Spring is an exciting time for us what with the weather warning up and the sun coming out more, not to mention all of the outdoor activities we can get up to now that winter has went away, and you know what? It’s the same for our pets. Longer days and open windows, as well as yards that are not too muddy to play in, make spring perfect for pets, but it also comes with many potential hazards for our furry friends too.
The good news is, taking a few simple precautions can help ensure that your furry companions stay safe and comfortable throughout the spring months. Sound good? Read on.
Watch out for open windows and doors
As the temperature starts to rise, many homeowners start to open up doors and windows to let the fresh warm air in and clear out stale air from the home. This is great for ventilation, but it can make your home less safe for pets who might try to escape.
Cats may attempt to climb window screens, and dogs may push through loosely fitted screen doors while chasing something outside. So, it is really important that you check screens are secure and if they are not, you should consider a window or screen door replacement to be essential for the ongoing safety of your animals in your home.
Be mindful of spring plants
Spring often brings new flowers and plants into homes and gardens, right? And while that can be a joy for us to see, it can also be risky for our pets with many plants and flowers being toxic to dogs and cats.
Plants such as lilies, tulips, daffodils, and certain houseplants can cause digestive problems or more serious health issues if ingested by cats or dogs. So, before bringing new plants into your home or yard, take time to confirm that they are pet-safe.
It’s also worth doing your best to keep plants out of reach of your animals, just in case they get the sudden urge to eat a daffodil.
Secure cleaning products
When spring comes along many of us decide it’s the perfect time to deep clean out homes, and that is no bad thing. However, if you have pets, you need to be extra careful when doing so because many cleaning products can harm pets if they are inhaled or ingested.
You should always store cleaning supplies in cabinets or storage areas that pets cannot access, and after cleaning floors or surfaces, allow them to dry completely before allowing pets back into the area.
Using pet-safe or natural cleaning products can also help reduce the risk of accidental exposure to harmful chemicals, so maybe do that if you are able to, instead of buying regular and more harmful cleaning agents.
Inspect your outdoor space
When spring hits, it’s also a good idea to check things like fences and hedges for gaps that might have developed in winter, and which could let your pets get free. You should also inspect yards for sharp objects, small items that could be swallowed, or toxic plants that may have grown during the season. And make sure you are providing a shady area where pets can rest awy front he heat.
Spring should be fun for all the family, even the furry ones!
