Springtime Safety Tips for Pets

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio

With spring around the corner, it’s time to think about all of the fun things you’ll do to welcome the new season, and that includes activities you’ll enjoy with your dogs and cats. But bear in mind that there are some safety hazards that come with the warmer weather and longer days. Keep reading to learn about springtime safety tips for pets that you can use to keep your companions happy and healthy.

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Protect Your Pet from Parasites


With warm weather comes more insects, including mosquitos, fleas, and ticks that will gladly get onto your pet and feed on their blood. Whether you’re walking your dog around the neighborhood, taking them to the local dog park to play, or going for a hike, it’s important to keep an eye out for these pests and protect your furry friend against them.  


Of course, cats who spend time outdoors can also be susceptible to parasites, whether your kitty likes being in an outdoor enclosure, you walk your cat on a leash, or you go on adventures with them. But it’s important to be aware that fleas and ticks can be tracked in on your clothes, too, so even an indoor kitty could end up with these parasites.


Throughout the spring, check your pet for fleas and ticks, and remove them right away. Using flea and tick preventatives is a smart way to keep these parasites at bay. Always use products that are species-specific—only use canine products on your dog and only use feline products on your cat. Follow directions for safe use, and keep an eye out for side effects. If you aren’t sure which products to use on your particular pet, ask your veterinarian for guidance.


Examples include Frontline Shield for Dogs, which tackles fleas, chewing lice, ticks, and mosquitoes, and Frontline Gold for Cats, which works against fleas, chewing lice, and ticks.

Why is it so important to protect your pet against parasites? Well, they can certainly be uncomfortable, causing symptoms like itching and scratching, but they can also transmit diseases. For example, ticks can transmit Lyme disease, while fleas can transmit tapeworms, and mosquitoes can transmit heartworm. Plus, these parasites can bite and transmit diseases to humans, too, so protecting your pet is an important part of protecting yourself and your family.


Choose Indoor Plants and Do Your Gardening with Your Pet in Mind


Decorating your home with fresh flowers in the spring is popular, but if you have pets, beware that there are many plants that are toxic to them to varying degrees. This goes for flowers as well as potted plants. So, before bringing any plants home, confirm that they’re safe for dogs or cats.


In addition to the flowers you bring indoors, if you’re going to be gardening and your dog or cat will be spending time in your yard, be sure to stick with plants that are non-toxic.


Some of the plants and flowers to keep away from pets include:


  • Lilies
  • Tulips
  • Irises
  • Carnations
  • Daisies
  • Azaleas
  • Rhododendrons
  • Foxgloves
  • Cyclamens
  • Sago palms


In the garden, don’t use products that can be dangerous, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, and steer clear of slug or snail bait which is poisonous to pets and can be fatal. Always use pet-friendly options to keep your companions safe.


Avoid the Dangers of Easter Candy and Décor


If you’re celebrating Easter, you may bring some candy and chocolate home, but be sure to put these in areas that will be out of reach of your pets. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, and candies can contain ingredients, such as xylitol, that are dangerous.


In addition to candy, you might be decorating for Easter, and it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers of those items as well. For instance, a basket that’s filled with fake grass might be tempting to a dog or cat, and ingesting it could cause an obstruction. 


Be Careful with Spring Cleaning


If you’re like a lot of people, you might be planning on doing some spring cleaning. Once again, keep your pets in mind as you do this to ensure their safety.


When cleaning throughout your home, stick with products that are safe and non-toxic for pets. Avoid unsafe cleaning products that have strong odors or strong chemicals. Thankfully, there are many natural options on the market, and you can even use things like baking soda and vinegar for effective cleaning.


Watch for Springtime Allergies


Like people, pets can experience allergy symptoms in the spring. Cats and dogs might be allergic to the pollen in the air during this time of year, and can develop a range of symptoms, such as respiratory issues, eye problems, or skin problems. And if your pet has asthma, their symptoms during this season might worsen.  


Your veterinarian can figure out if allergies are the cause of your pet’s symptoms, and can provide the appropriate treatment that will bring relief.


You can take steps to reduce your pet’s exposure to allergens, such as by using an air purifier, taking your shoes off in the house, changing your clothes when you get home, cleaning windowsills, changing bedding more often, and vacuuming and sweeping floors daily. You can also clean your companion with a pet wipe after they’ve been outside.


Bottom line: with some simple steps and strategies, you can make the most of the spring season with your pet while ensuring their safety, so keep the tips above in mind.


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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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