As the days grow warmer and the flowers start to bloom, spring is the perfect time for both you and your pets to enjoy the outdoors. However, the season also comes with a few challenges that can affect your furry friend's health. Here are some top tips to ensure your pets stay healthy and happy during the spring months.
Watch Out for Allergies
Just like humans, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies. Pollen, grass, and other allergens can cause itching, sneezing, and skin irritations in pets. Common signs of allergies in pets include:
- Excessive scratching
- Red, inflamed skin
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing or coughing
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your vet for appropriate treatments, like antihistamines or medicated shampoos. Regular grooming and wiping your pet’s paws after walks can also help minimise exposure to allergens.
Protect Against Fleas and Ticks
Spring is the start of flea and tick season, as these pests become more active in warmer weather. They can cause serious health issues such as skin infections, Lyme disease, and even tapeworm infestations.
Keep your pet protected by using flea and tick prevention treatments, such as Nexgard Spectra, Simparica Trio or Bravecto. Make sure to check your pet for ticks after outdoor adventures, especially if you've been in wooded areas.
Keep Them Hydrated
With temperatures on the rise, your pet’s water intake becomes even more important. Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion, especially in active pets who enjoy spending time outdoors in spring.
Ensure your pet always has access to fresh, clean water. If you’re heading out for a long walk or outdoor activity, bring a portable water bowl and plenty of water to keep your pet hydrated.
Exercise
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities with your pet. After a long, sedentary winter, your dog or cat may be eager to run, jump, and play. However, sudden, intense exercise can lead to muscle strains or exhaustion, especially in older pets.
Ease your pet back into regular exercise with gradual, shorter walks or play sessions. Increase their activity level slowly, keeping an eye out for any signs of fatigue or discomfort.
Spring Cleaning for Your Pet
As spring arrives, you may notice your pet shedding more. This seasonal shedding can lead to matting, skin irritations, or hair all over your house. Regular grooming will help reduce shedding, improve coat health, and allow you to check for skin problems.
Brush your pet’s coat regularly to remove loose fur and keep it healthy. If needed, schedule a professional grooming session to trim their coat, clean their ears, and trim their nails. You may consider purchasing a deshedding tool such as The FURminator. The FURminator deshedding tool helps to reduce loose hair from shedding by up to 90% with regular use.
Keep an Eye on Poisons and Toxic Plants
Spring gardening can be a hazard for pets. Many popular plants and flowers, such as lilies, daffodils, and tulips, are toxic to pets if ingested. Fertilisers, pesticides, and insecticides can also pose risks.
When gardening, keep pets away from treated areas and choose pet-safe plants for your garden. Make sure any harmful chemicals are stored securely, out of reach.
Prevent Overheating
While spring temperatures are milder, it’s still important to be mindful of overheating, particularly during the warmer days. Some pets, especially those with thick coats, flat faces, or older age, are more prone to heat stress.
On warm days, avoid outdoor activities during peak sun hours and ensure your pet has access to shade and water. Never leave your pet in a parked car, even for a short time, as temperatures can rise rapidly inside vehicles.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
As your pet’s activity levels increase in spring, so does their need for a balanced and nutritious diet. Adjusting their food intake to match their exercise level can help maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for their overall well-being.
Ensure you are feeding your pet a super premium, well-balanced diet such as Hill’s Science Diet or Advance. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best diet for your pet’s age, size, and activity level. Treats are great for rewarding good behaviour but be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overfeeding.
Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations
Spring often brings more outdoor adventures, increasing your pet’s exposure to other animals and environments. This makes it important to ensure their vaccinations are up to date, particularly for diseases like rabies, parvovirus, and kennel cough.
Schedule a spring check-up with your vet to review your pet’s vaccination records and discuss any additional protection they may need for the upcoming months.
Socialisation and Training
As the weather improves, you’ll likely encounter more dogs and people during your walks. Proper socialisation and good behaviour are key to making sure your outings are enjoyable for everyone.
Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour in social settings. If your dog is reactive or nervous around other pets, consider enrolling in a training class to build confidence and improve social skills.
Spring is a season of renewal and excitement, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your pet care routine. By taking these proactive steps, you can ensure your pet enjoys the season in the best of health. From managing allergies to protecting against pests, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your furry friend safe, happy, and healthy this spring!
Happy spring adventures!
