Michelle & The Paw Pack – Page 12

Spring will get here...eventually! This winter has felt especially long. We're well into March now and have still been dealing with pretty significant amounts of snow. In between snow storms, however, our temperatures have been slowly trending up. Judging by the amount of fur my Alaskan Klee Kai Fenrir's been shedding, and the increasing number of times both of my dogs have been asking to go outside per day, Kit and Fen are pretty convinced that spring is well on its way. I can't wait to be able to spend more time outdoors with them without having to get all bundled up each time! But springtime isn't all sunshine and walks. There are some unique dangers this time of the year that pet owners should be aware of. Luckily, knowledge is half the battle, and if you're aware of some of the potential hazards that springtime can present to your pet you can take steps to avoid them. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather avoid whatever potential issues I can when it comes to my dogs! Here are some spring time safety tips... Keep ID on Your Pets During Spring Adventures: The start of spring can be the perfect time to make sure your pet's ID(s) are up to date. The two of you will most likely be spending more time outdoors, after all! If your dog is microchipped, check that the information associated with their chip is up to date. Once a year, I have my vet scan my dogs to ensure that their chips are still functional. Check that ID tags are up to date, easy to read, and firmly attached to your pet's collar or harness. Spring Holiday Safety: Earlier this month I wrote a post about Easter pet safety. Spring can be a fun time of year to celebrate in general. But keep in mind that human treats such as chocolate, alcohol, and certain foods can be dangerous for our pets. Make sure to contain pets if guests are coming and going, so Fido doesn't accidently escape out an open door, and keep festive decorations out of your dog's reach. Check out my post about Easter safety for more spring holiday safety tips! Keep Bugs at Bay: If you live somewhere cold like we do, you may not have to worry much about things like mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks in the winter. But spring is a different story! We live in an area where ticks (and Lyme Disease) are endemic and often times I'll start to see ticks out again even before all the snow has all melted. Intestinal parasites are something to consider, especially if your dog is exposed to other dogs or wildlife. Some types of intestinal parasites can be transmitted to your pet by fleas, and potentially deadly heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Talk to your vet about what parasites are prevalent in your area, and what you should do to prevent them. Spring Cleaning: If you're anything like me, you take spring cleaning seriously! While it can feel great to have your home be extra clean, keep in mind that many cleaning products are actually toxic to animals. This month is Poison Prevention Awareness Month. What better time to go through your cleaning products to ensure you are not using products that are dangerous to your pets, or that any potentially dangerous products are stored well out of Fido's reach? I like to use non-toxic, green cleaning products whenever possible. When I do keep chemical cleaning products, I make sure to use and store them safely away from my dogs. I love to open my windows and get fresh air in the spring. If you do too, make sure that your windows have screens and that all screens are secured properly. Garden Safety: Moving my house plants outdoors, and working on my outdoor container gardens are some of the things I look forward to doing most in the spring! However, quite a few dangers for our dogs can lurk in our gardens. Many common garden plants are actually toxic to pets. Even things like what type of mulch we use can have implications for our furry friends. Many lawn and garden chemicals can cause health issues for our pets, so are best avoided if at all possible. Spring Grooming: While you're at it with the cleaning, spring is the perfect time to make sure you're keeping up with your dog's grooming, especially if you have a double coated dog that will soon be blowing their coat! Grooming your pet regularly, especially through the warmer months, will keep them more comfortable. Not to mention that it will also help to keep your house cleaner! Car Safety: The warmer weather may mean you spend more time traveling with your pet. Check out my post about dog car safety here! Spring Allergies: Animals, like people, can suffer from allergies. My papillon, Kitsune, is allergic to fleas. Dogs can also be allergic to things like plant pollen and grasses. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to avoid allergens. If you dog suffers from seasonal allergies talk to your vet about potential therapies to help keep them more comfortable. Seasonal Storms: It thunders more often in the spring. Unfortunately it's not uncommon for dogs to be fearful of thunderstorms. Things you can do to help will depend on your situation and how fearful your dog is, and vary from simple home remedies like thunder shirts, white noise, and calming treats to prescription meds from the vet. Don't get caught unprepared. If your dog needs help getting through storms make sure you stock up on whatever it is that helps them most before spring storm season! Stay Hydrated: Most people know how important it is to stay hydrated in the heat of the summer, but it's important in the spring too! An increase in activity, as the weather warms up, may mean that your furry friend will require more water. Always make sure you're providing fresh, clean water, no matter the weather! Don't forget to bring water for your dog during spring hikes and offer it to them often. Comment Below! Can you think of any spring safety tips that I missed? What are your favorite spring time activities to do with your dog? What are some things you make sure to avoid or stay aware of to keep them safe?