Spring is on its way, opening up countless new opportunities to have fun with your pet. While springing into action, however, it’s important to remember that in addition to fun in the sun, spring also brings some seasonal hazards.

North Shore Animal League America has assembled a collection of helpful springtime tips for you and your pet. We want to help you keep your pets happy, healthy, safe and in the pink.

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Make sure your pets are protected with flea, tick and heart worm treatments and are up-to-date on vaccinations. Keep a file with your pets’ medical information and keep track of necessary follow up shots and appointments.
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Keep identification on your pet at all times and make certain that the information is current and legible.
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Is your dog eating grass? Unless it’s been treated with fertilizer or pesticide, don’t worry. It could mean he has a bellyache, or it could just be his natural instinct to aid his digestion.
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Springtime means spring showers and sprinklers which can leave puddles of standing water. Try not to let your dog drink out of puddles, as standing water can be filled with bacteria leading to gastrointestinal upset or ailments.
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Recreational swimming is a great way to cool off, but can be dangerous. Never leave your pet unattended near swimming pools or lakes.
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Nothing beats a leisurely spring ride in the car. If you’re taking your pet with you, make sure he is properly contained. Don’t put him in the back of a pick-up truck where he could fall out or let him hang out of open windows where debris can get in his eyes or he could get hurt.
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Goin’ fishin’? Keep bait and tackle secured, as they can be extremely hazardous to curious pets. If your pet gets accidentally hooked, seek immediate emergency veterinary attention. DO NOT try to remove the hook yourself.
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Cool breezes feel great, but open, unscreened windows can be dangerous for your pets. Make sure they can’t get to windows where they can fall or crawl out.
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Just like us, our pets have allergies too. If you notice obvious signs of allergies like swollen eyes, frequent scratching, fur/skin conditions or sneezing, you may want to take your pet to the vet to explore those allergy symptoms.
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Grooming is not just about vanity. Keeping your pet clean and groomed prevents skin irritations, fleas and ticks and keeps his temperature regulated. Make sure his nails are trimmed but not too short.
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The outdoors is not the only thing pets get a fever for in the spring. Springtime is mating season! Make sure your pet is spayed or neutered so that they don’t contribute to overwhelming pet overpopulation problem.
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Certain common spring plants can be extremely hazardous to your pet. Many can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested and some can even be deadly.