K-9 LifeSavers

Spring has sprung! Many of us take actions to protect ourselves from allergies, prepare our lawns and gardens for the new season, and even take part in a classic Spring cleaning. Despite the fact that many of us love our K-9s more than anything else in this world, helping them transition into spring isn't always on our to do list.  Here are some tips and things to keep in mind to keep your K-9 safe and healthy this spring:

• Shedding: You may have been aware of more hair than usual in your home, as many dogs shed in spring.  Shedding is a natural transition through the seasons, but the dry winter coat can often cause mats and tangle as it falls out.  Gentle, regular brushing will help restore oils to the new coat, stimulate the skin and prevent the dreaded dreads of an unkempt coat. 
  * If your dog has an especially dry coat or abnormal amount of mats, you may want to discuss canine Omega 3 capsules with your vet to help this transitional period along.
• Exercise: Just like many of us, the warmer weather makes dogs a little frisky and they seem anxious to get outside and burn energy. However, just like humans that need to work up to an exercise routine, so do dogs, especially if the winter months created an a bit extra weight for them.  Enjoy walks in the sunshine and games of fetch in the park, but build up gradually.
• Allergies: Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies, which can also change from puppy to adulthood. Pollen from the flowering trees, dandelions and tulips, dust, mold and even insects can cause allergic reactions such as itching, coughing, sneezing, flaky skin or an oily-feeling coat.  If you see these systems, discuss with your vet to get a prescription for a canine allergy medicine - NEVER try to medicate your dog with human medicine.
• Plants & Mulch: Spring bulbs often attract curious dogs, but be aware of the plants in your yard.  Many spring bulbs fall into the allium (onion) family and are toxic to dogs. Also be aware of the mulch you are using, "cocoa mulch" is also highly toxic to dogs, but tends to attract their curiosity.  You best bet is to keep your dog out of your flower beds regardless of what's in them, but especially for those with extremely curious dogs, be aware of what you do have in your yard.
• Lawn Chemicals: Many people do a lot of lawn treatments in the spring as well as using herbicides and pesticides to kill insects and weeds.  Ideally this results in a lush lawn that your dog cannot wait to run on and roll around in as it's a refreshing change from the dead thatch of winter. Unfortunately pesticides, herbicides and dogs don't go together.  Be mindful of instructions when you treat your own lawn, of how long to keep your dog from playing in it, and be aware of signs that other people have recently treated their own yard and keep your dog clear.

By thinking ahead, dog owners can head off problems and help their dogs get the most out of getting out and about in spring.