Spring is in full effect, and that's a beautiful thing.  But as dog owners, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep your pup healthy this time of year...

Here are 5 helpful tips for ensuring that your dog stays healthy during Spring time:

1.)  Household Cleaning Products

Spring time means spring cleaning.  So it's important, if you're a dog owner, to make sure you are using pet friendly cleaning products in your home.  If your products aren't labeled as pet friendly, keep them out of reach and range of your furry friend(s).

2.)  Flea and Tick Prevention

Flea and tick prevention is typically a springtime ritual - even though nowadays it is recommended to have your pup on a flea/tick prevention regimen year round - but if that's not the case, make sure you "spring" into your pets flea/tick prevention asap.  You need to keep your pet safe from that dreaded heartworm disease.

3.)  Loose Sticks

It sounds a little crazy, not allowing your dog to chew on sticks, but it's definitely something pet owners should monitor.  Loose, dampened sticks that have been uncovered and left on the ground after the winter months can splinter and cause damage for pets who chew on them.  Just make sure you keep an eye out.  And if your dog loves chewing on things, there's always the tennis ball and plenty of other safe, chew toy alternatives.

4.)  Poisonous plants

Spring flowers are beautiful when they're in bloom, but that doesn't mean they're always safe.  Most humans don't have to worry about this because we don't eat flowers (I said most) -  but dogs who love to eat grass and plants can become sick upon ingestion.  It's important for dog owners to know what kinds of plants their pups are exposed to and if there can be any negative side effects associated with eating them.  (Bonus hint:  Do a google search on "guide to toxic and non toxic plants").

5.)  Candy crush

What holiday is best associated with Spring?  Easter.  And easter means candy, and candy isn't the best thing for dogs.  (Or humans for that matter).  But if you're going to indulge, make sure that any leftover easter candy is well out of reach of your pup.

For more helpful dog owner tips, continue to read our SportBlog @SportLeash on: