Spring has sprung, and it’s time to let the dogs out! But, before you do, make sure that both you and your dog are fully prepared for everything the warmer weather brings.

Dig into your dog’s spring fever, how to keep them healthy outside, and tips on how to take advantage of the season to refresh your dog’s (and your!) home.

SPRING AND YOUR DOG

Spring fever isn’t just a human condition, it affects your pups, too. We’ve been cooped up all winter, and your dogs are just as, if not more, eager to bask in the sun after the colder winter months. You may notice your dog become characteristically energetic as the weather warms up – here’s why.

Scents, smells, and sounds! Oh, my!

Dogs are particularly affected by spring because of their incredible noses. Spring brings the blooming of new flowers, fresh cut grass, and backyard barbecues. So many scents and smells can drive your dog crazy! With everyone spending more time outside, your dogs will be distracted by a lot of sounds as well: lawn mowers, kids playing, and music blasting.

Furry friends

Springtime also means the return of small animals outside. Squirrels, birds, and chipmunks are all back from hibernation or migration, and your dog is eager to chase them and play.

Extra energy

Research also shows that dogs produce less melatonin when it’s sunny out. Melatonin makes us sleepy, so their increased energy during spring and summer is not only due to external stimuli, but biology as well.

PROTECTING YOUR PET

Beautiful weather means the opportunity for longer walks, but spring also brings back threats your dog wasn’t exposed to during the winter. Before you head out for play dates in the park, you need to make sure your dog is protected from outdoor hazards.

More mosquitoes

First, spring is the start of mosquito season (depending on where you live). Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying, they can transmit heartworm disease. Although you should give your dog preventative heartworm medication year round, spring is a good time to make sure your dog has been checked for heartworm and that their treatment is current. In North America, most veterinarians begin to check dogs for exposure to heartworm organisms that may have occurred during the previous mosquito season in April because evidence of the disease will be detectable by then.

Check often for ticks and fleas

The threat of ticks and fleas increases during springtime as well. Since your dog will be spending a lot more time outside, they have a greater risk of becoming infected. Start checking your dog for ticks and fleas regularly – it’s much easier to prevent the problem than to deal with a major flea infestation or a tick-transmitted disease.

Ticks can be found anywhere on your dog’s coat, but typically hide out around the head, on the ears, neck, chest, and forelegs. Depending on your dog’s coat, it could be easier to find them by feel than by sight. Ticks can spread a number of diseases that are dangerous for both dogs and people, including Lyme disease.  

When you speak to your vet about preventative medications, check to make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. Dogs are eager to see the friends they weren’t able to play with during the winter, so they’re exposed to more infectious diseases (such as kennel cough) as a result of increased dog-to-dog contact.

Keep Tabs on Toxins

Springtime also means the return of gardening. If you have your own garden, make sure to pick plants that are safe for dogs. When out for walks, keep your dog away from hyacinths, tulips, daffodils, and certain lilies. Some types of fertilizers and mulch are also toxic to dogs, so make sure to keep your dog from digging around in plant beds and put your gardening supplies safely in your shed or garage. Speaking of the garage, make sure your antifreeze is securely stored away for the season, as it is highly toxic to dogs.

REFRESH YOUR DOG’S DOMAIN

Spring provides a great excuse for a deep clean of your home. Regardless of whether you embark on a spring cleaning, this is the time to take a tour of your dog’s designated areas in your home and pay special attention to them. If you do complete a whole-house spring cleaning, consider boarding your dog. For many pets, cleaning can be anxiety-inducing, because of the bustle, the changes to your home, and the fact the process may stress you out!

• Breathe fresh air into their bed. Wherever your dog sleeps –  a bed, crate, mat, or pillow, you should clean and flip it as you would your own mattress. If possible, throw it in the washing machine. Wash all bedding and blankets with hot water.
• Disinfect their dining area. You should always keep your dog’s dining area clean and free from bacteria. Most dogs can’t help drool and dribble over delicious dog food, so take the opportunity to clean this area thoroughly. If you use a dog feeding mat, scrub and sanitize it.
• Scrub, scrub, scrub. This is the time to tackle any tough pet stains that you make have been leaving for later.
• Tackle upholstery. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and curtains to get rid of dog hair. If you don’t have powerful enough equipment, consider hiring professionals. Spring allergies are bad enough as is, so it’s important to keep your home as clean as danger-free as possible!
• Clean your car. Your car is probably also full of hair and stains from trips to the vet, not to mention funnier adventures. Don’t forget to vacuum and scrub there, too.

Also, take stock of all of your dog’s things and throw out old or unused items. Go through your dog’s toys, pantry, and supplies and get rid of anything that hasn’t seen the light of day since before last spring. Make a note of anything that’s seen better days and replace it, especially leashes and collars. Take a peek at your dog’s ID tags and make sure your pet’s information is still clearly visible and hasn’t rubbed off or faded.

Spring also means muddy paws and romps in the dirt, so incorporate wipedowns of your dog’s high traffic areas into your regular cleaning routine and stock up on dog-safe and environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies.

FEED THEIR SPRING APPETITE

With all the running around, playing in the park, and chasing squirrels that spring brings, your dog is going to need extra energy! Keep your pup healthy and energized with our all-natural healthy dog treats.

Good daily nutrition to power long springtime walks starts with our whole ingredient dog food, which is made from only fresh meat and vegetables from US farms. We slow oven-bake our dog food to preserve nutrients and give it a crunch dogs love and add nothing else – no fillers, preservatives, or additives for the healthiest way to feed your dog’s brain, muscles, bones, and teeth.

After teaching your dogs new tricks on warm afternoons in the park, give them treats that will replenish their energy stores and fuel their bodies. Our chicken and sweet potato twists combine high protein content from 100% lean chicken breast with the complex carbohydrates in sweet potatoes that help muscle growth and keep energy levels up, which makes them ideal for training sessions.

If your dog prefers beef, treat them to our beef and sweet potato twists. Like all of our treats, they are free from preservatives and additives, full only of flavor and nutrients. Vitamin B from beef helps repair bones, boost your dog’s immune system, and the growth of muscle tissues. Sweet potatoes are packed with protein, iron, potassium, calcium, and vitamins A, B, C, and E, making them a superfood.

Our treats are high in protein and low in fat, which means they’re the perfect pairing for the extra energy your dog will need now that they are spending more time outside!