As winter days become spring evenings and the snow showers change to thunderstorms we dream of finally storing all of our cold weather gear and only think of patio dining in the warm sunshine. Playing with our pets outside has been building up all winter and now that we can get away from the indoors of winter, we sprint towards the park. As anxious as we are to get outside we must remember to take proper care and utilize prevention.  Let’s take these late winter weeks and early thawing days to get out pets ready for the sunshine. Here are some Pet Safety Tips and ideas for spring.
PET SAFETY TIPS #1
GET ORGANIZED
Creating a plan is essential. For a basic checklist pint sized treasures offers one that covers from daily to monthly needs. If you’re more of a legal pad type that works too, but remember, having any sort of list is highly recommended and will simplify the process. It’s simply part of the organizational process.
Get motivated in your organization. It’s not just for you but for the overall health of your pet. Not unlike New Year’s Resolutions, getting yourself overly psyched up about the idea of being determined to finally do it this year isn’t always met with the best success. Now, while this isn’t a New Year’s Resolution specifically–more like a transitional period disguised as a resolution–but it is spring, a time of rebirth, a time to say goodbye to the old and hello to the new. Â Very few people that set out to accomplish new things at the onset of a new year actually achieve their new goals. When it comes to our pets, let’s be successful! Grab that pen and paper and get going!
Okay… Organizing. There are many places to find materials to help in your organization process. Â The Container Store, The Dollar Store, garage sales, second hand stores all provide options for any spending amount. Â Storage space for all your pet products is important in creating a healthy environment. All toys should be washed and put in a clean storage container, medications, vitamins, shampoos and other hygiene products should be separated and put into clean storage units. Don’t forget the treats and other food! Those need to be cleaned out as well to avoid bacteria and other harmful elements. Â And don’t forget to update your pets first aid kit. Ensure items haven’t leaked, been compromised or have expired.
PET SAFETY TIPS #2
A BATH
Their coat grows longer and sheds more around the house. Your pet, while not smelling poorly, has a slight odor of winter and it’s time to freshen up and get that scent of sunshine throughout the house. A professional grooming trip is recommended to get that full cleaning. Dogs can hide any number of tiny things all over–from fleas, to pollen, to dust mites and various bacteria. Before we can bring them back to the park, let’s get them prepared to go.
PET SAFETY TIPS #3
THE HOUSE
As the sun shines longer and temperatures make their way up the thermometer, we’re all going to do some purging or cleaning throughout the house. Maybe it’s time to paint inside the house or plant the seeds in the garden, either way; we need to keep our pets in mind and safe from these tasks that could be hazardous to our pets. Â Keep the away from fresh paint and out of rooms where fresh coats are applied. The breathing of the fumes and the oft chance our pets ingest or could get covered in paint is not worth the risk. Ensure the area is aired out before allowing your pet to go back inside.
When getting the rad ready for spring and your garden planted, beware of standing puddles from snow melt. Bacteria can easily hide in the water and make your pet sick if they decide to drink. Â Do you use fertilizers or other potential poisonous materials in the yard? Keep your pets away from these to avoid any possible illness.
PET SAFETY TIPS #4
CHEER!
It’s Spring! It’s getting warmer. Go out and enjoy it. A safe pet is a healthy pet and a happy pet.
What are your Spring Safety Suggestions?
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