I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I'm beyond ready for spring to begin. Naturally, I'm craving warmer weather, but I can tell my Boston terrier is also tired of the cold, and of having to put on booties and a sweater every time we go for a walk.
Just as we wanted to warn you about calling a vet if you see your dog pressing its head into the wall, and when we gave you eight signs that your pet might be in pain, we wanted to make sure you were made aware of some vital things you should be doing as a dog owner to make sure your pet is ready for spring.
For example, you might already wipe your dog's paws so that you don't get mud or dirt in the house — but did you know that it's also good for their health?
Is there anything you like to do for your pet around springtime? Any spring cleaning tips? If so, please let us know in the comments.
Please SHARE this article if you believe in doing what's best for your dogs!
1. Schedule a Physical Exam
Just like we need regular check-ups at the doctor's office, make sure your dog is brought in for a full exam. The vet will make sure his immunizations are up-to-date and that your dog is ready to go play in the park.
2. Help Your Dog Lose the Winter Weight
We're not encouraging your dog to lose weight just because it's swimsuit season.
Excess weight on dogs is as unhealthy for them as it is for us. It's likely that they have also gained weight during the winter. Before taking them to the dog run, where they might over-exert themselves, start them on a weight loss program.
Remember, though, to consult your veterinarian before implementing any weight-loss programs.
3. Groom Their Coat
Your dog's shedding will increase in the springtime. Make sure to brush their coat regularly to remove the dead hair and dandruff.
Now is definitely the time to take your pooch to a professional groomer. It keeps them more comfortable and makes sure their skin is healthier.
4. Wipe Your Dog's Paws If He Goes On Grass
Veterinarians have reported that they are seeing more and more rashes and infections on dog paws because of certain pesticides and chemicals being used on lawns and grasses.
Simply dip their paws into warm water and then rub them with a towel. Also, check to make sure nothing is stuck between their pads.
If you have a yard, make sure you are not using any fertilizers or pesticides that can hurt your dog. If you must use these chemicals, don't let your dog roll around in them!
5. Make Sure Your Dog is on a Preventative Plan
May-September is the prime season for fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and heartworms. These parasites can carry many diseases, like Lyme disease and Ehrlichia.
Speak to your veterinarian about getting on the best preventative plan possible.
6. Make Sure You Have Spayed and Neutered Your Dogs
Not only are you not going to want to deal with a surprise litter, but "intact" males' higher testosterone levels can make them the subject of increased aggression at the dog park.
A female dog in heat at a dog park may also attract a lot of unwanted attention from aggressive males.
7. Watch Out for Seasonal Allergies
Just as springtime forces me to carry around a pack of Kleenex everywhere I go, seasonal allergies can affect your dog, too.
Pets can be allergic to ragweed, grasses, pollens, molds, and trees. They can even develop sinusitis and bronchitis, just as humans do.
Watch for watery eyes, coughing and sneezing, as well as general redness. They may have puffy eyes, red mouths, red paws, or even a red anus.
8. Make Sure Your Dog is Microchipped and Has Updated Tags
With your dog spending more time outside, there are increased odds that they will run off or go missing.
Make sure to microchip your dog, and that the contact information on their tag is updated so that they can easily be returned.
9. Know What Plants Can Harm Your Dog
One of my favorite springtime activities is tending to my garden, but it's important that every pet owner knows what types of plants are considered toxic to their animals.
This includes daffodils, tulips, lilies, mushrooms, red apples, and many others.
For a complete list of toxic plants visit the ASCPSA website.
10. Pick Out The Right Dog Park
Even if you have a great yard for your dog, it's sometimes nice to bring them to dog parks so they can socialize with other canines. If you don't already have one picked out, now is a good time to scout the best one for your dog.
For example, does the park meet your needs? Are you comfortable with the park rules? Are fees required?
Additionally, observe the types of dogs who visit each park. Do the dogs all seem aggressive, or does it seem like a good match for your dog?
What about the owners? Do the owners watch their dogs attentively? Do they obey the park's rules? Sometimes the people can make or break the dog park more so than the dogs.
11. Make Sure Your Dog is Ready for the Dog Park
Of course, you'll want to make sure that you don't have the "problem" dog at the park.
If you haven't utilized a professional dog trainer, now is a good time to consider doing so. Teaching your dog certain tricks like "Stay," "Heel," and "Drop it" can help keep them safe.
A professional will also help you read your dog's body language to identify if playing starts to escalate into fighting.
12. Check Out Your Home Exteriors and Yard
Check your yard for any holes in fences and other landscape barriers so that your pet doesn't get loose.
Make sure to also clean out any drains and gutters. Standing water might attract heartworm-carrying mosquitos.
Additionally, if winter weather has done any damage to your house, check for debris that might cause a choking hazard for your dog.
Enjoy this video of a dog enjoying spring below, and please SHARE these great tips for preparing your dog for the spring!
