This is a great season to get out of the house and exercise both you and your dog. Walking is one of the best forms of keeping in shape. There are some safety precautions to consider when exercising your dog. Here are some suggestions:

1. Take ample water and a water bowl (you can purchase collapsible bowls).
2. Avoid hot asphalt and other surfaces that can burn your dog’s pads. Consider walking during the cooler part of the day.
3. Do not allow your dog to drink from puddles. Some water puddles may also contain coolant or antifreeze.
4. Avoid walking in areas where grass or flower beds may have been recently treated with chemicals. The dog pick up the chemicals on their pads and become ill from licking the fur or bottom of the paws.
5. After the walk, have your dog walk through a pan of clean water to rinse off whatever may have gotten on their paws.
6. Check paw pads for burrs, thistles, ticks, or other things that may cause them harm.
7. Check for fleas and ticks. When removing ticks be sure to get the head with the body. Use alcohol to rub the spot where the tick was.
8. Do not allow your dog to lick or chew on mushrooms. Some mushrooms can be very toxic.

Be sure to take advantage of the beautiful spring and summer weather. You will enjoy the walk and so will your dog.

Insecticides and herbicides can be harmful to your pets. Insecticides usually work by interfering with an insect’s nervous system. Even though insecticides kill insects, they usually won’t kill your pets, but they can have a detrimental effect on their nervous system. Herbicides kill unwanted plants. 2, 4-D (used in Agent Orange during the Vietnam War) is a frequent ingredient and is believed to be associated with malignant lymphoma.

As a caution when purchasing lawn and garden products, always read the labels and consider switching to natural alternatives such as nontoxic products. Here are some precautions:

Pet paws are often irritated by lawn and garden chemicals. They can get very ill from inhaling or ingesting chemicals by licking their paws after walking on the lawn. Wash their paws or fur if they have been on the lawn just after an application of fertilizer or weed and feed.

Snail, slug, and mouse baits can be deadly to pets. Keep your pets away from these chemicals.

Post signs if you have used chemicals as a caution to other pet owners.

Fence off treated areas. Don’t apply chemicals on a windy day.

Water your lawn after application of fertilizer and don’t let your pets on the lawn until after the watering is completed.

Store hazardous chemicals in places where pets can’t get at them.

These cautions will help keep your pets healthy while making your lawn and garden healthy as well.

Rabbits and small children are not a good match. You may want to think twice about getting a bunny for Easter.

Children like to hold and cuddle. Rabbits are not passive and cuddly. They are ground-loving animals who become frightened and insecure when held and restrained. The enthusiasm of even the gentlest child can be stressful for a sensitive rabbit. Usually the child loses interest and the family ends up neglecting or abandoning the animal.

The little Easter bunny grows large and can become a nuisance chewing, digging, and marking areas of the home with feces and urine. Think twice before investing in that cute little bunny!