March 23, 2026 –
Spring has arrived, and while the winter months provided plenty of warm days, many more are on the way! As you begin to plan more time outside, whether working on the garden, strolling your favorite parks, or long road trips, ensure you are prepared to make the season enjoyable for your furry friends!
Out and About
Spring allergies are a nightmare for a lot of us, and as you stuff tissues in your pockets before heading outdoors, remember that your dog can suffer from allergies, too. Keep an eye on your pup for the signs, which often materialize as irritated and itchy skin, and talk to your veterinarian about best options for managing symptoms if you suspect your dog could be affected. Other signs to look out for include watery eyes, sneezing, licking skin, loose stools, runny nose, hair loss, head shaking.
Pollen often creeps inside our homes, so keep a lookout for your feline friends as well. In addition to irritated and itchy skin, cats can also develop symptoms of wheezing, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and frequent ear infections.
Time spent outside unfortunately means more opportunities for pets to become separated from their owners. Ensure your furry friends have up-to-date identification on them and consider microchipping as well as having them licensed. Depending on where you live, licensing your pet may be the law! To purchase or renew a pet license in Larimer County, visit nocohumane.org.
Hitting the road? While it may be tempting to let your pup hang their head out the window to catch all the smells, doing so places them in danger of being struck by debris. A sudden stop or turn could spell even greater harm for them! When driving, make sure pets are secured in a crate or wearing a seatbelt harness designed to protect them.
Speaking of roads, when out for a walk, be considerate of how hot the asphalt can be. As often as possible, let your pup walk on the grass instead.
Springtime Pests
It’s not just you and your furry friends that are spending time outdoors as temperatures rise. Snakes, mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks are out and about, too!
Make sure pets are up to date on their heartworm preventative, and after a long day outdoors, check for any ticks that may be trying to snack on your furry friend. Keep an eye out for any signs of fleas, and when hiking, keep your dog on the trail!
Around the Home
Warmer weather leads to days with the windows open as you complete your spring cleaning. As you let the fresh air in, ensure you do so in a manner safe to your furry friends. If an open window or door is accessible to any pets, make sure there is a screen in place to prevent their curiosity from leading them outside.
While you clean around your home, keep an eye on the types of chemicals you are using and pay attention to health warnings that may be present. Find a cleaning product that is safe for your pet as common air fresheners and cleaning wipes often contain chemicals that are not healthy for animals. A non-toxic cleaning product safe to use around animals, and one we use at our shelters, is Rescue.
The same goes for pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers you may use in your garden. Don’t let pets walk on freshly treated grass and keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t try to eat fertilizer or any plants that are toxic to them.
Having Fun while Staying Safe
Don’t let an unexpected trip to the vet ruin springtime fun with your furry friend. While we’re all eager to spend as much time as possible enjoying the pleasant weather, it’s crucially important to consider the unique needs of our pets to ensure that they can enjoy the warmer weather safely.
