Animal Companions and Their People Blog

Springtime Safety Tips for your Pets

Spring is generally regarded as a beautiful time of year bringing with it hope, renewal and rebirth. We – as well as our pets – emerge and venture forth from our winter long “hibernation.” We see blue skies and green (not dull brown) grass and flowers and trees in bloom. Near euphoria sets in. We find ourselves spending quality time outdoors, and, of course, we want to share the warmth and beauty of the season with our beloved pets.

Spring-lovers, beware! All is not as peaceful as it may appear to be. There are dangers posed by this season of which we may not be aware and that require our attention! It is important to make sure that our houses and yards are safe for our pets.

Spring marks the increased presence of the fleas, ticks and heartworms – although these parasites exist throughout the year – in all seasons. Fleas and ticks can exist throughout the winter and can lurk in the underground as soon as the ground thaws out. These parasites are not only painful and uncomfortable, but they are able to pass along life-threatening illnesses. It is advisable to continue flea and tick prevention not only at the first sign of spring but throughout the year to avoid infestation. Flea and tick treatments like Frontline or Revolution can help prevent skin discomfort and issues and protect your pet from unwanted bug bites and infestations.

As pet owners venture out into the garden to plant flowers and vegetables, they need to be aware of the harm that certain types of fertilizer and gardening products can inflict upon their pets. Even certain kinds of mulch as well as flower bulbs can result in a pet’s illness. Fertilizer and other garden products can result in their pets illness as well.,

Just like their human companions, pets may fall victim to allergies. They may display symptoms like coughing, sneezing or wheezing. They may break out in rashes and other kinds of skin irritation as well. They may lick their hot spots and cause even further pain and skin damage.

Always make certain your pets are wearing an identification tag in case they manage to escape from your property. Microchipping them is a very good idea. Also, when walking them outside your property, make certain to keep them on a leash so that they cannot run into the street or get attacked by another dog or animal.

Always make certain that your pet has adequate clean water and is not overheated. Check your dog’s water supply consistently throughout the day, and make certain he has plenty of shade in which to rest and play.

Avoid planting lilies, azalea, rhododendron, chrysanthemums, daffodils and tulips, which are all toxic to pets. Examine the ingredients of plants, mulch, fertilizers and herbicides as well as pesticides to determine that they are not toxic to your pet.

Enjoy this wonderful time of year – just make certain that your house and yard are safe havens for you and your pets. Plan on sharing the joy and beauty of the season with your animal companions!

Diane Pomerance, Ph.D.