Spring Safety Tips for Pets

Spring is finally settling in, and it’s likely that you and your pet are spending more time outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather. But sadly, more time outdoors often means increased risk for your pet and your pet’s health.

We want you both to enjoy the beautiful weather as much as you can before the heat of summer sets in, so here are a few spring safety tips for pets to keep your four-legged friend safe while soaking up the sunshine…

Identification

As it’s likely you’ll be spending more time outside in the months ahead, you’ll want to be certain that your pet can get home if you become separated.

Make sure that you pet’s tags are up to date with your current information, and double-check that his or her microchip info is current, too. Ideally your pet should be wearing his or her tags at all times; and you may want to consider getting your pet a new collar and lead, as well.

Safety At Home

Before you let your pet out to frolic and frisk, make certain that your back and front yards are pet-friendly and escape proof.

Escape Routes – Walk you perimeter and double-check that there are no loose boards in your fence, and that there are no other escape routes. Even the most well behaved pets will tempt fate sometimes, especially if a taunting squirrel or cat enters the equation. Make sure your yard is secure before you leave your pet outdoors unattended.

Plants – You should also take this opportunity to ensure that all the plants in your yard and garden are pet-safe, too. Lilies can be especially toxic to both cats and dogs, as can certain types of palms and ferns. If don’t recognize a mysterious plant in your yard, do your very best to learn what it is, just in case.

Pests – It is also important to make sure that your yard is not a safe haven for pests. Fleas tend to love dark, damp wood and leaf piles (as do spiders), and heartworm-causing mosquitoes are likely to be found in any standing water on your property as well.

Take care to eliminate pest habitats. And if you use pesticides for the job, be certain that they are pet-safe, or that the residue is gone before letting your pet out to play.

Parasite Prevention

In Texas, protecting your pets from parasites takes more than eradicating their habitats on your property. To truly protect your pet, you will need to be certain that your pet stays current on his or her flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives year-round.

If your pet has missed a dose, now is the time to catch up! This is a precaution you do not want to skip in Texas.

Likewise, there are also preventatives available for protecting your pet from Rattle Snake venom. Ask us for details.

Common Sense

With a little common sense, keeping your pet safe during the spring months doesn’t have to be a challenge.

We hope you will call us if you have any further questions, or if you need to schedule an appointment to have your pet microchipped, or to bring your pet current on his or her flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.