(Photo By Flickr User Stuart Crawford)

Warmer Spring weather not only brings us out of the house, but often our pets as well.

Dr. Roberts Reich with the Animal Medical Clinics in Quincy, IL says there are some springtime dangers you should be aware of.

1. Avoid using certain types of mulch if you have dogs.

Dr. Reich says cocoa mulch is toxic to dogs. Instead opt for the pine, cedar, or hemlock mulch as a safer alternative. The pine mulch may have some pine needles mixed in that can potentially pierce the stomach lining. Still be aware that dogs can chew and ingest these types of mulch. Rubber mulch or rocks are other alternatives, but again be cautious of dogs that are excessive chewers, they may ingest these items as well. Supervision outside is always highly recommended.

2. Be careful with pesticides and fertilizers.

Many of these can make your pet sick. You should always use pet safe products whenever you can, Dr. Reich says. If you use a lawn care service, always notify them to ensure they are using products that are pet safe and/or confirm how long your pet needs to avoid any treated area for health or safety reasons.

3. Keep your dog on the sidewalk during walks. 

If you’re talking your dog on a walk, you should keep them on the sidewalk if you don’t know what chemicals are on the grass nearby, Dr. Reich says. Also, if you are doing yard work or are walking through grass that you don’t know the history, be cautious of what chemicals you may be bringing into the house that your dog could possibly ingest by licking shoes or clothing.

4. Don’t let your pet play in areas marked by utility companies.

Dr. Reich says while you should always call before you dig, watch closely and do not allow your dog to chew on utility steaks, thinking they are toys.There is a very real possibility of ingesting a piece of the metal or flag

5. Don’t let your dog see you dig in the garden.

Dr. Reich says if you’re working in your garden, don’t have your pet nearby. Many people like to have their pets near them as they plant the garden, then cannot understand why the dogs keep digging it up. Dogs are followers and if they see you dig in a certain place, they will do the same. The same goes with planting flowers, etc., as they will mimic by “helping” to dig up all of your hard work.

Bottom line, according to Dr. Reich, is to just use caution and read labels when doing any outside work.

“A little bit of research on products beforehand can help save your pet and you a lot of illness and money in the future,” he adds.

(Information Courtesy Of WGEM-TV)