Finally, the sun is shining and the temps are climbing – it’s starting to feel like spring! If you’re getting a dose of spring fever like me, you’ve probably already enjoying afternoons at the park with your dog and planning a weekend to spring clean your house. While we love the warmer spring weather, we can’t forget how it can affect our pets’ health, from parasites and fleas to seasonal allergies.

To keep your pet healthy and safe this spring, here are five simple tips:

1. Protect your pet with flea, tick and heartworm treatments. There are many all-natural flea and tick topical products available to kill pests without harming your pet.  Be sure to talk to your vet for preventive treatment recommendations that work best as well.
2. Get up-to-date with your pet’s vaccinations and medications. Keep a file with your pet’s medical info and keep track of necessary follow up shots and appointments. If your pet takes daily medications, this PharmaPet Home Health Care Value Packhas all the pet medication management tools you need. It includes a 7-day pill reminder, tablet cutter, large pill reminder for on-the-go, and pill dispenser.
   

   PharmaPet Value Pack

3. Pets can have allergies too—just like their owners! If you see symptoms like swollen eyes, frequent scratching, fur/skin conditions or sneezing, take your pet to the vet to get them checked out.
4. Beware of many popular spring plants, if you’re planting a garden. This includes Easter lilies, rhododendron and azaleas, which are highly toxic to pets and can be fatal if eaten. Take a look at this full list of toxic and non-toxic plants for your home and garden to be safe.
5. Make sure your dog or cat has a microchip for identification and wears a tag imprinted with your home address, cell phone and any other relevant contact information. More trips to the park and longer walks mean more chances for your pet to wander off. Collar tags can break or become unreadable, so while they are recommended, microchipping is the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet and linking the animal back to you if it is lost.

By taking the extra time with your pet care, you and your pet will have a worry-free spring (and many fun-filled days at the dog park!). How will you keep your pet healthy this spring? I welcome your tips!

-Susan