10 Essential Tips from American Humane Society
Florida (March 28, 2025)—With spring in full swing, American Humane Society, the country’s first national humane organization, has issued 10 essential pet tips, specific to the season. Warmer weather means increased outdoor activity, shedding season and more seasonal hazards to watch out for.
To keep pets and owners happy, healthy and safe all spring long, the organization has shared these key tips:
1. Groom and prepare for shedding season
Many pets shed their winter coats during the spring months. Regular brushing and bathing will help keep fur manageable. Pet owners should also consider professional grooming services to trim nails, clean ears and refresh coats.
2. Ease into increased outdoor activity
Pets that have been less active during the winter should be gradually reintroduced to longer walks and playtime to prevent injury. Pet owners should also be mindful of allergies—just like humans, pets can suffer from pollen and grass allergies.
3. Update flea, tick and heartworm prevention
Warmer weather means an increase in fleas, ticks and mosquitos, which can transmit diseases such as tapeworms, heartworm disease and Lyme disease. Refer to veterinarians for best preventive treatments.
4. Refresh vaccinations and annual vet checkups
Spring is a great time for a wellness checkup, especially if your pet spends more time outdoors during this time. Ensure core vaccines (rabies, distemper etc.) and recommended seasonal vaccines (like leptospirosis) are up to date.
5. Freshen up pet tags and microchips
Ensure pets’ ID tags and microchip information is up to date.
6. Check yards and homes for hazards
Remove toxic plants such as lilies (dangerous to cats) and azaleas. Secure trash cans and properly store gardening chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides.
7. Wash beds, blankets and toys
Check labels for washing instructions and consider adding a pet-safe detergent and fabric softener. Toss pet beds, blankets and plush toys in the wash to eliminate dirt, odors and bacteria.
8. Replace air filters
Pet hair and dander can clog air filters, affecting air quality. Changing an HVAC or air purifier filters helps reduce allergens and keeps homes smelling fresh.
9. Organize pet supplies
Take inventory of belongings, discard expired treats, restock essentials like waste bags and neatly store leashes, toys and grooming tools for easy access. Check toys to make sure there are no choking hazards.
10. Switch to pet-safe cleaning products
Many traditional cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets. Pet owners should look for non-toxic, pet-safe cleaners; a mixture of vinegar and baking soda provides a safe, natural alternative.
About American Humane Society
With offices in Palm Beach, FL and Washington, DC, American Humane Society is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane Society has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for over 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information or to support our lifesaving work, please visit AmericanHumane.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.