Spring has arrived! If you’re like me you’re loving the sunnier days but also sneezing your brains out.
Now is the time to clean that overcrowded garage, get the gardening tools out, and make more time for playing outside with your dog.
5 Tips to Get Ready for Spring
- Schedule a vet check – It’s good to take your dog to the vet for a health and wellness exam. Spring means that there will be parasites around soon and having an accurate weight on your dog ensures that you can apply the right dosage of preventatives on your pet. Spring is also the time when you want to restart heart-worm medication as well.
- Grooming – Shedding increases as weather warms up. Dogs lose their winter coat and regular brushing will keep shedding under control. Make sure to brush all the way down to the skin to remove dead hair and debris. If your dog is overdue for a haircut, make an appt with your groomer. Check your pet’s nails and trim them if they have started to curl.
- Increase workouts slowly - Take advantage of sunny mornings, late day sunsets, and warmer weather by walking and playing with your dog outside more. Play a few games of fetch or frisbee in the yard or at the dog park. Take it slow if your dog hasn’t had too much exercise during the winter. Spring is a great time to go for extra long walks and burn off those few pounds that your dog (and maybe you) have gained this past winter.
- Keep the feet clean – As spring rolls in so does rain. Muddy feet after playtime can make a mess of your house. When playtime is over, wipe your dog’s feet and make sure to get in between the toes. Mud can cause fur to tangle up. Also, any little bugs that are stuck to the fur can end up in your house. So wipe those paws!
- Wash bedding – As your dog’s shedding increases make sure to keep the bedding clean. This will cut down on the amount of fur and dirt in your house and keep everything clean. Remove excess hair before washing it so your washing machine doesn’t get clogged with loose fur. Use a gentle detergent without fabric softener in case your dog has sensitivities to perfumes and dyes.
Image from Petsfoto.com