Nothing ruins a beautiful day like your dog ending up sick, hurt, or at the vet. While you might not love thinking about safety precautions, there are definitely some extra dangers that come with spring. Take a moment to consider these hazards so you and your pup can enjoy this beautiful season to its fullest!

A heartworm infection can ruin more than your day

Heartworm is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes, and it can be fatal. Fortunately, there are a number of options for preventing heartworm. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the right one for your dog, and have them tested annually. Prevention is far less stressful than trying to cure a serious infection!

Be on the lookout for poisonous plants

Curious dogs might see those fragrant spring blooms as a tasty snack, but they can become extremely ill or even die from eating plants that are toxic to them. However, since some of those might be not only safe, but beneficial to humans, it’s important to know what’s what! If you’re not sure, ask your vet for a list, or else check out the ASPCA website. They keep a comprehensive and updated list of plants you’ll want to avoid planting in your garden, or avoid while out on walks.

Steer clear of treated lawns

Watch for the little signs! Don’t let your dog walk on a lawn that has been treated with fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides until these potentially dangerous treatments have completely dried. There is usually a date listed on the sign, but you might want to give these areas some extra time, just to be safe.

Protect your dog from fleas and ticks

With warmer winters come extra ticks, and they can carry more than just Lyme disease. There are a number of effective flea and tick prevention options available, so ask your veterinarian which options will be best for you and your dog. Even if they have a prevention program in place, you should still get in the habit of checking your dog (and yourself!) for ticks whenever you come in from a walk where they might be present.

Make it a habit to check for ticks!

Dogs can have allergies too

When a dog has allergies, they will typically develop itchy skin and will persistently scratch, lick or bite to get relief. If you think your pup may be suffering from seasonal allergies, visit your veterinarian for proper testing, and recommended allergy treatments.

It’s an excellent time to reinforce training

Now that the days are longer and the temperature is warmer, you’ll probably start enjoying some longer walks! You might discover, however, that your dog has forgotten some of their leash manners over the winter. Fortunately, refreshing your training skills will also strengthen your bond with your dog.

Start out slowly and re-establish the proper leash rules, and before long your spring walks will be much more enjoyable—and safer—for you both!