Prep your pup for spring: With our ultimate dog-care checklist
Oh, what a lovely time of year.
With warmer and longer days on the horizon, it feels like we’ve been granted a new leash on life – outdoor-loving dogs very much included.
But for pups, the changing of the seasons isn’t all rainbows and sunshine.
With the warmer weather comes more time outside and more time rolling around in the grass.
However, warmer weather also means more bugs crawling and allergens flying. It’s a little unfair when all your ball of energy wants to do is run through a (mine)field of flowers.
But with a little preparation, your furry friend can still frolic. Simply follow our sunny-season checklist, and put that spring in your dog’s step!
Manage Spring Allergies
Did you know – just like us – our dogs can have springtime allergies?
What might that look like? You’ll notice your pup start itching their skin, repeatedly sneezing or having a runny nose or eyes.
But this doesn’t mean they have to stay indoors all spring. You can relieve their symptoms with a tiny injection at the vet. And if you know this happens every year, get ahead of the game and take them before the itching and scratching starts.
On top of this, you can add some special skin-comforting grub to their daily menu, such as Hill’s Science Diet’s dry food. Containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids plus Vitamin E, this natural dry food is an easily digestible remedy for relief.
To get them through the scratchy season, it’s a good idea to have a hypoallergenic dog shampoo on hand at bath time. Combining the soothing powers of oatmeal and aloe vera, Aloveen’s hypoallergenic shampoo cleans away any itch-causing irritants. And it smells scrumptious too!
Prevent Fleas, Ticks, and Worms
Dogs aren’t the only ones coming out to play when the sun comes out – so do worms, ticks and fleas. Oh my!
When it comes to these parasites latching onto your pup, refusing entry is always better than trying to get rid of them.
So how do you defend your dog from these demons? With a monthly dose of NexGard SPECTRA.
Instead of juggling multiple defence treatments all at once, these tasty chews are an all-in-one solution – safeguarding your dog from fleas, ticks and worms.
And they get the tick (of approval, that is) from vets. Just as long as your dog is older than eight weeks and over two kilograms.
If your pooch is over six months old, they should have completed their rounds of vaccinations that prevent a range of parasite-causing diseases. Unsure if they’ve had them all? Talk to your vet.
There’s plenty more protective products on the market, so have a look through our dog flea, tick and worm treatments to keep the pests from your pup this spring.
Dog-proof Your Backyard
‘Tis the season to tend to the garden.
So as you grab the rake and pitchfork, keep your canine in mind.
Are there any choking hazards, garden tools or perilous plants lying around? Then put the petal to the metal and remove these ASAP.
Not only will this create a safer environment for your dog, but it will also have your yard looking spick and span for spring.
And frightful florae are more common than you think. The regular offenders include tulips, azaleas, cyclamens, sago palms and autumn crocuses. If your dog ingests any of these, you’ll need to seek immediate veterinary attention.
And, whatever you do, don’t let your best buddy bite the bait.
What’s good for your garden might not be good for your hungry hound. So pest poison and fertilisers need to be kept far away from dogs. Simply keep your supply in the shed. And when you need to use it, keep your pup indoors.
Get Your Walking Gear Ready
Ah the spirit of spring: a yearly reminder to update your dog-walking gear and do some re-tail therapy!
If your walking buddy’s lead is looking lacklustre, check out Ezydog’s zero shock dog lead. Specifically designed to absorb impact for both dog and owner, you can stroll with serenity with a leash that does all the heavy lifting for you.
If your dog is an especially good walker, why wait until you get home to reward them?
With DOOG’s treat pouch, you’ll always have tasty treats at snout’s reach. And it’s made with compartments to store your phone, keys, and even a waste-bag dispenser. So you won’t miss your puffer jacket pockets when the weather warms up!
With warmer walk conditions come thirsty panting pups. So to make sure your canine stays quenched, pick up a portable dog water bowl like Beco’s Travel Bowl.
Collapsible, sustainable and re-usable, this one is perfect for when you’re on the go.
Ouch! Watch out for prickles! Grass seeds like to stick to your dog’s fur – including in between their paws, behind or inside their ears and in their eyes. So always check their coat after their fun in the sun!
Keep Up With the Best Dog Toys for Spring
Did you hear that? Now the sun’s out, all the neighbourhood dogs are being summoned to the dog park to play!
Instead of looking longingly at other dog owners’ new-fangled toys, make sure you bring the fun yourself.
For example, take fetch to a whole new level with Chuckit’s rubber balls – completely compatible with their sport launcher!
Designed to enhance throwing speed and distance – resulting in your dog running faster and harder – your pup will take to this duo like a dog to a bone. Even you’ll be having a ball this spring!
Give Them a Spring Groom
Did you see the latest issue of Vanity Fur? Winter coats are so last season! So don’t be surprised if your dog sheds more in spring as the weather gets warmer.
To help save your house from hound hair, check out our dog de-shedding tools.
These tools are great for removing any loose hair from your dog, while also offering them a drool-worthy massage. Win-win!
And to make sure that their summer coat is runway-ready, PAW’s Dermega oral supplements are sure to pimp your pup with the shiniest fur in the neighbourhood.
