Spring is almost here! But while we’re busy soaking up the sunshine and tackling our to-do lists, our pups are stepping into a season that comes with a few seasonal risks.

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The Great Escape

Through windows and screen doors. . .  Nothing says spring like fresh air flowing through the house. But here’s the catch: curious dogs or cats and unsecured window screens are not a good mix. It only takes one tempting distraction; the mailman, a neighbor's dog, etc, to entice your dog to push through a loose screen. Make sure your screen doors are secured, and window screens are sturdy and snug.

 

Spring Cleaning & Home Improvement

Who doesn’t love a good spring reset?! Fresh floors, sparkling counters, the whole vibe. But

many cleaning products (even ones labeled “natural”) can be harmful to pets.  The simple rule? Read the label. Store products securely. And when in doubt, double-check resources like ASPCA Poison Control to see what’s considered toxic. A little label-reading now can prevent a vet visit later.

 

Spring tends to kick off home improvement projects. Paint, solvents, mineral spirits; all of which are common this time of year, can irritate paws, skin, and lungs. Add in loose nails, power tools, and debris, and suddenly your workspace looks like an obstacle course. If you’re tackling a project, consider creating a “pet-safe zone” away from the action.

 

The Great Outdoors (including your yard)

🌷🌿 Ahhh, the fresh smell of flowers, and . . . weeds?  Mulch, and green lawns will be in the air, but fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides will be on the surfaces of plants and ground which can be dangerous if your dog walks through or ingests them.  Use environmental management tools; boundary train your dog to certain areas in your yard, or create artificial boundaries by using exercise pen folding panels, or baby gates.  Check product labeling for safety of use.

 

And here’s something many pet parents don’t realize: some popular spring plants are toxic.

Rhododendrons and azaleas, for example, may look gorgeous in your yard but can be

very dangerous if eaten. Before planting something new, it’s worth confirming it’s pet-safe.

 

Here’s a link to the ASPCA list of spring plants you should maybe consider replacing: https://www.aspca.org/news/keep-these-spring-plants-away-pets

 

Know before you go. Possible great-outdoor hazards and allergy risks that may lie ahead for your furry companion:

• respiratory (pollen (tree, grass, weed, fire smoke)

• inspect bites, stings, & parasites

• mold spores

• toxic vegetation

• near water sources such as lakes, and rivers; watch out for left behind fishing tackle and line

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Put together a doggy-first aid kit for your outdoor travels. If your dog starts scratching more than usual, sneezing, developing irritated-red skin, and/or you notice eye drainage; spring allergies could be the culprit.  Make a call to your veterinarian and continue to monitor and treat, as directed by your veterinarian.

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Fleas & Ticks; yuck! 🕷️

Warmer weather means parasites are waking up, too. Fleas and ticks thrive in spring, and

prevention is much easier than treatment. It used to be in Colorado that tick prevention wasn't that big of a deal, but it is now!  Climate changes and insects and parasites have traveled and transported to all regions and are now a real issue for Colorado pets. Talk to your veterinarian about heartworm and parasite prevention. After hiking through tall weeds and forest, please do a thorough “tick check” of your dog.

 

Rodent control

Spring brings an uptick in rodents, and rodenticides are extremely dangerous to pets. Even indirect exposure (like ingesting a poisoned rodent) can be life-threatening.  If you have pets in your home, strongly consider alternatives to using rodent poison. Opt for pet-safe alternatives and keep all traps and products well out of reach. When in doubt, consult a professional who understands pet-friendly solutions.

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Doggy Identification

Spring adventures mean more park trips, longer walks, and more open doors. Make sure your dog's microchip information is up to date and that they’re wearing a tag with your current contact info. Don't assume your dog is 100% reliable from leaving a trained boundary; for instance, if wildlife were to come within range, your dog might not be able to resist pursuit, and then become lost.

 

Spring is meant to be enjoyed! Muddy paws, sunny naps, and all. With a little awareness, make sure this season stays full of happy tail wags.​​​