Wave goodbye to Old Man Winter, and give thanks to Mother Nature for warmer temps — well, almost. With the warmer weather comes different responsibilities for pet care. Don’t fret! We’re here to help.
As dogs begin to shed their winter coats, they’ll need to be brushed way more frequently. Investing in a brush that is intended for large amounts of shedding may be smart, as dogs can begin to shed excessively as the weather begins to get warmer. We like to recommend Furminator tools, as they work exceptionally well at taking out the undercoat, even from breeds with natural short hair. It’s easier to bathe your pet before trying to brush out their fur, that way it’ll loosen up with the shampoo and prevent pulling.
Spring time is the prime time to take your pet in for their yearly vet visit, as allergies and invasive species come to life. This is a time to get vaccines taken care of, get recommendations for flea and tick prevention, possibly start heartworm prevention, and make sure that your pup is healthy for the upcoming months of anticipated outside playtime.
And, because spring is allergy season, not just for humans but for pets too, there are ways to help prepare your pet to fight off their watery eyes, coughs, sniffles, itches, etc. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for your dog’s overall health, but work to decrease inflammation and may help ease allergies. Simply adding a bit of salmon oil or coconut oil to your pet’s diet can help immensely.
If you live in an area with a lot of snow and ice during the winter, it’s always a good idea to check your yard come spring. Sometimes ice and snow can ruin fences and create holes, giving your dog an opportunity to escape easier. It’s never a bad idea to make sure that the yard is still dog proofed after a season of harsh weather conditions.
Once the winter is over and you can begin opening your house back up, you may want to wash your pet’s bedding, as it has probably collected dust and dander from the stuffy house all season. Bedding and fabrics can be run through the washer, but collars, leashes, and toys should be hand washed in hot, soapy water.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pet store if you have questions on this or any pet related topic.