Spring is right around the corner; open the windows, get outside, and enjoy the breeze! As you fill your calendar with more activities, you should to be aware of a few outdoor pet hazards. Here is a rundown:

Bugs: Warmer weather means more bugs, including fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, which can cause heartworm. Be sure to keep your pet’s medications for these buggers up to date.

Spring Cleaning: This is a great time to clean your pet’s bedding, condos, coats, Thundershirts, blankets, and toys. In addition to washing their items, give your pet a spa day – a bath, a haircut, a nail trim, or even a teeth cleaning!

Security: If you love fresh air in your home, ensure your window screens are secure. Many a pet has gotten lost by pushing out a screen. This is a perfect time to walk the perimeter of your fence if you have one to be sure there are no escape routes.

Yard Check: Be sure your shed and garage are locked and don’t have chemicals that can be reached by your animals or children. Check a list of poisonous plants – if they are in your pet area take them out! If you have a pool, make sure your pup can get out of it on their own – both Chewy and Amazon sell many styles of pool ramps. Then, practice it with your buddy, so they know how to use it. Don’t use human sunscreen on your pet; it can be toxic.

Car Safety: Things are heating up; please don’t leave your pet in the car. It only takes minutes to become deadly. In hot weather, leave your pet at home or take them with you when you leave your vehicle. Check your pet’s seatbelt, harness, and carrier to be sure they are not frayed or broken.

Fitness: If your buddy has put on a little winter weight, it’s time to slowly cut back on calories. See that your pet gets more playtime, walks, and outdoor time. However, if they have spent more time on the sofa this winter, add exercise gradually

Lawn Chemicals: Don’t use chemicals on your lawn, and keep in mind when walking your dog that your neighbors may use them, so keep your best friend off their lawns. Keep the pet area of your yard pesticide free. Things like slug bait are attractive to animals and potentially toxic.

Miscellaneous: With your cat and dog outside more, be sure they are micro-chipped and have an ID tag. Vaccinations should be up-to-date. As the weather warms up, allergy season begins; watch your pet for allergy symptoms and skin rashes.Spring will be in full swing soon; get a head start on protecting your best friend!