How to Prepare Your Pets for Spring

Spring weather is just around the corner! Along with better weather, longer days, and more outdoor activities, the upcoming months have a lot of changes in store for our furry friends.

While you are spring cleaning this season, don’t forget to prepare your pups and kitties for the changes as well. Here are some things you can do to ensure that your pets are ready for springtime.

Pest Prevention and Healthcare

We aren’t the only ones emerging from winter hibernation when the seasons change. Pests, including fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and flies make their debut in warmer weather. Talk to your vet about the appropriate preventative care to protect your pets from these unwanted neighbors. Being proactive about pests will ensure you and your fur babies are safe for the year. This is also a good time for other preventative care such as deworming, teeth cleanings, and a yearly check-up.

Seasonal Allergies

April showers might bring May flowers, but May flowers (as well as many other allergens) can cause irritating seasonal allergies in humans, dogs, and cats alike. If your pet is prone to allergies, be sure to tidy up his or her surroundings (yes, your four-legged family members’ habitat needs spring cleaning, too). That includes washing bedding, sanitizing toys, and vacuuming dust and dander. If your pet experiences any itching, sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, or any other allergy symptoms, ask your vet about treatment for your pet!

Exercise and Wellness

Cold weather can inhibit you and your pets from going outside for exercise. That, and the busy holiday season, can contribute to pet weight gain during the winter. It is important to remember that if you haven’t kept up a regular workout schedule, neither has your pet. For dogs, gradually work up to a full exercise routine in order not to overwork your pup. Cats can partake in exercise wheels, cat trees, and even leash walking! This is the perfect time for outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy such as swimming, hiking, camping, and more.

Grooming

Another thing to remember is brushing. Your pet’s coat will start to shed at a rapid rate to get rid of that thick winter layer. Remember to brush and wash their coat to help with the excess fur and to decrease the number of airborne allergens that may have attached themselves throughout the day. Regular baths can ease the shedding and can provide some relief from the heat. Visiting your local groomer can provide much-needed amenities, including thorough fur cleaning, haircut, ear cleaning, and nail trim.