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Springtime tips to keep your pets safe

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The sun is shining, the weather is warm, and it feels great to get outside with our pets after such a long and miserable winter. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind this spring to help keep your pet healthy and safe.

Protect your pet from pests

Playtime in the yard or walks in the park mean your pet is likely to pick up ticks. A tick preventative is a must but isn't the only way to keep your pet safe. Ticks are visible to the naked eye, but pets with long dark fur make them more difficult to spot. In addition to checking your pet visually, run your hands over your pet's body to feel for any suspicious bumps. Now is the time of year for mosquitos, as well. Mosquitos carry heartworm, a disease that can be fatal if not treated. Fortunately, preventing heartworm is as easy as giving your pet a monthly heartworm preventative. While it's recommended that you give your pet a heartworm preventative year-round, it's especially important to stay on top of it during the warmer months when mosquitos are everywhere and your pet is at most risk of contracting the disease.

Safety first

If you'll be out and about with Fido enjoying the nice weather, remember to think safety first. When travelling, be sure to keep your dog secured in the car either in a crate or with a seatbelt made for specifically for dogs. Your pet should never roam free in the car or ride in the open back of a truck. If you get into a car accident, a seat belt can save your pet's life.

Don't leave Fido in the car

It may not be summer yet, but the days can still get pretty warm. Even on a 70 degree day, the inside of your car can reach into the 90s within minutes, and over 100 degrees shortly after that. Don't bring your dog with you to run errands just to leave him in the car.

Check your pet's I.D.

I've always had indoor cats, but I'll never forget the day my (slightly plump) cat leaned against the screen of a window and accidentally pushed right through it. Thankfully, it was a first floor window and I was able to run outside and grab him before he even realized what had happened, but the situation could've been a lot worse. At this time of year, when doors and windows are open, it can be easy for a pet to slip out and potentially get lost. That's why spring is a great time to make sure your pet's ID tags are up-to-date and easy to read. If you haven't done so already, consider getting your dog or cat microchipped. As long as you register your microchip and keep the contact information current, veterinarians and animal shelters will be able to reunite you with your lost pet simply by scanning the chip.

Be on alert for allergens

We aren't the only ones who suffer from seasonal allergies! Be on the lookout for signs that your pet may be suffering from allergies. Common symptoms include excessive itching and scratching, chewing or biting parts of his or her body, watery eyes, sneezing, and ear infections. You can help relieve your pet by giving him soothing baths to help remove the allergens from his skin. Keeping your pet's bedding clean will also help keep him comfortable. If your pet suffers from really bad allergies, talk to your veterinarian about medication.

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, a cockatoo, a cat, a bearded dragon, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org. To learn more about Cocheco Valley Humane Society, go to www.cvhsonline.org or call 603-749-5322.

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