For many of us, Spring is a time of cleansing, relaxing, and a time to start anew. The weather is typically great for some much needed outdoor adventures, but it’s also the perfect storm for things like mosquitos, pollen, and little critters to cause havoc. By taking the proper precautions, though, you can help your pet enjoy Spring just as much as you do. Here are a few ways to ensure a successful spring and beyond with your four-legged friend.
Pollen Allergies
Pollen is everywhere! We all know how much of a drag it can be when you’re out on a trip and your face is a running mucus tap. Dogs will naturally do a fair amount of sneezing during the spring, but when it gets too much and they start scratching, coughing, or even vomiting, you’re going to need to limit their exposure to potential allergens. You can get a little help from your pet’s veterinarian, who can prescribe some allergy medicine if avoidance isn’t a realistic option.
Brush and Groom
It’s time for your dog to shed all of that thick winter coating. Help them out by giving them some nice brushing, grooming, and shampooing to help soothe their itch. We recommend brushing every other day, bathing them every week or two, and taking them to the groomers once a month during the spring. This will ensure all that pollen and dander doesn’t get the chance to embed in your pet’s coat and irritate their skin. Avoid shaving a long-coat dog, this will potentially ruin their luster and effectiveness during the winter.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Spring means the return of every dog’s mortal enemies: fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Spring is the time where you’ll see their population explode, so don’t get caught with your guard down. Make sure you are stocked up with all the necessary flea and tick preventatives and that the house’s perimeter is properly protected.
Get a Physical
Spring is the perfect time to take your dog to see your veterinarian for their yearly check-up. Make sure all of their shots are up to date, have their teeth and gums looked at, check all of their vital signs and make sure everything is looking good. This is an important visit for dogs who are approaching their geriatric years. Catching diseases and disorders early in their development is vital and can literally extend the life/quality of life for you and your dog.
Spring hasn’t completely sprung quite yet but, why wait for spring to arrive to put in place a plan of action? Get your plan in place now so that you and your dog may both get the most enjoyment out of one of the best seasons of the year. Don’t worry, he’ll thank you for it with many more years of loyalty and a few thousand sloppy kisses. What do you do to plan ahead for Spring? We’d love to hear about it.
