Now that spring is in full swing, you’ll want to make sure you’re keeping your pets safe throughout the season. Take a look at these spring pet safety tips to help you out!
Spring Cleaning
As you're tidying up, make sure to keep your pets safe. Keep cleaners and chemicals away from animals and beware that even all-natural products can be harmful. Check that your cleaning supplies are pet-friendly and wait until cleaning substances are dry to let your furry friends near the cleansed area.
If you suspect your pet may have come in contact with or ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately at (888) 426-4435.
Plants and Flowers
Springtime blooms are common household items, so put them out of the reach of your furry pal. Lilies and daffodils, popular spring plants, are toxic to felines so opt for a cat-friendly plant instead. In addition to indoor plants, be mindful of the products you use to make outdoor plants and your lawn healthy and green. Fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides should be placed in secure locations and you'll want to inspect flowers outside to see if they safe if pets get into them.
Bugs
As the weather warms, the time spent outdoors increases. With the temperature rising, fleas and ticks start to look for spots to nestle in your pet’s coat. Fleas can cause itchy and twitchy pets and ticks can cause serious diseases. Plus, both can be difficult to get rid of once they are in your home. Use tick and flea prevention products and make certain your pet is on year-round heartworm preventative medication.
Seasonal Allergies
Just like humans, dogs and cats can have allergies. Spring and fall are prime times for plant and pollen allergies for pets. Allergic reactions in dogs and cats can cause itching, minor sniffling and sneezing. You may also notice an increase in chewing and scratching for pooches. Visit your veterinarian if you suspect a springtime allergy so you can have medication ready around this time, if necessary.
Exercise
Winter usually results in less active animals, so ease into exercise as it gets nicer outside. Taking it slow will help prevent injury by rebuilding muscle tone and cardiovascular health before engaging in strenuous outdoor activities. You’ll also want to verify that your pet’s ID tags and microchip information are up to date in case your furry friend wanders off outside.
Sources:
Springtime Safety Tips | ASPCA
7 Springtime Safety Tips for our Furry Friends (embracepetinsurance.com)
Gallery: 8 Serious Spring Dog-Safety Tips | Petfinder
11 Spring Pet Safety Tips You Need to Know | Taste of the Wild (tasteofthewildpetfood.com)