17 Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe And Happy This Spring

Windows without screens pose a great threat to your pets when they're open, and falls can result in a shattered jaw, punctured lungs, broken bones, or worse.

This is not enough to cool down, so your pup will pant to help reduce his body temperature. On very humid days or in a small space, like a car, panting still isn't enough to cool down your pup--be mindful!

Some dogs like to stick their heads out the window during car rides, and even though this is super fun for your pooch, it's not that safe. Allowing your pet to ride in the bed of a pick up truck or sticking his face out of a moving car window is extremely dangerous.

Lilies can be fatal to your pet if ingested, and chocolate is toxic to cats, dogs and ferrets.

Daffodils and tulips are among the plants that can be highly toxic to cats and dogs. Refer to the full list when thinking about starting up your spring garden.

Just like your bare feet on hot pavement, your pup's feet are super sensitive to heat, so be careful where he puts his paws.

With the warmer months coming, bugs will be creeping around for sure. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitos so make sure your pooch is on a year-round heartworm medication!

Warm weather adventuring means fleas and ticks might try to become pals with your best buddy, so do your best to protect him! Speak with your vet about flea and tick prevention options.

Even with the windows down, temperatures inside your car can rise up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit within a few minutes. If you're going to be out and about, just leave your buddies at home where it's cool.

"Almost all commercially sold cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to pets." Either use pet-friendly products or very carefully follow the instructions on the cleaning labels--and always keep those kind of products out of reach.

Spring means you might have a lot more doggy playdates in your future, so make sure your pup is up to snuff with his vaccinations so he can safely play with the other pooches.

Make sure your pet has access to fresh water at ALL times.

Since animals can't sweat, their body temperature rises much more easily, making them much more prone to heat stroke. Heat stroke is an absolute medical emergency, and signs include panting, staring, high fever, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, collapse.

Your pet might be tempted to drink from outdoor puddles in the warm weather. Dangerous substances like antifreeze could get into your buddy's system and cause some serious damage, so always keep an eye on your cutie!.

If your pet has very light colored hair, or has thin hair around certain areas of her body, lather her up with some sunscreen! Your pet needs protection from the sun just as much as you do!

Most importantly, keep your pets in the coolest, shadiest, most comfortable spot you can find. Don't leave them outside for too long and exercise your pup responsibly.