Spring into Action!

Spring is coming!  Despite its beauty and adventures, we are all nearing the end of our patience with winter I’m sure. This includes our pets as well.  Get your dog ready for Spring with these 4 tips!

1. Pest prevention
   Ticks, fleas and heartworm are things to start really thinking about again!  While ticks can still be found in winter months, they love the Spring weather so time to brush up on your tick facts! Take a trip to the vet to make sure your pet is healthy and up to date on all their shots.  You can also have a talk with your vet about tick/flea/heartworm preventative measures you can take.
2. Update chips and tags
   With more time spent outdoors, there can be a higher chance of your dog slipping away despite all the safety measures you take. Make sure that your pet’s tags are up to date. Microchipping your pet is so important.  A collar and ID tag are great (and even an identification tattoo too), however these can come off or become obscured over time. Getting your pet microchipped is permanent. It’s as simple as getting something the size of a grain of rice placed in between your pet’s shoulder blades to remain there throughout their life.  It feels the way a vaccination would, so it’s quick and they barely notice.
3. Seasonal allergies
   Just like humans, our furry friends can suffer from seasonal allergies too! Grass, pollen, plants and flowers can all cause sneezing, itchy skin, rashes and watery eyes. Speak with your vet if these symptoms occur. Keep brushing or take your pet to a professional groomer. Removing the dead hair and dandruff can help keep your pet’s skin stay nice and healthy!
4. Spring cleaning
   Your pet’s toys and bedding need a good spring cleaning! Wash their toys and bedding to get all the dust off (this can help with any allergies, too). Leashes, collars and plastic toys can all use a good scrub with some hot, soapy water. Leashes and collars especially can get a little smelly, so a good wash followed by air drying on a nice, sunny day is a good idea! Water dishes are easy to forget about cleaning, so time to scrub those down and add a reminder to give those a regular cleaning too!