Happy Spring! This season, we’re excited for more time outside with our furry friends, long walks, longer days and activities like home improvement projects and gardening! However, like all changing seasons, spring brings some seasonal hazards for our furry friends.

Not to worry, though, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has some tips below to keep your pets safe, happy and healthy!

On beautiful, breezy days, many pet parents like to keep the windows open. Unfortunately, this puts pets at risk — especially cats, who are apt to jump or fall through unscreened windows. Be sure to install snug and sturdy screens in all of your windows before leaving them open and unattended.

Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition in many households but be sure to keep all cleaners and chemicals out of your pets’ way! Many cleaning products, even all natural ones, contain ingredients that may be harmful to pets. The key to using them safely is to read and follow label directions for proper use and storage. The APCC has a full list of poisonous household products so you can be certain of the products you’re bringing into your home.

Many popular springtime plants — including convallaria, commonly known as the lily of the valley, and Japanese yew — are also highly toxic to pets and can prove fatal if eaten. Check out our full list of toxic and non-toxic plants for your home and garden to find pet-friendly plants.

Fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides contain ingredients that can be dangerous to pets, so we always recommend storing them out of paw’s reach, keeping pets out of affected areas and following label instructions carefully. The good news is that they may not be necessary in the right environment and if you use the right practices. To make your lawn thrive while avoiding lawn toxins, our friends at Perfect Earth Project* have some tips to keep your lawn beautiful and toxic-free:

1. Mow high at 3.5 to 4-inches tall. When you mow high you encourage deeper root growth, which makes for healthier, more drought and grub-tolerant lawns. It also helps to control weeds by shading the soil surface.
2. Use a mulching mower and leave the tiny clippings on your lawn. These clippings are free food for your lawn! They will decompose quickly and provide nutrients for your lawn.
3. Water deeply (for at least 30 minutes) and only when needed (when the soil is dry to until it is damp six inches deep.)
4. Welcome diversity in your lawn – especially clover, which adds nitrogen, fills in bare patches and stays green in hot weather.

Products such as mineral spirits and solvents can be toxic to your pets and cause severe irritation or chemical burns. Carefully read all labels to see if the product is safe to use around your furry friends. Also, be cautious of physical hazards, including nails, staples, insulation, blades, and power tools. It may be wise to confine your dog or cat to a designated pet-friendly room during home improvement projects.

Pesky parasites like fleas and ticks start appearing during the spring. Make sure your pet is on year-round heartworm preventive medication and follow our guide to prepare for flea and tick season! Please also be sure not to use any dog-specific flea and tick products on cats.