5 Ways To Prepare Your Pet For Spring Weather

Spring Pet Care Tips for Dogs and Cats in Columbus, Ohio

Spring is here! It’s time to get your outdoor pets ready for longer walks, trips to the park, and plenty of time in the sun!

While exciting, this seasonal transition from cold to warm weather can pose risks like allergies, fleas, ticks, and exposure to unsafe plants and chemicals.

Here’s 5 pet care tips you can implement this spring season to ensure your pet is happy and healthy at all times!

Tip #1: Allergy Prevention Measures

Springtime means blooming flowers and trees, which can trigger allergies in pets just like in us humans. While you can’t control the environment at large, you can control where and when you decide to walk your dog. You can also be proactive about managing your internal, home environment.

Overall, keep an eye out for excessive scratching, sneezing, or coughing in your pet. If you suspect your pet has serious allergies, consult your veterinarian for treatment options. Your vet will likely prescribe antihistamines, mild steroids, and/or even dietary supplements to help combat those nasty allergens. You may also consider a more natural approach – continue reading to learn about our secret home remedy!

Stick to sidewalks, pavement, and walking at optimal times of the day

If possible, avoid coming into contact with a lot of grass, trees, and flowers, where pollen typically resides. Also, avoid walking your dog in the early morning or late afternoon, when pollen levels are typically highest. Thank goodness, though by coincidence, our pet parents usually schedule our dog walkers in Columbus, Ohio to come by in the mid-afternoon!

Curate your home environment

While most of the outside environment is out of your control, there are things you can do to make your internal, home environment more comfortable for your allergy-prone pet:

  • Regularly change air filters to cut down on airborne allergens that enter through open doors and windows. It is recommended that you change your air filter about every 60 days if you or your pet suffer from severe allergies. Consult a local expert if you are not sure what air filter is right for your home.
  • Run an air conditioner or a dehumidifier to remove moisture from interior air. This makes it harder for mold to grow in your home. 
  • Regularly vacuum or wash areas that can easily carry allergens. This includes carpets, bedding, pet beds, and toys. Pollen tends to stick to fabrics, so make sure you are washing those materials regularly, too.

Wipe paws, underbellies and if possible, provide more baths!

When you return from being outside with your pet, wipe their body and paws with a cool, moist cloth or a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free grooming wipe from your local pet store. This will remove the extra pollen and other allergens from your pup’s fur and skin. Of course, grooming wipes can’t replace the glorious magic of a good bath, but they get the job done if you don’t have time for a bath after every walk and game of fetch.

If you do have the time, it’s always a good idea to treat your pup to a bath. Regular bathing is healthy for your pup’s fur and skin. It’s also a good way to increase the bond between you and pet. Make sure you’re using pet-friendly shampoos and products in order to best maximize the benefits of regular bathing.

Tip #2: Protect against fleas, ticks, and bugs

As the temperature rises, the likelihood of fleas and ticks also increases. These pesky parasites can cause a range of problems for your pet, including itching, discomfort, and even serious illnesses like Lyme disease. To protect your pet against fleas and ticks, it’s essential to use the right preventative measures. This could include topical treatments, collars, or oral medications that are designed to repel or kill fleas and ticks.

If you prefer a more natural approach, you can also try using essential oils, such as lavender or peppermint, to repel these parasites. However, it’s important to do your research and consult with your vet before using any natural remedies, as some essential oils can be harmful to pets.

In addition to preventative measures, it’s also important to regularly check your pet for pests. Especially after time spent outdoors. Look for any bites, itching, or small black or brown spots on your pet’s skin. Consult your vet accordingly.

Tip #3: Update shots, vaccinations, and consider a microchip procedure

More time spent outside means more opportunities for your fur baby to wander off and meet new friends. While we all love to witness a sweet animal friendship, it’s important to take precautions to make sure your pet stays safe. They can easily contract illnesses from contact with other animals outside. It’s important to ensure all parties involved are up-to-date on shots and vaccinations. 

We also recommend making sure your dog is microchipped and has an ID tag. A dog’s instinct is to wander and explore everything in their surroundings while outdoors. This could potentially lead to them going missing. In the event that your pet does get lost, a microchip greatly increases their chances of being reunited with you. It’s a quick and painless procedure that can give you peace of mind and keep your furry friend totally safe.

Tip #4: Reduce exposure to unsafe cleaning products

As the weather gets warmer and you begin to open your windows and clean out your junk drawers, double check that your cleaning products are pet-friendly. If they are not, keep them hidden in a secure location, away from your pet!

Almost all cleaning products, even all-natural ones, contain chemicals that may be harmful to pets. The key to using them safely is to read and follow the directions on the labels. There is likely a pet protocol included on the back of these products.

Better yet, you might just consider investing in pet-friendly products only. That’s our best recommendation!

Spring is also a popular time of year for home-improvement projects. If you happen to be completing one that involves the use of hazardous products ranging from paint to power tools, try to keep your pup in a safe location away from all harmful materials. Keep them in a separate room, their kennel, or better yet just sign up for our dog walking services in Columbus, Ohio while you get those spring to-do’s accomplished!

Tip #5: Keep a safe yard

Spring gardening can be a fun and rewarding activity for both humans and pets! To ensure maximum safety, it’s essential to choose pet-friendly plants. Some common flowers and shrubs, such as tulips, daffodils, and azaleas, can be toxic to pets if ingested. It’s best to do some research or consult with your veterinarian to determine which plants are safest for your pets.

In addition to selecting pet-friendly plants, it’s crucial to keep your yard free of fungi. Some fungi, such as mushrooms, can be fatal if ingested by dogs. Keep an eye on your yard and remove any mushrooms or fungi immediately.

When using fertilizers, make sure to follow the pet safety instructions on the package. Chemicals in fertilizers can be very toxic to dogs, so it’s best to store them in a safe area, just like your home cleaning products. Consider using organic and natural fertilizers that are safe for pets and the environment.

Bonus Tip: Hire a dog walker!

You can truly take advantage of the warmer temps by hiring Hands N Paws for regular dog walking services in Columbus, Ohio! This will ensure your pup is getting consistent exercise, socialization, and mental stimulation. Additionally, spring is a great time to introduce new toys, puzzles, and outdoor activities like agility training, fetch, and exploring new parks and trails. There are many things you can do to improve your pup’s health and wellness, and the spring season is the perfect time to get started!

At-Home Hacks for Springtime Pet Care

Spring pet care hacks for pet parents in Columbus, Ohio
Feel free to download and save for future reference!

Embrace Springtime in Columbus, Ohio to the Fullest!

Springtime and warmer weather can bring a sense of excitement and rejuvenation for people. As the snow melts away and flowers begin to bloom, it’s a reminder that new beginnings are possible. The sunnier days mean more time spent outside, whether it’s spent gardening, hiking, or simply lounging in the backyard.

For pet parents, warmer weather means more opportunities to spend quality time with their furry friends, exploring new parks and trails or simply soaking up the sunshine on a leisurely stroll. Spring also comes with its own set of challenges for pet parents, such as allergies, fleas and ticks, and keeping pets safe during outdoor activities. Don’t forget to incorporate the tips mentioned above so that you can ensure your pet stays happy and healthy this spring season!

Disclaimer: This blog article includes are our best suggestions to help you prepare for spring weather as it relates to your pet’s health and wellness. Please note that we are not medical professionals.

Benny DiFranco

Benny DiFranco

Hi! Thanks for reading this blog. I am the owner and founder of Columbus, Ohio's very own Hands N Paws. I started this business in 2018 with the purpose of giving more pet parents peace of mind. Looking forward to seeing you on the blog next time!

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Please review this agreement carefully. Your electronic signature on this indicates that you have read, reviewed, and agreed to the following Company policies.
Your signature also indicates that you grant Hands N Paws the permission to add your email address to our mailing list. This is not a binding agreement, however; if you wish, you can click “Unsubscribe” at the bottom of any of our emails to opt out of receiving them altogether. To re-subscribe at any point, please visit our website at www.myhandsnpaws.com and scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page. Enter your email address in the mailing list field and submit.
The terms of this agreement are as follows: “Client” refers to you, “Company” refers to us (Hands N Paws), and “Team Member” refers to the person from our team completing services with your pets. 

 

LIABILITY RELEASE

In case any of the Client’s pets need emergency veterinary treatment, Hands N Paws will prioritize treating the pets and try to contact the Client or emergency contacts. However, the on-site Team Member can take appropriate actions, including getting veterinary care, if needed. The Client gives permission for Hands N Paws to transport the pet(s) to a veterinary clinic or request on-site treatment, and make treatment decisions except for euthanasia if they cannot be reached, or if it’s a life-threatening emergency. The Client is responsible for any veterinary fees incurred, and releases Hands N Paws from liability for any damage or harm to pets or property beyond the Team Member’s control. The Client is also liable for any injuries or damages caused by their pet’s undisclosed aggression to the Hands N Paws team.

 

VACCINATION, LICENSING & ID POLICY

To comply with local laws and ordinances, it is required that all pets have the appropriate vaccinations and licenses. For further information on these requirements, please visit the Ohio State Bar Association’s website at https://www.ohiobar.org/public-resources. You should also check with your veterinarian to determine which vaccinations/shots your pet requires. For safety reasons, we encourage all dogs and cats to wear an ID tag or collar with their name and a contact number while our team is working with them.

 

LOCKBOX POLICY

To ensure access to Clients’ homes during scheduled services, Hands N Paws requires that Clients purchase a lockbox and place spare house key(s) inside it for Team Members to use. Clients can purchase the lockbox on the Hands N Paws website by clicking Buy Your Lockbox. Once it arrives, the lockbox should be programmed with a four-digit code. The lockbox should then be placed on the main door handle or another secure location, and the lockbox code and location information must be entered in the client’s account on Precise Petcare. Alternatively, Clients may elect to provide a code for entry via a garage door or electronic keypad and must enter all necessary codes in Precise Petcare. Clients are strongly encouraged to purchase a lockbox to ensure that Team Members can access pets at all times during scheduled services, especially in situations where power goes out, batteries die, or keys are lost.

PHONE NUMBER EXCHANGE POLICY

It is strongly discouraged that Team Members and Clients exchange phone numbers with each other in working together. Phone numbers are personal and Team Members have specific work hours.
Clients should direct all communications with Team Members in our app, Precise Petcare. Both parties can communicate via submitted journal reports, which Team Members send after completion of all services with pets. More information on this can be found by visiting our client support page at www.myhandsnpaws.com/client-support.
For any pressing/non-emergency communications, Clients are advised to call our office number at (614) 636-6644. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9am-5pm. We are closed on Saturdays, Sunday, and Federal Holidays.
PLEASE NOTE: Office hours differ from fieldwork hours. Office hours are the times in which we provide client support via answering phones, emails, etc. Fieldwork hours are the times in which we offer services/are working in the field with pets. Our fieldwork hours are 7am-10pm (and overnights), 365 days a year.

 

CAT POLICIES

Clients are NOT allowed to request that Team Members “ignore the cat” when providing care for other animals in households that have multiple pets. Regardless of the cat’s disposition, personality, or levels of need, Hands N Paws Team Members must provide some kind of attention and care to the cat during scheduled services. Similarly, Client must create a pet profile for the cat(s) and provide care notes accordingly.

UPDATING PET & CLIENT PROFILES POLICY

Our Team Members can only perform services correctly if they are equipped with the correct (and most up to date) pet care information. You will only be allowed to request services on the basis that pet and personal profiles are updated every 6 months (at minimum). Any Client who attempts to request services at the 6 month mark will receive an error message letting them know that they cannot submit a request if they haven’t made updates to their profiles. If there is nothing to update at the 6 month mark, simply reword a current piece of information and click Save at the bottom of the page.

SPECIFIC VISIT TIME POLICY

Client acknowledges that arrival times for services occur within a two-hour period. It is NOT possible for Team Members to arrive at exact times. This is why time frames appear, rather than exact times, in the dropdown menu when selecting a time for the service(s).
Client agrees to requesting services in the two-hour time frames offered.

 

SERVICES & PRICING

For detailed descriptions on our services, please visit our website at www.myhandsnpaws.com.

Dog Walking
*Rates below apply for up to 2 dogs; add $7 per additional dog
QUICK WALK – 20 mins – $22
STANDARD WALK – 30 mins – $25
LONG WALK – 45 mins – $35

Pet Sitting
*Rates below apply for up to 2 pets; add $7 per additional pet
QUICK VISIT – 20 mins – $22
STANDARD VISIT – 30 mins – $25
LONG VISIT – 45 mins – $35

Cat Sitting
*Rates below apply for up to 2 cats; add $7 per additional cat
QUICK VISIT – 20 mins – $22
STANDARD VISIT – 30 mins – $25
LONG VISIT – 45 mins – $35
Overnight Stay (8-10 hrs) – $80

*Rate applies for up to 2 pets; add $10 per additional pet.

 

 

HOLIDAY PRICING

A $20 surcharge is added to each service that is scheduled on the following Federal Holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve.

 

SERVICE REQUESTS

Upon submitting service request(s), Client will be informed as to whether Hands N Paws can take on the requested work via a confirmation or declination email/notification. Client understands that there is NO guarantee that any/all service requests can be approved; it simply just depends on Team Member availability. Clients are encouraged to submit all service requests as far in advance as possible!

 

SAME-DAY SERVICE REQUEST POLICY

Client understands and accepts the Company same day service request policy as outlined below:
– A $10 convenience fee is added to each service if requested (and approved) with 24 hours or less notice before service(s) is scheduled to occur.
– A $20 convenience fee is added to each service if requested (and approved) with 12 hours or less notice before service(s) is scheduled to occur.
– A $30 convenience fee is added to each service if requested (and approved) with 6 hours or less notice before service(s) is scheduled to occur.

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE-AREA REQUEST POLICY

Client understands and accepts the Company out-of-service-area request policy as outlined below:
– A $10 (minimum) convenience fee is added to each service if requested outside of our current service area.
Please note, this amount is subject to increase depending on how far a client lives outside of our current service area.

 

 

MEET N GREETS

All meet n greets are FREE (and required as part of proper client onboarding) for first-time Clients. To the extent that Clients wish to schedule additional meet n greets, after their first free one, they will be charged $50 per meet n greet.

To schedule a first-time meet n greet (for new clients), please go to www.myhandsnpaws.com and click Get Started.

To schedule additional meet n greets (for current clients), please log in to your client account, go to My Schedule > Request Service and select Meet N Greet in the service dropdown.

 

BILLING

All services are to be paid for via credit/debit card. We accept all major cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover). Card information can be added securely to each client account.

For services scheduled as ongoing, you will be auto-charged every Friday evening for the previous 7 days worth of work on schedule, including completed, canceled, and in-progress services.

For services NOT scheduled as ongoing, the day your services are accepted and confirmed is the day you will be charged 50% of your invoice total (as downpayment). Your invoice will be sent to you immediately. You have from then until the date of the last confirmed service to pay your invoice manually. If you choose to not pay manually, your remaining total will be auto-paid (via card on file) on the evening of the last service day.

If any auto-charges are declined, you will be notified immediately. In the first declined attempt, we give you a 24-hour grace period to correct the issue. In the second declined attempt, a late fee of 10% of the invoice total ($10 minimum) will be added. Please look out for emails regarding overdue notices.

Credit cards are required to be added to and remain on file in order for Clients to request any services with Hands N Paws.

Hands N Paws will be paid the amount discussed with no exceptions other than if our Cancellation Policy (outlined below) applies and Client receives a refund in either the form of Account Credit(s), or in emergency circumstances as transferable credit(s) back to their card.

Client may be charged additional fees if Team Members are instructed to, or sees the need to, purchase items for the pet while under Company care, including but not limited to: pet food or treats, litter or cleaning supplies, transportation to the vet and/or emergency expenses for general care of pet(s). Hands N Paws will retain and share receipts as proof of purchase.

 

 

SERVICE CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY

When Client schedules services with Hands N Paws, the Company has likely turned down other work so as to devote our time to the work requested from said Client.

Client understands and accepts the Company cancellation/refund policy as outlined below:

– 100% refund is issued as Account Credit if cancellation is made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled service(s).

– 50% refund is issued as Account Credit if cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled service(s).

– NO refund is issued for same-day cancellations/less than 24 hour notice.

PLEASE NOTE: Refunds are NOT transferable. Should you be eligible to receive an Account Credit (based on terms above), that will be auto-added to your account and applied to your very next invoice with us.

 

SERVICES TERMS

Hands N Paws agrees to provide the services stated in this contract in a reliable, caring, and trustworthy manner. In consideration of these services and as an express condition thereof, Client expressly waives and relinquishes any and all claims against Hands N Paws arising out of or relating to the provision of services hereunder, except those arising from gross negligence or willful misconduct on part of Hands N Paws.

Client understands and acknowledges that the environment in which they are requesting Hands N Paws to complete services is reasonably sanitary and safe. We assess home conditions during initial meet n greets. If we determine home conditions to be unsanitary and/or unsafe, we will make it clear to the Client that we cannot pursue a working relationship.

Should a Team Member sustain any injury, disease, or other harm in the course of providing services hereunder, the Client will indemnify Hands N Paws and hold it harmless with respect to all loss, expense, and damage caused thereby, except those arising from gross negligence or willful misconduct on part of Hands N Paws.

Client understands and acknowledges that he/she is responsible for letting Hands N Paws know of anyone who has access to their home and agrees to not contract with any other company and/or care provider during the duration of services booked with Hands N Paws. Client releases and holds Hands N Paws harmless of all loss, expense, and damage caused by anyone entering the Client’s home with their permission or access given to others during the terms of services rendered.

 

 

CONTRACT TERMS

This contract will take effect upon digital signature by Client (clicking “Agree & Submit” below) and will remain in effect until terminated by either party. Client may make online reservations for additional services at any time during the terms of this contract, as subject to Hands N Paws availability. All scheduled services will be governed by all the terms of this contract. We appreciate as much advance notice as possible for the work, but will make every effort possible to accommodate all requests.

Either party may terminate this contract at any time by written notice to the other. Hands N Paws is entitled to payment for all services rendered until notice of termination is received and for any transition services reasonably required to provide for the health and welfare of Client’s pet(s). Hands N Paws will not terminate during a period of scheduled service unless Hands N Paws determines, at their sole discretion, that a serious danger exists to the health or safety of a Team Member or pet. If such concerns preclude Hands N Paws from providing further care for the pet(s), Client agrees to pay for their pet to be boarded at a boarding facility or taken under the care of another party until Client returns. Every attempt will be made to notify Client and/or emergency contacts regarding such situations.

Client acknowledges that by signing below, he/she is providing written approval for the provision of services by Hands N Paws during any service period scheduled by Client and confirmed by Hands N Paws. Upon such scheduling and approval, Hands N Paws will be authorized to enter Client premises and perform services without additional signed contracts and/or written authorizations

 

 

AGREEMENT

I, Client, have reviewed this Client Agreement in its entirety. I will promptly complete all parts of my client account in Precise Petcare, and the information I provide will be detailed and accurate. My electronic signature here will indicate that I am agreeing to all the terms and conditions of this contract, exactly as they are outlined above.