Is Your Dog Ready for Spring?
There’s no denying it — spring is in the air! Flowers are blooming, pollen is floating around, and the sun is peeking out. That means it’s time to ditch those indoor games and activities and get back outside. Heading back out into the springy sun may sound like no big deal, but you have to remember that warm weather can lead to some seasonal issues for your furry friend. Here are some tips to make sure your dog is ready to take spring on!
Groom It Out
Getting into your springtime groove means you should also be giving your pup their springtime groom. Warmer weather means that your dog will be shedding off more than just their winter weight — they’ll also lose plenty of their winter coat. While this works adaptively to keep our dogs nice and cool in the heat, it means there will be extra hair laying around the house. Regularly bathing and brushing your dog will keep your dog and your home extra clean. You may also consider paying a visit to a pet groomer to get that nice deep spring clean.
Dogs Can Have Allergies, Too
This may come as a surprise to some pet owners, but our dogs can have allergies in the spring just like us. Look out for common allergy symptoms like excessive scratching, licking, or hair loss. These can all be signs of allergies in your doggo. Luckily, there are some remedies to pet allergies that you can easily try. Over the counter dog allergy medicines provide relief from itchy skin, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and other respiratory allergy symptoms. Meet with your vet if you notice any allergy-like symptoms in your dog. They’ll be able to recommend allergy medications as needed.
Update Your Shots
When it gets warmer out, all the other neighborhood dogs will be out and about too, putting your dog at greater risk of contracting something from dogs who may not have been properly vaccinated. This means it’s extra important for you to update your dog’s shots before you start spending more time at dog parks or walking around the neighborhood with your furry friend. Schedule an appointment with your vet to make sure your dog’s shots are up to date and they have all of the proper vaccinations.
Control Ticks and Fleas
Springtime also means ticks and fleas are back on the prowl. These blood-sucking bugs can also carry parasites that are dangerous for your pup. It’s a good idea to keep your dog on preventative flea and tick medications all year round, but it’s especially important in the spring time. Rinses and tablets are an even better idea to use in warmer weather. Again, your vet is a great resource for learning about what you can do to prevent ticks and fleas in your doggo.
Our canine companions are eager to get outside and bask in the sun, but there are a few preventative measures that you should take before letting them roam around freely. Take care and happy spring!