With spring weather right around the corner, temperatures will climb and outdoors activities will return in full force, bringing new threats to household pets. Here are 5 ways pet owners can prepare their pets for the change in season.
1.Get Back on Track with Parasite Prevention.
During winter time, fleas and ticks are dormant outside, but when it gets warmer outside, they will come back out.
However, this winter season, we have seen very mild weather, and have seen fleas and ticks all winter. This is why it’s a good idea to keep pets on preventative medications all year-round.
2.Watch Out for Allergies.
With grasses, flowers and trees bloom in the spring season, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies just like people.
Itchy skin and/or ear infections are typically what allergies look like in pets. If you see any signs of excessive scratching or ear troubles in your pet, contact your veterinarian for medical advice and/or treatment.
While you are doing your spring cleaning, don’t forget to wash your pet’s collars, toys and bedding.
Winter can bring dust and allergens that can affect your pets as well. It’s a great time to clean!
3.Let’s Shed That Winter Weight
Like most of us, pets tend to gain weight during the winter season as a result of a decreased activity. As warmer weather approaches, it’s time to get active and start shedding those pounds.
However, it’s important to slowly introduce activity back into your pet’s schedule to prevent any injuries. Your pet will eventually get that summer body.
4.Consider Getting a Microchip.
We all love to spend time outdoors, although it takes two seconds for a pet to get out of the fence, yard or break out of the leash. A microchip is a great way to identify your pet in case they get out of your sight and found by someone else.
5.Grooming
With the weather warming up, you will start to notice your pets shedding their winter coats. To help cut down on the shedding at home, you can brush regularly with a brush or a de-shedding tool, bathe and scrub with shampoo and conditioner specifically for a pet, a complete shave down and a good message to shake off any of the loose furs. Having your pet regularly groomed by a professional can also help with shedding around your home.
Written by Monica Blanchard, RVT