Warming Up for the Warm-Up

March 2020

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Warming Up for the Warm-Up
How to Prepare Your Dog for Spring

Getting ready for spring might seem as easy as spending more time enjoying the outdoors. However, there are a few simple but very important steps to take to make sure your four-legged family member stays happy and healthy throughout the season. Here are some of the main things to watch out for and take care of as the temperatures start to climb.

Heartworm, Flea, and Tick Prevention

Heartworms are a big threat to a dog’s health in the springtime, as they are spread by the pesky mosquitoes that come out in droves during the season. Schedule an appointment to see your veterinarian and have your dog started on a heartworm preventative. At the same time, you will also want to have your dog started on a flea and tick preventative if they aren’t on one year-round. Prevention is always a better option than having to deal with heartworms, fleas, and ticks after the fact.

Allergy Awareness

Just like us, dogs can develop seasonal allergies. But, unlike humans and our mainly respiratory allergy symptoms, dogs tend to manifest their symptoms through the skin. Watch out for signs like rashes and excessive scratching. If you suspect that your dog has an allergy, it is best to take them to the vet. This can rule out other causes for the symptoms and, if your dog’s symptoms are particularly bad, your vet may prescribe an antihistamine.

Increasing Exercise

If your dog has spent a lot of time outdoors over the winter, it’s best to start gradually increasing their level of exercise as the days get longer. This is especially important if you plan on taking your dog on long hikes and other outdoor excursions. A steady increase will help them grow stronger and prevent injuries when you really start adventuring. It will also help them lose some excess winter weight.

Grooming, Grooming, Grooming

Warmer temperatures mean that your dog isn’t going to need their extra fluffy winter coat anymore, and you’re going to start noticing a lot more shedding. Brushing your dog every day will help keep the shedding under control, and it will have them feeling lighter and looking sleeker as well. If your dog has a particularly thick coat, then a proper de-shedding tool will be invaluable. Regular baths can also loosen up the fur and make it easier to brush out.

Gardening Considerations

Having a dog is wonderful if you are an avid gardener, as you will always have a friend to accompany you outside. At the same time, it is essential to be aware of potentially harmful plants that can pose a hazard to your dog’s health if ingested. This includes common garden plants like rhubarb, irises, lilies, and foxglove. Before you plant something, make sure you do a bit of research to make sure it’s safe.

With a bit of extra forethought going into spring, you can help your dog fully enjoy the season by your side. After a long winter, it will be nice to catch some sun and fresh air together while knowing you’ve done all you can to ensure your dog’s safety and comfort.

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