Warm spring and summer months mean that cats and dogs cooped up all winter finally get a chance to stretch their legs and explore the new, green territory.

While exploring, pets may encounter poisons, plants or situations that could cause illness, injury or death.

Gary Ryder, veterinarian at the Southwest Michigan Animal Emergency Hospital, said rat poisons are the most dangerous to have in homes and yards of pet owners.

The poison is flavored like peanut butter to make it palatable to the rodents, but Fido may also think it’s pretty tasty. In addition, rats or mice that eat the poison won’t die immediately and may make it into the neighbors yard before dying. Dogs or cats that see the dead rodent as a delicacy would be at risk for poisoning.

When it comes to poisons, Stephen Lawrence, director of Kalamazoo County Animal Services and Enforcement, said to clean up anti-freeze puddles in the driveway because the liquid tastes sweet and can smell good to animals. 

Lawrence also said to read labels thoroughly on weed killer and fertilizers, as many recommend letting the product dry before animals should walk on it.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has found mulch made from cocoa bean shells to be toxic to dogs.

Ryder said pet owners need to be aware of heat stroke and not leave animals in cars on hot days, even with windows cracked and in shady areas.

Runners also need to be sure to stop for drink breaks for their canine companions, as dogs don’t sweat through their skin the way people do and can only get rid of excess heat through their paw pads and panting, Ryder said.

Signs that an animal has gone into shock from heat are muddy brown gums, excessive panting and labored breathing, Ryder said. An animal is in serious trouble when it starts having bloody diarrhea and red dots appear on the gums, ears and abdomen.

Near bodies of water, pet owners should keep an eye on dogs that chase waves, as they tend to “bite” at the water and can experience water toxicity from drinking too much, Ryder said. On boats, it is always recommended that animals wear life vests.

Another simple yet important tip is to be sure to keep dogs on leashes when they’re near roads.

“A leash is a lot cheaper than the emergency vet,” Ryder said.

Of course, dogs and cats that roam outside should always have access to fresh water and wear licenses or identification tags, Lawrence said. State law requires that dogs wear a license at all times.

Lawrence said when transporting a dog in the back of pick-up truck, make sure it is secured to the vehicle with a leash, but not one too short that the dog could risk hanging itself.

When a furry friend comes back from outside with fleas or ticks, make sure to use the appropriate medicine. Putting medicine meant for a cat on a dog, or the opposite, could be toxic to that animal, Lawrence said.

He also recommended using monthly preventative medicines for heartworm. If an animal is infected by the parasite and it goes unchecked, it can cost up to $1,000 to treat, Lawrence said.