cosgrave ­ Dog and cat owner, Malaga How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com.

Need a pet or house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20% discount using coupon code 20EWN - Reader exclusive offer. To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com.