How to keep you dog safe in the spring?

Woof. Woof. It’s Spring is in the air! There is March madness, Easter extravaganza and spring cleaning and more-needed outdoor projects. Before you prepare for seasonal celebrations or outdoor explorations, take note of a few springtime hazards for your pup.

Yummy Easter Treats and Cute Easter Pets

Keep chocolate goodies like chocolate bunnies out of reach from dogs. And be mindful, that when having an egg hunt stay close to your pup so that they are not eating, ingesting something that can obstruct digestion. Moreover, while live chicks and bunnies are cute, resist the urge to buy them—adorable while small, these babies grow fast and need special care!

Love the Breeze, Buckle Up!
While the breeze is nice, and the air is fresh, be careful when driving with dogs on board. While most dogs love to feel the wind on their furry faces, allowing them to ride in the beds of pick-up trucks or stick their heads out of moving-car windows can be dangerous. Drive with caution. Things to be on the lookout is for flying debris and insects. Dirt and small critters can enter a dog’s inner ear or eye and can cause injuries and lung infections. Drive with caution. Driving with dogs, keep from doing abrupt stops or turns can cause major injury, or worse! Dogs riding in cars should always be secured in a crate, a car seat or wearing a seatbelt harness designed especially for them.

Tired of Apple Spice, spruce it up with Spring Cleaning
Whether you honor spring cleaning chores or not, it is a tradition in many households. Cleaning with chemicals and other hazardous cleaners is good for inanimate objects, not for pup. Keep all these out of reach! Did you know, that cleaning products even all-natural ones contain chemicals that may be harmful for dogs. They key to using them safely is to read and follow label directions for proper use and storage. Read more from this list of Poisonous Household Products.

Love green lawns?
Lawns and plants look great and are healthy with a mix of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides, but be aware of their ingredients. Most additives have ingredients are harmful if ingested by dogs. Always store these products where pups cannot sniff or ingest them. Look for lawn care that is pet-friendly! Read more on toxic and non-toxic plants for your home and garden, here.

Ah-Ah-Achoo!
Is your dog sneezing?  Pups are like us, they can be allergic to foods, dust, plants and pollens. Allergic reactions in dogs can cause itching, minor sniffling and sneezing, or life-threatening anaphylactic shock to insect bites and stings. If you suspect your pet has a springtime allergy, please visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Showers invites Bugs
Spring brings April showers and May flowers—and an onslaught of bugs! This is a good time to make sure your dog is on year-round heartworm preventive medication, as well as a flea and tick control program. Ask your doctor to recommend a plan designed specifically for your pet.

Safety in Public
Love taking long walks and long days at the park. It’s spring, why not? Before you unleash your pup at the dog park, consider registering or getting a microchip. This is a just-in-case tip. Or if you like, make sure dog has a tag imprinted with home address imprinted, cell phone and any other relevant contact information.

← Previous Post Next Post →