After what feels like a long winter, spring is finally creeping around the corner! Think blue skies, sunny walks and time spent sniffing all the new smells on your adventures. As the seasons shift, it's important to ensure our four-legged friends are prepared for the changes that come with it. Just like us, dogs can be affected by the transition to warmer weather. From allergies to possible encounters with parasites, there are several hazards to watch out for.
However, with a little preparation and some handy tips, you can help keep your canine companion happy, healthy, and ready to enjoy all the joys of spring. Below we cover a few things to watch out for.
Allergies
During springtime, dogs are susceptible to allergies triggered by pollen, grass, and other environmental allergens, leading to itching, sneezing, and skin irritation. To help alleviate these allergies, try to keep indoor air clean with air purifiers and wipe down their coat after being outdoors. It is essential to monitor your dog closely for signs of allergic reactions and check with your vet for ways to manage any allergies specific to your pup.
During this time especially, you can also give your dog the shield they need with our Proflax Immunity & Vitality! This natural supplement is free of additives and fillers, packed with Omega 3 & 6, and concentrated herbal tinctures, supporting their immune system and overall health. Suitable for adult dogs, it contains seven high-strength herbs chosen for maximum health benefits, promoting positive well-being in as little as seven days.
Parasites
In springtime, parasites like fleas and ticks become more active with the warmer sunshine and can become a problem when pup is enjoying the outdoors. Although not completely avoidable, it is essential to regularly check and protect our furry friends from these hitchhikers, to prevent discomfort and potential illnesses developing. You can use a vet-recommended preventive treatment such as topical solutions for the skin, medicated collars, or oral medications to keep things under control.
If your dog has picked up a tick, it's important to remove it promptly and carefully. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a specific tick removal tool, to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure. After removal, clean the area with antiseptic and monitor your dog for any signs of illness or allergic reactions. If you notice any concerning symptoms, or you are uncomfortable removing the tick, contact your vet for further guidance.
Regularly inspecting your dog's fur after outdoor activities as promptly removing any parasites can help prevent infestations and keep your pup healthy. To further protect your dog, try our Dermadog Insect Defence Spray. This natural defence spray helps protect your dog from fleas, ticks, flies, and mosquitoes. The combined essential oils create an aromatic blend that deodorise your dog, while deterring those pesky bugs. A win-win!
Heat-related issues
As temperatures start to rise in spring, dogs are at risk of heat-related issues such as dehydration, heatstroke, and burned paw pads from hot surfaces. It's important to provide plenty of shade, access to fresh water, and if it gets particularly hot outside, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. If possible, try adjusting your walk times, particularly during the spring when temperatures can rise quickly. Opting for early morning or late evening outings when it's cooler can help prevent heat-related issues and ensure a more enjoyable experience for both you and pup.
If your dog is showing signs of heatstroke, you will see excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy. If this happens, move them to a cool, shaded area, offer small amounts of water to drink rather than a huge bowl, and use cool (not cold) water to dampen their fur and gently lower their body temperature. If possible, seek some advice from your vet afterwards for further evaluation and treatment to prevent any complications from arising, or to identify any underlying issues.
To help keep your pup cool and entertained, try using our LickiMat® the classic food enrichment mat for cats and dogs. Freezing ingredients within the mats can provide a refreshing treat. With different surface patterns to suit various types of food, treats, and liquids, your cat or dog can enjoy the yummiest of goodies which take longer to eat and ultimately keeps them cool!
Grooming tips for the warmer weather
As the weather warms up, it's essential to adjust your dog’s grooming routine to keep your furry friend comfortable and to spot any arising allergies, parasites or irritations on their skin. Regular brushing sessions are essential to remove excess fur during this shedding season, helping to prevent matting and keep pup cool. Bathing routines should also be adjusted to include more frequent baths using lukewarm water and mild shampoos to remove dirt and allergens accumulated during outdoor fun. Whilst grooming, thoroughly check for and promptly remove ticks after outdoor adventures to protect our dogs from tick-borne diseases. To help with this, try our Dorwest Clean & Fresh Shampoo. Using the minty power of black peppermint essential oil, known to deter parasites, along with eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oils, this shampoo keeps your pet's coat fresh and clean. It also rinses easily, leaving no residue behind.
Seasonal toxins
And lastly, as plants begin to grow and gardening activities increase, dogs may encounter seasonal toxins such as certain plants, pesticides, and fertilisers, which can be harmful if ingested. Within your own garden, be vigilant about keeping toxic substances out of reach and be aware of potentially hazardous plants in their surroundings to prevent accidental poisoning. When out adventuring or on a daily walk around your neighbourhood, be mindful of any gardening activity and try to avoid curious noses finding harmful substances as you walk past. Similarly, if your dog has an allergy to grass, it could be time to change your walking route to avoid grass cuttings and high pollen areas.
If a dog has eaten something harmful, they may show a range of symptoms depending on what has been ingested. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, loss of appetite, tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, irregular heart rate, and in severe cases, collapse or unconsciousness. Additionally, you may observe behavioural changes such as restlessness, agitation, or excessive panting. Contact your vet immediately for guidance and be prepared to provide details such as the type of plant or substance eaten, the amount taken, and your dog's symptoms. Avoid inducing vomiting or giving any home remedies without professional advice, as they may worsen the situation.
Springtime is a wonderful season for exploring changes along your usual routes and for setting out on new adventures. By being aware of how this changing season can affect our four-legged companions we can ensure they also enjoy new activities outdoors in good health and comfort. Be mindful of rising temperatures, new parasites and harmful allergens that can come along for the adventure, keeping an eye on your pup’s fur and skin in their springtime grooming and removing anything potentially hazardous. Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and discuss any new issues with your vet, to keep activities enjoyable for everyone. Here’s to lots of spring sunshine walks and joyful moments outside.
