Welcome, Spring! Goodbye, chilly days and big coats. See ya, snowy weather and slush. 

Okay, we’re jumping ahead of ourselves because we know there are a couple more wintery days ahead. But, so is warmer weather, sunny days, and the bloom of flowers!

You might be planning to bring your dog outdoors more. As you get excited about spending more time outside, there are a few seasonal hazards during Spring that you should watch out for.

Spring Hazard 1: Go Fetch… But Not For Sticks

No more fetching and playing inside of confined spaces around the house. Time to take to the yard or your local park!

But, now that the snow has cleared, sticks are everywhere. Despite what the movies tell us, sticks are not the best thing to use during fetch. They can be dangerous.

Sticks can splinter in your dog’s mouth. They can also cause an obstruction in its digestive tract and irritate its tummy with whatever bacteria or mold is on it.

If your dog gets a boo-boo while out, tend to them properly.

Instead, take toys and discourage stick grabbing.

Spring Hazard 2: We’re Looking Achoo, Allergies

Just like humans, dogs have allergies too. Foods, dust, plants, and pollen can cause itching, minor sniffling and sneezing, or life-threatening anaphylactic shock to insect bites and stings. 

If you suspect your pet has a springtime allergy, please visit your veterinarian.

Spring Hazard 3: Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning!! It’s all the rage. With the new beginning of life for nature comes our urge to purge. Use caution when you clean because these products, even the pet-friendly ones, can be harmful.

Chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and chlorine are in your cleaning products. Even all-natural ones can trouble the tummy.

Keep your pets in a separate room until all recently cleaned surfaces are dry and ​​read and follow label directions for proper use and storage.

Spring Hazard 4: Gardening with Care

Fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides keep our plants and lawns healthy but can be dangerous to your dog. Make your yard dog friendly!

Always store these products in out-of-the-way places and follow label instructions carefully. 

Common Plants That Are Dangerous to Dogs

Even more than that, did you know that a lot of plants can be harmful to pets? Rhododendron and azaleas are highly toxic and can prove fatal if eaten. Tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, crocuses, and lily of the valley can all pose a threat to your dog’s health. Whereas Baby’s Breath and the Canna Lily are not. 

Whether you have plants outside or bring them in to decorate the kitchen table, research if they’re toxic to dogs. You’d be surprised which ones are. 

Spring Hazard 5: Pesky Critters

Flowers and your dog aren’t the only things roaming parks. Fleas, parasites, ticks, bees, and other bad things are out and about too.

• Fleas: Fleas thrive in warm and humid weather when breeding conditions are ideal so make sure your dog is protected. Fleas can also carry and transmit internal parasites, such as tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum), or bacterial infections. 
• Mosquitos: Heartworm disease is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes. Heartworm preventives for dogs are highly effective when administered properly and regularly. Heartworm prevention products also provide protection against another threat, intestinal parasites, so research what treatments do for your pet. 
• Ticks: Lyme disease is a common tick-borne disease that is well recognized to affect both humans and dogs. Ticks often climb tall grasses or shrubs and wait for a potential host, such as your dog, to brush against them so they can grab onto and start feeding. Certain breeds are also more susceptible to illnesses.

Spring Hazard 6: Easter Treats and Decorations

You might already know this but chocolate goodies are toxic to dogs. Your pup may be chewing on plastic grass or bows. 

Other plastics are often found laying around during this season and they cause problems for your pet.

Summing Up Spring Hazards

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to spring. Don’t let that stop you from your fun but do proceed with caution and keep all of this in mind.

It’s also a good idea to get your dog to your veterinarian during this season to prepare them with the best medications and make sure they haven’t come into contact with something harmful.

Make sure to take your dog out for nice walks. And might we recommend a harness to do so? Harnesses like ours are safer for dogs. They’re among the best in the industry and come in all sorts of bright colors for the season!

Our Tie Dye Dog Harness

Happy Springing!