Warm Weather Safety Tips for Your Mom’s Pet

By superadmin | May 24, 2018 |

When the weather gets warmer, people aren’t the only ones ready to get out of the house and enjoy the fresh spring air. Your aging parent’s pet may want to enjoy the sunshine, too. Unfortunately, the change of weather also brings some spring hazards with it. Because pets are such an important source of comfort, companionship, and entertainment to older adults, you want to make sure your parent’s pet stays safe and healthy. Below are some tips to keep pets safe this spring.

Home Care in Keyport NJ: Warm Weather Safety Tips for Your Mom’s Pet

Get Sturdy Window Screens.

In the spring, veterinarians see an uptick in injuries caused by dogs and cats falling (or jumping!) from open windows that do not have secure screens. Before your mom starts to open her windows to let in the fresh air, check all the window screens. Repair or replace those that are broken. Make sure the screens fit well and won’t be easy for a pet to push out. A home care provider can help with this task and write down any window screens that may need replacing so that you can take care of them later.

Be Cautious with Cleaners and Chemicals.

Many people do a thorough spring cleaning or take advantage of the warmer weather to tackle some home improvements. As you help your mom with her spring cleaning or repair projects, be sure to keep the household cleaners and chemicals, like paint or paint thinner, away from pets. Even natural cleaning products can be dangerous. Home care providers can assist with spring cleaning, and also make the pets don’t get into the cleaners.

Keep Pets Out of Spring Gardens.

Many of the flowers that pop up in the spring are poisonous to pets. Some of the most dangerous are varieties of lilies, rhododendrons, and azaleas. Fence off spring gardens or keep pets leashed so they cannot nibble on the plants. Also, if you use pesticides or fertilizers, keep them out of reach of pets. A home care provider can help your mom to work in her springtime garden, assisting with weeding and watering. They can also make sure all fertilizers and gardening chemicals are put safely away.

Protect Pets from Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes.

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes will soon be out in full force. Make sure your mom’s pet is safe from their bites, and the dangerous diseases they can carry, like Lyme disease and heartworm. A home care provider can drive your mom and her dog to the veterinarian for heartworm testing, heartworm preventative, and Lyme disease vaccinations. A home care provider can even help your mom to apply protection from fleas to either her dog or cat.