Tag Archives: spring pet safety

Spring is officially here! While those cooped-up days of cabin fever might be waning, it’s important to keep a few things in mind before you and your pet savor spring in all its glory. Here are a few springtime pet safety tips from PetMD and the ASPCA.

1. Keep spring-cleaning chemicals out of pets’ reach. Follow all labels regarding use and ventilation, and don’t forget to store cleaning products properly.
2. Before you fling open those windows to let the spring air waft into your home, be sure that your windows are snugly screened and that no screens are in need of repair.
3. Inspect your dog’s leash and collar for tears.
4. Make sure your pet’s ID information is up to date.
5. Reintroduce more vigorous exercise slowly so that your pet can acclimate to it.
6. Keep pets away from recently fertilized lawns and consider pet-safe alternatives. Likewise, keep lawn-care products out of pets’ reach.
7. Check to see if your pet is up to date on its medications and preventatives.
8. Keep those Easter staples out of pets’ reach (especially the ubiquitous Easter grass!). Chocolate and artificial sweeteners are harmful to pets; lilies are toxic to cats.
9. Take your furry pal to the vet if he seems to be suffering from spring allergies.

Spring is coming! Soon you’ll be cleaning and organizing, or finally hauling those Christmas decorations back into storage. During this time where happiness spreads with warmer and sunnier weather, remember that your pet needs some help with spring cleaning, too.

In the spring, you can help your pet shed its winter coat so hair isn’t trailing throughout your home. Your pet relies on you to be aware of how the coming season can affect it: from bugs carrying parasites, to lawn chemicals or plants that can cause harm, to seasonal allergies. Here are a few ways you can help your pet get ready for the season.

1) As your pet begins to shed more than usual in preparation for warmer temps, help her out. Give her a bath and regular brushings to remove loose hair. Not only will this keep her cooler, but it will help keep your home clean and your furniture fur free. And while you’re spring cleaning, wash up her bedding and toys so they smell fresh.

2) Pets can have seasonal allergies, too, although they often show via skin irritation. Watch out for excessive scratching, biting, or licking and contact your vet for how to best treat him. Keep an eye out for grass munching, as well, since some yard treatment chemicals will make him sick. According to Project Pawsitivity, some common seasonal plants like daisies are also toxic to pets. Check out a full plant list here.

3) Warmer weather brings those pesky bugs: fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. As if bites from these bugs weren’t bad enough, they can also carry parasites that could affect your pet’s health. So, before the warmth really sets in, ensure that she has preventative medication for heartworms, fleas, and ticks.

4) Before taking your pet out to enjoy sunny days, make sure his shots are up to date. According to Petcube, having his shots recently updated will cause him less problems if he encounters animals who haven’t had their shots. Also check that his tags and microchip have current information and are readable, and that leashes and collars still fit and aren’t fraying.

5) While humans can exercise throughout the winter in gyms, that’s not always true for our pets. As warm weather rolls in, give her time to adjust to a more active lifestyle. Start with short walks and don’t force her to play if she looks tired. Just like us, your pet’s muscles take time to strengthen.

Pets are just as happy as the rest of us that the sun is shining brighter and the temperature is climbing. But just as we have preventative measures against bugs and allergies, so should our pets. Give them love, care, attention, and help as they prepare for sun-filled days in the ways only they can.