The Spring Checklist You Never Knew You Needed For Your Dog
Soon we will be ditching those winter coats for a sweatshirt and trading in those boots with the fur for some slip on sneakers to finally enjoy the outdoors without freezing. Yes, spring is on its way and there is no one happier about that statement than your furry friend! And while the change of seasons does wonders for our emotional and mental states, pet owners should be aware of the changes that need to happen for their pets when warmer temperatures start to bloom. But have no fear! We have a spring checklist you never knew you needed to help with the transition for your four-legged friend.
✔Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm is a threat to dogs year round, but particularly when mosquitoes breed in warm weather. When infected mosquitoes bite, the worms embed into the dog and eventually damage the dog’s heart, lungs and arteries. To help prevent heartworm, veterinarians recommend having your dog tested annually as well as using a heartworm prevention medication monthly and year-round.
✔Flea and Tick Prevention
Warmer weather means more ticks and fleas will be out and if you haven’t been giving your dog their monthly dose of prevention, it’s time to start back up again. If you haven’t started prevention yet, ask your veterinarian for some in the form of a prescription pill, topical ointment or a flea collar. Walks in long, grassy or woodland areas increase the risk of ticks and debris in your yard like clippings and leaf piles can help fleas hide in their dark, moist and shady areas. Fleas are irritating to a dog’s skin and can be difficult to get rid of while certain types of ticks can carry dangerous conditions such as Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
✔Spring Allergies
Most dogs with seasonal allergies have symptoms in the spring (March through May) and fall (September through November). Dogs typically get very itchy, especially on their feet, front legs, ears and face causing them to bite, scratch and lick. Allergy shots, special shampoos, washing their bedding and wiping off their feet and legs after they have been outside may help to relieve those reactions. Always consult your veterinarian before using any medications.
✔Spring Grooming
Many dog breeds have a natural shedding cycle that is tied to specific seasons. In the spring, dogs will shed their thick coat for a lighter one for summer while in the fall they will shed their summer coat to grow a thicker one for winter. Brushing your dog daily can help to remove loose hair, dirt and debris from your dog’s coat, reducing the amount of hair that they shed. Leave at least one inch of hair if you are thinking about shaving your dog’s coat so they have protection from sunburn, skin cancer and bug bites.
✔Paw Care
While the growing ground may look beautiful, your dog’s paws may be holding on to some of those allergens and bringing them inside. Wipe or wash off your dog’s paws whenever they come inside to help keep unwanted allergens and dirt out of the house. Keep in mind that the spring does bring some soggy weather with sunny days, so wipe any wet paws to prevent infections and watch out for warmer pavement temperatures. Choose the grass on days that the pavement gets too hot for their paws to walk on.
✔Update Information
As you spend more time outdoors, make sure that your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and think about those yearly checkups if you’re not sure of the last time your dog saw the vet. Also, keep their information current on their ID tags and microchips in case they decide to chase a butterfly a little too far from home or just get too excited and start to run anywhere.
✔Take It Slow
Warmer weather makes us all want to get out and about, but remember that your dog doesn’t always know their own limits and can become overly exhausted easily with being cooped up inside with limited physical activity over the winter. Limit your physical activity in the beginning and gradually build up to longer hikes and walks to help prevent injuries. Start with some small walks around the neighborhood before heading out on that favorite 4 mile hike with Fido.
With the promise of warmer weather now that spring is in our sights, it’s time to start thinking about what your dog will need once spring hits. Talk with your veterinarian about preventatives that your dog should be taking to help keep fleas and ticks at bay and remember to start off slow when it comes to physical activity if you haven’t hit a walking path all winter. Staying smart and being proactive will help to make the transition to spring an enjoyable one for you and your pup!
Need some help with those walkies? We’ve got you covered! Going Mutts Pet Services is your answer for local dog walking, playtime, trail walks, potty breaks and cat check-ins in the Lancaster County area. Contact us today to see how we can help to customize a plan to get your pup the exercise they need daily.
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/spring-season-preparedness/
https://rubysk9corral.com/blog-1-1/10-springtime-health-tips-for-your-pup
