Spring has finally arrived. With the warm weather, there are several things pet owners should consider as pets spend more time outdoors. If you keep these things in mind, both you and your pet will enjoy a safe season.

Lawn Chemicals

If you treat your lawn with chemicals, make sure you follow label directions. Either water the yard after application or wait for the grass to dry for at least 24 hours before allowing pets and people back on the grass. Most lawn products are not toxic if applied appropriately.

However, if pets are exposed make sure to wash the pet’s feet with soap and water. Watch for symptoms of exposure which include excessive salivation, watery eyes, diarrhea, or nervous signs such as tremors. If the pet happens to develop symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment.

Heat Stroke

As temperatures rise, so does the potential for heat stroke. One of the worst spring and summer tragedies occurs when pet owners leave their animals in their vehicle just for “a minute”. When they return they find their pet collapsed, salivating, or loosing consciousness.

Temperatures in a car can heat up to dangerous levels in only 10 to 15 minutes. Pets cannot tolerate heat like humans because they do not have sweat glands. They depend on panting to release heat from their bodies. This is a very inefficient system, which leaves them susceptible to heat prostration or heat stroke. If you plan an outing in the spring and summer, it is best to leave your pet at home.

Pets should not be left outside for long periods of time when the temperatures rise. If they are left outside, make sure there is plenty of water and a cool, shaded place to rest.

Pet owners can recognize heat stroke. If your pet appears sluggish, pants excessively, drools, and has diarrhea and/or vomiting, seek treatment immediately. Heat stroke is an emergency and could lead to a coma and death if not treated properly.

Traveling with Your Pet

When traveling with your dog, don’t allow him to stick his head out the window. Pieces of grit or debris could be blown into his eyes or lodged into his nasal passages.

If you are traveling with a pickup truck, don’t allow your dog to ride unrestrained in an open truck bed. There is a new Omaha city ordinance making it illegal for pet owners to transport pets this way. It is also very dangerous.

When transporting cats, it is best to place them in a pet carrier. For dogs, either crate or use a special restraint for pets. In the event of an accident, both you and your pet will be protected. Many people are injured when pets are thrown forward into the vehicle.

Secure Yards

Many animals are out and about and susceptible to getting hit by car this time of year. It is a good idea never to let your dog outside the house unless you have him secured in your yard or contained on a lease.

If you allow your dog to roam in the yard, make sure the yard is secure with a good solid fence and locked gate. Neighborhood kids and meter readers can let out pets unless the gate is locked.

If your pet has a tendency to escape, check for holes and breaks in the fence and make repairs as appropriate. If a fence is not allowed in your neighborhood, consider invisible fencing to secure your pet.

The best way to protect your pet from being lost is to have them microchipped. This state-of-the-art identification system will stay with your dog for life if it is ever lost.

Toxic Plants

There are many plants and flowers both inside and out that can be extremely toxic to pets and children. Azaleas and plants in the Rhododendron family are especially toxic as they pose neurological, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems. Even plants such as avocados and tomatoes can be toxic if ingested.

Other plants most toxic to animals are amaryllis, autumn crocus, begonia, castor beam, foxglove, hydrangea, jack-in the pulpit, lantana, lily of the valley, philodendron, poinsettia, rhubarb leaves, rosary pea, scheffelera, and yew.

You don’t necessarily need to remove the plants from your yard. The best advice is to keep your pets and children away from the plants. If your pet does show symptoms of plant poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, salivation and swelling of the mouth, contact your veterinarian.

Follow these tips so you and your pet will enjoy the summer.

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