Spring is almost sprung! Keep your pooch as happy and healthy as a spring chicken (pun intended) by following these simple pup-keep tips.
Hold Your Seahorses
When the temperature finally starts warming up, it may be tempting to take your pooch for a fun swim session. However, even if the weather feels perfect for a quick splash, the water most likely won’t be warm enough until late April or May. All of the ice and snow that melts into the water with the season change can make the water look warmer than it really is.
You’re better off waiting another month or so before doing the doggy paddle.
Ticks & Fleas
As the weather warms, flea and tick season gets closer – don’t let it tick you off though! There are plenty of ways to make them flee, and protect your dog from the itchiness they bring.
- Talk to your vet about the best flea and tick preventative options for your pup. It’s best to keep your pooch on a preventative year-round.
- Invest in a flea-comb to pull up any crawly critters.
- During baths and after playing outdoors, check your dog thoroughly for unwanted visitors. Make sure to look in between toe and paw pads, jowls and gums, inside and behind the ears, armpits, tail, head, neck, and face. The warmer the body temperature is, the more likely ticks are to take up residence on that part of the body.
- Immune system support supplements (approved by your veterinarian) can help keep your pooches healthy in case they get tick and flea bites.
- Adding a little bit of plain, chopped up, raw garlic to your dog’s diet is helpful during this season. Make sure you talk to your vet about how much and how often first! Never change your pup’s diet without consulting with the pros.
- Planting lemongrass in your yard is a great way to naturally deter pests!
Arms, Legs, and Heads Inside the Vehicle
Many dogs love car rides – why shouldn’t you let your dog stick their head out of the car window to feel the wind in their fur? There are a few main reasons.
- Your dog could fall out of the car, and hanging out of the window makes it way more dangerous for them if you get into an accident.
- Your pooch could get struck by or even inhale substances like dirt and debris, insects, or trash.
- There’s a high risk of wind damage to the ears, which causes painful swelling and irritation.
The real reason why dogs stick their heads out the window isn’t for the feeling – it’s for the smells. Leaving the window cracked is a safe way to let them enjoy the scents flying by! When it comes to anything with your dog, ask yourself: “Would I let my child do this?” If the answer is no, odds are your dog shouldn’t do it either.
Spring Cleaning
While you’re making a spring cleaning list of all the nooks and crannies in your home to clean up, make sure you remember to clean your dog’s belongings too! Here are a few things to remember.
- Sanitize your dog’s food and water bowls.
- Wash any doggy beds, blankets, and pillows that your dog snuggles in. Make sure you use pet-safe detergent and avoid using fabric softener which can cause skin irritation.
- Sanitize all chew toys! For hard chew toys like nylon and rubber, soak them in 5% vinegar and warm water for about fifteen minutes. Then, use a clean toothbrush to scrub off any dirt or debris, paying extra attention to indents from chewing, and rinse well.
- Sanitize the inside and outside of the doggy crate.
When cleaning anything that your pooch uses, be sure to use pet-friendly supplies! Harsh chemicals are a health hazard to your pup. In addition to using pet-safe products, also consider using non-scented supplies. Because the canine nose is so much stronger than ours, it’s also more sensitive to smells. Strong artificial fragrances may be overwhelming, or even painful to your dog.
“Drop It!”
You should always be wary of what your furry children put in their mouths, but exercise extra caution in the spring. Thorns, splinters, pesticides, and other harmful substances that are present this time of year aren’t always easy to see right away. Play it safe by bringing toys from home for your dog to romp around with, and don’t let them put anything in their mouths that you didn’t give to them.
If your pooch is sniffing around something that could be dangerous, use the command “leave it.” If you look up to see that your dog already has something they shouldn’t, use the command “drop it.” Remember to use a calm, assertive tone, and provide praise for good behavior.
If your dog struggles with listening and you’re having trouble with training, it might be time to sign up for boot camp or one-on-one dog training sessions. Remember, dog training isn’t just about overall behavior. Your dog needs to understand and listen to your commands for their safety too!
For quality training and dog boarding services near you, contact us today! Our No-Force training method and positive reinforcement techniques come with a promise: when you fetch our training, it sticks fur life!