5 Pet Hazards to Watch This Spring

Spring is finally here. Are you as excited as we are? We've certainly all waited long enough for it.But even in bright, beautiful weather like this there are hazards to watch out for if you want to protect your pets. Here are four, in particular, that are especially important.1. Pay attention to Easter hazards.The Easter holiday comes with several hazards for pets. Chocolate is poisonous to pets, so keep that in mind as you're setting out your candy.Pay attention to Easter lilies, too. They're some of the most toxic plants that you can bring into the home. If you must have them, make sure your pets will be kept out of the room where you have them on display.2. Check your screens.Spring is usually the season where pet owners start opening their windows to catch the nice breezes and fresh spring air. But if your screens are loose or torn pets can get out whether you want them to or not.Your best bet is to check and replace any questionable screens before you start opening the windows. Watch out for cat claws though...some cats will claw right through the screen if you leave it unattended.3. Be extra vigilant during home projects.Spring is typically the season for intensive cleaning efforts and home improvement projects. If you plan to do either make sure you take precautions.Why? Because any of these projects might mean bringing more hazardous chemicals into your space. In addition, the pets can be hazardous to you during certain projects. Don't keep an excitable dog in the room with you while you stand on a ladder, for example!Make sure you only take out what you need for each day's work, and make sure you pick everything back up after you are done. Put pets in a different part of the house while you're working. That's the best way to ensure that nothing goes wrong.4. Get serious about flea and tick prevention.During the winter it's natural to relax on flea and tick prevention efforts, since the cold is such an effective killer. But now the bugs are back, so make sure you go to your local veterinarian for preventative measures right now. It's easier to keep fleas off of your dogs and cats now than it is to treat an infestation after it has occurred.Fleas aren't just a run-of-the-mill problem. They can transmit tapeworms and carry other diseases too, so it's best to get them dealt with sooner rather than later.5. Get the chip.On April 21st National Pet ID week starts, so it's as good a time as any to remind you to get your pets microchipped. Pets tend to be outside a lot more during the spring, and when they go outside there's a risk of getting lost. Getting them chipped is one of the best ways to ensure that they get home safely.Here's to a happy spring, peeps!