Spring Safety Tips for Cats & Dogs

A short guide to springtime safety!

Spring Safety Tips for Cats & Dogs

A short guide to springtime safety!

Spring Safety Tips for Cats & Dogs

Spring is in the air! Pet owners are getting their pets ready for warm weather and enjoying time outdoors together. Stay informed with these tips on how you can keep your dog or cat safe while they're outdoors this season.

Outdoor hazards

If you plan on using any fertilizers or insecticides in your yard, always keep your pet out of the area where you're spraying until the product has had some time to dry. Fertilizers and insecticides are poisonous if ingested by cats and dogs.

When temperatures are starting to rise, be extra careful when walking your pet on a rainy day. Melting snow is bound to leave behind potholes filled with mud and debris, as well as wet patches on streets and sidewalks that could potentially cause accidents for both you and your pet. Make sure to wipe off or rinse your pet’s paws after a walk to help reduce the chance of cracked and dry paws from salt.

Warmer weather can bring out parasites

People often think about the fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms that affect their pets. These pests are more than just annoyances; they can be hazardous to your pet's health—and even your own. Did you know that external parasites may become active in temperatures as low as zero degrees? Parasites can cause life-threatening or debilitating conditions in your pets. Never assume you're safe until you've consulted a trusted veterinarian for advice on prevention and treatment options.

Prevention: Your pets' health depends on you taking extra precautions during the warm months to prevent parasites from establishing a foothold in your home. Start by addressing any of the following risk factors:

  • Flea infestations are best controlled with combined topical flea treatment and special flea medication administered monthly. Always speak to your veterinarian for parasite prevention as many over-the-counter products can be toxic to your pet.
  • Store chemicals and cleaners carefully so they are not accessible by pets via inhalation or via ingestion
  • Keep yards and gardens clear of litter and debris
  • Limit access of pet food bags indoors; keep sealed pet food inside its container at all times

Plants

Now that spring is here and your garden is on its way to becoming an oasis of perennials and annuals, it's important to remember that some of these plants are toxic to dogs and cats. Some of the most common plants found in gardens that are toxic to your pets include rhubarb, daisies, and oregano. If you want to continue your gardening but don't want to put your pets at risk, consider planting pet-friendly flowers like marigolds or petunias.  For a complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants, consult the ASPCA website.

Car Travel

When traveling with pets, be sure to restrain them in a harness or carrier. Unsecured pets can be easily injured and have been shown to distract drivers, resulting in accidents. Safety restraints can prevent both of these from happening.

Keep your pet inside the vehicle at all times. It's never safe to let a dog or cat hang out of the window while you're driving. Seat belts are also recommended for human passengers only!

Every year, many dogs and cats suffer because they're left alone in hot cars when temperatures soar. Cars heat up quickly inside on sunny days—and when it's 26C outside, it can reach 37C inside a car with the windows cracked open within 10 minutes! Keep this in mind before hitting the road with your dog or cat; if there is no one else available to transport them safely for you, we recommend leaving them at home instead.

24/7 Vet Support

The GoFetch+ app puts veterinary support in your pocket. Members get unlimited access directly via the GoFetch app, 24/7! Our built-in vet support is like having an in-house team of vets available any time of day to answer your pet's health questions.

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