Spring is in the Air! Your Guide to a Happy, Healthy Dog This Season

The days are getting longer, the chilly and bitter mornings are finally receding, and that unmistakable scent of damp earth and new life is beginning to fill the air. For us humans, spring is a time of renewal, cleaning, and eager anticipation for warmer weather. For our dogs, it’s an explosion of sensory information; a whole new world of smells, sights, and sounds emerging from its winter slumber.

As we pack away our heavy coats and plan our gardens, it's crucial to remember that this seasonal shift requires adjustments for our four-legged family members, too. Spring brings boundless joy and opportunity for adventure, but it also presents a unique set of challenges. From health risks to grooming needs, preparing for the season ahead ensures you and your furry best friend can make the most of it, safely and happily.

Here’s your comprehensive guide to navigating the spring season with your dog.

 

The Great Outdoors Beckons: Exercise & Enrichment

After months of short, brisk walks in the cold, your dog is likely buzzing with pent-up energy. The arrival of spring means more time for fetch, longer hikes, and more frequent trips to the park.

Ramping Up Activity Safely

Just like a human athlete, a dog who has been less active over winter needs to ease back into a more strenuous exercise routine. Jumping from 30-minute pavement walks to a 2-hour mountain hike can lead to sore muscles, paw pad injuries, or even more serious sprains.

So, please remember:

• Gradual Increase: Start by slowly extending the length of your daily walks by 10-15 minutes each week.
• Vary the Terrain: Introduce different surfaces like grass, trails, and sand to help strengthen different muscle groups and build paw pad toughness.
• Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs: Begin with a few minutes of brisk walking before launching into a full-on run or game of fetch. End your adventure with a calm walk to let their heart rate return to normal.
  

Recall & Leash Manners Refresher

With more wildlife emerging (rabbits, birds, or god forbid, snakes) and more people and dogs out and about, a reliable recall ability is more important than ever. Winter can make training skills a bit rusty. Spend some time in a secure area or on a long-line lead practicing these foundational cues. It will make any off-leash adventures much safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

 

The Unwanted Guests: Pests & Allergies

Unfortunately, we aren't the only ones who love the warmer weather. Spring is peak season for fleas, ticks, and mozzies, all of which pose significant health risks to our dogs.

Flea, Tick, and Worm Prevention

This is non-negotiable. Ticks can transmit dangerous illnesses, while fleas can cause intense discomfort, allergic reactions, and infestations in your home. Mosquitoes can carry heartworm and other dangerous diseases for your dog.

• Consult Your Vet: The first and most important step is to speak with your veterinarian. They will recommend the best preventative treatment for your dog based on their size, breed, and the specific risks in your geographical area.
• Check Daily: After every walk, especially if you’ve been in grassy or wooded areas, run your hands all over your dog's body. Pay close attention to the areas around their ears, under their collar, between their toes, and in their armpits (or "leg-pits!"). Also check for any grass seeds (after walks) that may have become embedded in your fur-babies skin on the walk, and these can lead to infection.
  

Seasonal Allergies

Dogs suffer from seasonal allergies, just like us, with some breeds more susceptible than others. Pollen from grasses, weeds, and trees can trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms of environmental allergies in dogs often manifest on their skin.

Watch out for:

• Excessive scratching or chewing
• Licking their paws constantly
• Red, inflamed skin (especially on the belly, paws, and ears)
• Rubbing their face on furniture or carpet
• Recurring ear infections
  

If you suspect your dog has allergies, a vet visit is in order. They can assess the allergy, and recommend ongoing treatment. To provide some immediate relief, you can wipe your dog's paws and coat with a damp cloth after they come inside to remove surface pollen.

 

The Great Spring Shed: Managing the Fur-pocalypse

As the days get longer and temperatures rise, most dogs will begin to shed their thick, protective winter undercoat to make way for a lighter summer coat. For owners of double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, or Kelpies, this can feel like a full-on "fur-pocalypse".

A proactive approach is key to keeping the fur bunnies from taking over your home:

• Brush, Brush, Brush: A consistent brushing routine is the single most effective way to manage shedding. During peak shedding season, daily brushing is ideal. This removes the loose, dead fur directly from your dog, preventing it from ending up on your clothes and furniture.
• The Right Tools for the Job: Not all brushes are created equal. A de-shedding tool or an undercoat rake is specifically designed to get deep into the coat and remove that dense winter fur. A slicker brush is great for finishing and removing tangles from the topcoat.
• Bath Time: A warm bath can help loosen up a significant amount of dead fur. Follow it up with a thorough brushing session (once your dog is completely dry) to get amazing results.

 

Spring Cleaning & Yard Safety

Our spring-cleaning rituals shouldn't stop at the backdoor. Your yard, which may have been a frozen tundra for months, is now a place of potential hazards.

Toxic Spring Plants

Many of the beautiful bulbs that herald the arrival of spring are unfortunately toxic to dogs. Be extremely cautious if you have these in your garden and ensure your dog doesn't dig them up or ingest them.

Common culprits include:

• Tulips
• Daffodils
• Crocuses
• Ivy
• Dracaena
  

If you suspect your dog has eaten any part of a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. We found the Animal Poisons Centre helpline a great help once or twice, they’re specialists, and this is a service many vets use themselves.

Lawn, Garden and Pest Chemicals

Fertilisers, pesticides, and weed killers can be highly toxic to pets. Always use pet-safe products and follow the instructions carefully, keeping your dog off any treated lawn for the recommended period after application. 

And be aware of near neighbours (or yourself!) getting the pest controllers in for the spring creepy crawlies. The pest controllers themselves should know how to be pet-safe, so follow their instructions, or even be extra cautious and control your pets' enviornment for a certain period.

 

Embrace the Season of Renewal

Spring is a magical time to be a dog owner. It’s a season of renewed energy, exploration, and strengthening the incredible bond you share with your companion. By taking a few proactive steps to prepare for the challenges, you clear the way for countless joyful moments.

So, check your gear, stock up on your preventatives, be aware some required behaviour and environment changes, and get those grooming tools ready. The sunny trails, green parks, and happy adventures are calling your name—and your dog is more than ready to answer.

Happy Spring!

Thank you for your time,

Sarah J

Is your gear ready for Spring? Spring is the perfect time to inspect your dog's equipment for any winter wear and tear or just a yearly renewal. Consider upgrading with products from Koji & Me (All Products), especially the ‘Get About Bottle’ for your longer walks.