Spring is in the air, and it’s a beautiful time of year. Not only do many pet owners travel during the spring, people are outdoors more and their pets are tagging along. Whether it’s a road trip, a visit to the dog park or a stroll around the neighborhood, there are several ways you can ensure your best friends stay safe and healthy.

“One of the most important things you can do is have your pet’s identification information on him or her at all times,” said Jessica Clark, owner of Rockstar Puppy, an online pet boutique that specializes in dog accessories and designer dog clothes.

A secure collar and an ID tag with your cell phone number are critically important for any pet owner. A lost pet is a heartbreaking situation that can be easily avoided. Rockstar Puppy offers a huge variety of custom dog ID tags that range from pretty to punk and everything in between. You can keep your precious pooch safe and stylish with one of these uber-cool looks.

Microchipping is also highly recommended. Most animal shelters and veterinary clinics have microchip scanners and will gladly scan a found pet for free. It is a virtually fail-safe way to ensure your pet will be returned to you. However, it is important to note that the microchip must be registered with your current contact information.

In addition to keeping your pet safe, pet health should also be at the top of your mind this time of year. Not only does the sun finally come out in spring, the bugs do as well. Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are hatching in the very places your dog frequents. These parasites can cause more harm than many people realize. Fleas are not only bothersome; many dogs are allergic to fleas, which can cause significant hair loss and discomfort. If a dog eats a flea, it can lead to tapeworms. Ticks are well known for carrying Lyme disease, an illness that can lead to significant health problems. Pesky mosquitoes are much more than a mere annoyance. They can be downright deadly to your dog. One bite from an infected mosquito can cause heartworm disease, a treatable condition if caught early. However, heartworm treatment at more advanced stages – which is usually when symptoms appear – can be very costly and require extensive veterinary care. Heartworm disease can be fatal if untreated. The good news is that these parasites can all be avoided with a monthly preventative treatment from your veterinarian for $5 – $10 per month. Compared with heartworm treatment that can run into the thousands of dollars, it is money well spent.

If traveling is on the agenda, make sure your pet always wears a dog helmet, especially if traveling on the back of a motorcycle, which is a hot trend for bikers and their best friends. Securing your dog with a harness is also a good idea. Don’t forget protective eyewear and clothing to round out your pet’s safety kit.

For everything your pet needs to be healthy, safe and stylish, visit www.rockstarpuppyboutique.com. Rockstar Puppy is the leading online pet boutique for high-end, high-style pet fashions, accessories and gifts.