Spring is here and, despite a little bit of recent snow in our area, beautiful weather is on the way. I think spring is the time of year I enjoy the most when it comes to activities with my dog Mickey. The parks and beaches are not crowded and the weather is perfect for exploring and long walks.
However, it is important to follow some simple guidelines to keep your dog safe and comfortable this spring. Here are a few tips from me and Mickey!
However, it is important to follow some simple guidelines to keep your dog safe and comfortable this spring. Here are a few tips from me and Mickey!
As you prepare for spring activities, good place to start would be a good bath and thorough brushing to get rid of winter fur. Not only will your dog feel better but it will cut down on shedding. And, while you are at it, give your dog’s bedding and blankets a good cleaning too.
Next it is critical to protect your dog against parasites. If you have not done so already, flea, tick and heartworm prevention should be started now. Here are some great articles that explain how each of these little pests can cause huge problems.
http://www.hartz.com/Dogs/Health/Parasite_Protection/flea-related_illnesses_that_affect_your_dog.aspx
http://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/caring-for-your-dog/canine-tick-borne-disease.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/08/03/why-havent-pet-owners-been-told-these-facts-about-heartworm.aspx
Next it is critical to protect your dog against parasites. If you have not done so already, flea, tick and heartworm prevention should be started now. Here are some great articles that explain how each of these little pests can cause huge problems.
http://www.hartz.com/Dogs/Health/Parasite_Protection/flea-related_illnesses_that_affect_your_dog.aspx
http://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/caring-for-your-dog/canine-tick-borne-disease.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/08/03/why-havent-pet-owners-been-told-these-facts-about-heartworm.aspx
If you and your dog have not had much exercise over the winter, it is a good idea to increase your activity slowly to build up endurance and avoid injuries.
Although I have found that many people don’t subscribe to this philosophy, I believe that when we are in public, it is always a good idea to keep our dogs on leashes. Not only will it keep the dogs out of harm’s way, it is also a courtesy to others visiting recreational areas who may not love our dogs as much as we do.
And if your dog likes to swim, always stay nearby in case of an unexpected emergency.
Always bring water and some food for yourself and your dog. I know from personal experience that it is easy to get disoriented in wooded areas and you may be out there longer than you think!
Spring is also a good time to just get outside and play in the back yard!
A first aid kit is also a good idea to have at home at all times of the year. Here is a good list of items to keep on hand just in case.
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pet_first_aid_kit.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/
A first aid kit is also a good idea to have at home at all times of the year. Here is a good list of items to keep on hand just in case.
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pet_first_aid_kit.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/
So get out and enjoy the beautiful spring weather with your dog. Before you know it the “dog days” of summer will be upon us. Of course just relaxing outdoors on a hot summer day can be pretty nice too!
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