Now that spring is upon us, it is time to think about the ways that we can prepare for the season. In our homes we find ourselves deep cleaning the home and organizing things that may have gotten out of order over the long winter. Getting your dog ready for spring is just as important as spring cleaning. There are a few things you can do to prepare your dog for spring.
Brush, Brush, Brush
This is the time of year when most dogs will shed as they get rid of their winter coat for a thinner coat designed for the warmer temperatures. The best thing you can do is to brush your dog regularly. In some cases you may want to invest in a brush that is designed for shedding. This will help keep the tumble fur in your home to a minimum.
Start the Prevention
We all know that prevention for fleas, ticks, and heartworms are important. In some parts of the country, especially the south, it is important to use protection all year round. If you are in an area where this is not needed or you simply have not been using it, now is the time to get your dog back on preventative medication. As the weather heats up, the pests come out which means more chances for all these parasites to attack your dog. It is best to be prepared and the best way to do this is with prevention meds.
See Your Vet
Your dog should have at least one vet visit a year and what a better time to do this than in spring? Since this is the prime time to get vaccines taken care of, you can schedule their checkup at the same time. This will help you to understand where their health is as well as what you can do for them to keep them healthy in the warmer months. You can even schedule your dog’s yearly teeth cleaning during this appointment.
Update Your Dog’s Information
Chances are your dog is required by local ordinances to have up to date tags. These are easily obtained when your dog goes in for their shots. However, this is not the only thing you need to update. If your dog has a microchip, it is a good idea to ensure that all the information is up to date.
Check Your Yard
This is especially true if you live in an area where the ice and snow has built up over the winter. You want to make sure there are no holes in your fence your dog can escape from. You also want to check your yard for hazards that can harm your dog while playing.
