There are so many things to love about the spring. It brings long park walks, kittens stalking birds through
windows, general sunshine and warmth … But the spring season also introduces some new risks into a pet’s
environment!
From seasonal allergies to poisonous plants and dangerous insects, warmer days bring new hazards into our lives.
And, as any loving pet parent knows, our fur baby’s safety is paramount.
So whether it’s your pet’s first spring or you’ve already lived many years together, here are 7 of the most
important spring safety tips for your pet:.
1. Care For Your Lawn Carefully
Many lawn and garden products, like fertilizer and weed killers, are toxic to your four-legged baby. If your pup or
kitten gets into these products, they will likely experience vomiting, diarrhea, or (at best) general stomach
discomfort.
Be sure to store your fertilizer, weed killers, pesticides and other lawn products out of reach of your pets!
Additionally, keep your pets out of the yard for the recommended period of time after applying any lawn care
product.
If you know or think your pet has consumed any lawn care products, immediately contact the poison hotline. Call
(855) 764-7661 or consult your veterinarian!
2. Avoid Lilies At All Cost
Lilies are a popular flower during the spring, especially around Easter and Mother’s Day. While stunning, they are
also extremely toxic to cats and can cause immediate kidney failure, seizures and death, if consumed. If your cat
eats lilies or gets the pollen near their face, call your vet immediately to get appropriate treatment.
Unfortunately, pup parents aren’t in the clear either. Although slightly less so, lilies are also toxic to dogs and
can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea.
3. Keep Up With Flea & Tick Prevention
Spring and summer months are peak flea and tick season, which means your furry friend is at an increased risk of
infestation. Be proactive to avoid problems by treating your pets with preventative medicines. Additionally, keep up
with your pet’s vaccines (especially the Lyme Disease vaccination). If your four-legged family member spends a lot
of time outside, brush them thoroughly afterwards and inspect for ticks regularly.
The best preventative flea and tick treatments are natural and effective! Look for a treatment that will kill fleas
and ticks on contact without using pyrethrins or cedar oil. Our favorite treatment for pets is pawTree’s Flea & Tick
Spray.
4. Beware Of Bees
Bees are a staple of spring, and our flowers need them! However, they can cause discomfort and even danger if our pets encounter them. If your pet gets stung, reach out to your vet and monitor for signs of an allergic reaction. Paw, legs and trunk stings are likely to not present a serious issue, but face stings can be serious!
5. Monitor & Treat Seasonal Allergies
Just like for many hoomans, the spring season brings allergies in abundance for pets. With all the new pollen
varieties in the air, your fur baby might have some allergies pop up as the season progresses.
Look out for common allergy symptoms, like chewing or licking paws, itchy or red skin, and excessive shedding. You
can find a comprehensive guide to seasonal allergies and their treatment options here . And, as always, talk to a vet
if you think your fur baby is suffering!
You can help make the spring season more pleasant for your sensitive furry friend with allergy solution sets,
allergy support chews and/or skin support! There’s no
reason for your pet to live with the discomfort.
6. Keep Holiday Treats And Decor Out Of Reach
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day or Cinco de Mayo, this is your regular reminder
to keep decorations and “hooman” food away from your sweet fur baby!
As any pet parent knows, our beloved companions love to put things in their mouths that aren’t good for them. Keep
these things out of reach of your pet’s paws and don’t offer your fur baby table scraps. Their digestive tract will
thank you!
7. Pet Proof Your Landscape & Garden
The plethora of plant life in the spring is one of the biggest joys of the season. However, not all plant life is
friendly to our fur babies. As you plant and prune your yard (or indoor garden), be sure to check that all of your
plants are safe for pet consumption and interaction. After all, you want your kitten or pup to be safe to wander
their territory!
Check the list of pests that are toxic to catsand dogs, as it applies to your family. Common plants to watch
out
for are American yew trees, lilies, tomato plants, aloe, philodendrons and more.
Overall, spring is a wonderful season for making new memories with your fur baby! There are so many fun activities
and ways to hang out with your four-legged family member in the warm weather. We just want to make sure we do it as
safely as possible — so your fur baby is healthy and happy all year long. And remember: if you’re ever unsure about
the safety of your fur baby, consult a trusted veterinarian.
Happy Spring!
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