Spring can be a beautiful season for you, but it can be potentially hazardous for your pets. Allergens, toxins, and other substances can even prove to be too fatal. So before spring fully blooms, don’t forget to make sure your pet is alright. Here are a couple of things you can do.
- Keep cleaning chemicals out of your pets’ reach.
Spring cleaning is a big task for the season. That means all your cleaners and chemicals will be out and open. Once you’re done, store them safely and neatly, beyond the reach of your pets. Yes, even the all-natural cleaning agents. Check the labels as instructions for proper storage are usually printed there.
Unsure if your household products are unsafe for your pets? Check out ASPCA’s list of poisonous items and substances.
- Be on alert.
Allergens and pollens from plants can also have a negative effect on pets. If you notice your pet is sneezing more often than usual, don’t hesitate to make the trip to the vet. Insect bites and stings can also have an adverse effect, from rashes to fatal anaphylactic shocks.
Your pet’s springtime allergy can be treated with medication, but don’t just buy any cure-all available in the market. As mentioned earlier, bring your pet to the vet when you notice telltale symptoms.
- Have medication on hand.
Come spring, it’s not only us and our pets who go out to play. Critters, too! Bugs, fleas, ticks, worms− all the works. We don’t always have to worry about them, but all these critters can make the garden an unsafe place for your pet.
Keeping them inside the house won’t do. You should still let your pet out to play. What you can do is make sure you have the right medication on hand. It also helps to have your pet up to date with preventative medication for fleas, ticks, and heartworm.
- Make sure your pet has proper identification.
Maybe you forgot to close the door. Maybe the cat jumped out of the window. Pets finding their way out of the house is a natural occurrence. It just happens. You can relax easier, knowing that your pet is properly identified.
Don’t just stamp the name of your pet on the collar tag− add your address and contact number as well. Investing in a microchip for your pet is also another safety blanket, especially if your pet lost its collar tag.
- Decorate consciously.
If you are big on spring holidays, use decorations mindfully. Fake grass can be hazardous to pets. Easter chocolates, as well. If it can’t be avoided, make sure only to use such decorations in areas your pets can’t reach. The best way, however, is to find pet-friendly alternatives so everyone can celebrate without much worry.
Pets are part of the family
Let’s make sure they’re always well-looked after. I have several resources on that subject. You can also sign up for e-mail alerts in case I upload a new post on Cleveland real estate and lifestyle. As always, contact me at michellemcquade(at)howardhanna(dotted)com or 440-823-2448 if you want to learn more about real estate in Cleveland, OH.