Springtime Safety Tips for Pet Owners

The harsh winds and freezing temperatures of winter are finally waning, and warmer days and budding flowers are on the horizon as spring comes in. Remember to stay vigilant with your pet’s health, though—springtime offers its own host of potential hazards to our furry friends!

You may spray chemicals on your garden or lawn to promote growth or keep the bugs off. It’s important to remember that these chemicals can be very toxic if our pets ingest them. Keep your pet indoors when spraying, and don’t let them come in contact with treated grass or plants. Munching on a chemically-treated tuft of grass could have dangerous results!

Dreading the coming sniffles and sneezes as pollen fills the air? Your pet may actually have a rough time of it, too! Dogs and cats can suffer from allergies, caused by reactions to pollen, dust, dirt, and other allergens. See your Fort Collins veterinarian to ask about treatment and get your pet on a preventative medicine.

If you’re planning on cleaning house this spring, make sure your pet stays safe while you do so. Almost all standard cleaning solutions contain at least one harmful ingredient, and symptoms could be serious if a pet accidentally swallows a cleaning chemical. It’s best to keep your pets in another room when cleaning, and keep all chemical solutions in a sealed cabinet or locked closet when they’re not in use.

Many dogs like to stick their heads out of the car window to feel the breeze on their face. This may look fun, but it’s simply too risky. Rocks, pebbles, or other debris from the road could fly up into your pet’s face or eyes, causing severe injury. Keep your pet properly secured inside the car to ensure his safety.

As the weather warms, miniature pests like to come out of hiding and find our pets when they’re outdoors. Make sure your pet is on a quality flea, tick, and heartworm preventative to prevent any infections. Set up an appointment with your Fort Collins veterinarian to get this taken care of, and ask about other medications that may be necessary for your pet.

These are just a few of the possible seasonal hazards to face your pet this time of year. Don’t hesitate to  call your veterinarian’s office  and ask about more ways to keep your pet safe and happy as spring rolls in!