Tips to Prepare Your Dog For Spring

By Barbe Dunn

It’s almost time to spring into the new season! The renewed warmth and longer days mean more time outside.

As you spring clean your home and break out the warm weather gear, don’t forget to do a little spring check of your furry friend’s belongings to make sure he is set for outdoor weather.

Here are some tips to help you prepare your dog for the upcoming season.

Brush, brush, brush Spring is shedding season! As we prepare to pack away our winter coats, so do our dogs. If you haven’t been brushing your dog’s coat regularly, start now.

Brushing your dog’s coat regularly will keep it healthy by removing excess fur and dead skin cells. It will also keep shedding under control and minimize excess hair in your home. Regularly maintaining your dog’s coat is also a way to find ticks, lumps, or skin irritations before they become serious

Use flea and tick prevention. Everybody loves springtime, including fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, all of which will soon be out in force! Now is the time to make sure your dog is up-to-date on his flea and tick preventative medications..

Spring clean your dog’s bedding It’s a good time to clean your dog’s bedding and blankets. This will remove any fur, dander, and bacteria that has accumulated during the winter months.

Use a mild detergent. You can add vinegar to the rinse cycle for softness. Remember to wash your pup’s bedding at least every three months to kill any flea eggs and parasites.

Check your dog’s leash and collar for signs of wear and tear. If either one is fraying, it’s a good time to replace it. Assess collars and harnesses for fit. Did your dog gain a little winter weight? If so, his collar or harness might be just a bit tight. Clean with caution

As you spring clean your home and yard, make sure to keep all cleaners, chemicals, and lawn treatments out of paw’s reach.

Garden with care While the ingredients in many fertilizers, mulch, and pesticides may help your lawn grow lush and green, they can be dangerous to your pet if ingested. As with any chemicals, follow the label directions and always store them out of your pet’s way. When deciding what to plant in your garden, take a look at ways to keep poisonous plants away from your pet.

Now that you are ready to prep your pooch for warmer weather, get out there and enjoy it together!

SPRING AHEAD INTO SPRING. COME FOR A VISIT SONSHINE KENNELS-THE KENNEL THAT CARES 306-463-3361