Spring is a beautiful time of year—flowers are blooming, the weather is warming up, and we all want to spend more time outdoors. But with the change of seasons come new hazards for our furry friends. At Michelle At Your Service, Pet Sitting & Dog Walking, we’ve seen it all, and we want to help you keep your pets safe from common springtime .
1. Toxic Plants and Flowers
Spring is prime time for gardens to come back to life, but not all plants are pet-friendly. Some of the biggest culprits include:
Lilies – Highly toxic to cats, even small amounts can cause kidney failure.
Tulips and Daffodils – The bulbs are especially dangerous if dug up and ingested.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons – Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart problems.
How to Avoid It: Before planting, check if your flowers are pet-safe. If you take your dog on walks, keep an eye out for potentially toxic plants in yards or parks.
2. Allergies
Just like people, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies. Pollen, mold, and even certain grasses can cause sneezing, itchy skin, watery eyes, or ear infections.
How to Avoid It:
Wipe your pet’s paws and fur after walks to remove pollen.
Watch for excessive scratching or licking, which could signal an allergy.
Talk to your vet about pet-safe allergy relief options if symptoms persist.
3. Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes
Warmer weather means these pests are back in full force. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, mosquitoes spread heartworms, and fleas can cause itching, allergies, and even anemia in severe cases.
How to Avoid It:
Keep your pet on a veterinarian-approved flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
Check your dog for ticks after walks, especially in grassy or wooded areas.
Empty standing water to reduce mosquito breeding near your home.
4. Spring Cleaning Hazards
Spring cleaning often means using household cleaners, which can be dangerous to pets. Bleach, disinfectants, and even essential oils like tea tree and eucalyptus can be toxic if ingested or inhaled.
How to Avoid It:
Use pet-safe cleaners whenever possible.
Keep pets out of freshly cleaned areas until surfaces are dry.
Store chemicals and cleaning supplies out of reach.
5. Garden and Lawn Dangers
Many fertilizers, mulches, and weed killers contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets. Cocoa mulch, for example, smells great but is toxic to dogs.
How to Avoid It:
Choose pet-safe fertilizers and mulches.
Keep pets off treated lawns until the chemicals have fully dried or been watered in.
Store garden supplies securely to prevent curious pets from getting into them.
6. Open Windows and Escapes
Warmer weather means open windows and doors, which can be a recipe for pets slipping out unnoticed. Even screens aren’t always strong enough to keep a determined cat or dog inside.
How to Avoid It:
Check screens for holes or loose fittings before leaving windows open.
Always keep an updated ID tag on your pet in case of an escape.
Consider microchipping for an added layer of protection.
Keeping Pets Safe This Spring
At Michelle At Your Service, we take pet safety seriously, whether we’re out on a walk, playing in the backyard, or providing care while you’re away. By staying aware of these springtime hazards, you can enjoy the season with peace of mind, knowing your pet is safe and happy.
If you need help keeping an eye on your pets this spring, whether for daily walks, potty breaks, or vacation care, we’re here to help!
Michelle Roetto is the founder of Michelle At Your Service Pet Sitting & Dog Walking, a trusted name in pet care since 2007. With nearly two decades of experience, Michelle and her professional, trained team provide exceptional care to pets in McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Melissa, and surrounding areas. Michelle’s passion for pets is evident in every aspect of her business, from ensuring pets are safe and happy to giving pet parents peace of mind.
Contact Us
At Michelle At Your Service Pet Sitting & Dog Walking, we’re here to support you and your pets no matter the weather!
📞 Phone (678) 699-2205
📧 Email: petsttingbymays@yahoo.com
Visit www.michelleatyourservice.com to learn more about our pet sitting and dog walking services.
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