Is Your Pet Ready for Spring?

Spring is in the air! This means lots of walks, playing fetch, and exploring with your four-legged friends. The sunny weather, blooming flowers, and singing birds are so tempting, even cats start demanding time outside. Yet, warmer weather is also a reminder of some seasonal troubles for our canine companions, such as pests and allergies.

As a pet parent, you should prepare your pet for spring and ensure your doggy and kitty are safe and have fun.

Here is a quick checklist to help your pet enjoy the brighter season to the fullest.

Groom it up

Warmer weather means lots of shedding. Our furry friends get rid of their winter coats for the sleek, thinner attire. For pet parents, this means lots and lots of hair around the house. A regular bath and brush will help keep your home clean and your pet happy. You can also pay a visit to a pet groomer to get your pet star service that includes washing, haircuts, nail trimming, and even teeth cleaning!

Ensure tick and flea control

Spring is the time when ticks and fleas are on the prowl. Those blood-suckers can carry harmful parasites, so paw-rents should be vigilant. While it's a good idea to keep your four-legged friends on preventative medications all year-round, using tick and flea control, such as rinses or tablets, in warmer weather is very important.

Take action on worms

Apart from fleas and ticks, the other problem you have to take care of is worms. Tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms can become a problem in warmer months. One of the largest dangers to a pet’s health is dirofilaria immitis, or heartworms, which spread through mosquito bites. Be proactive and make sure your cat or dog has been dewormed for the season.

Watch out for allergies

With grass, flowers, and trees abloom in spring, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies, just like we humans do. Keep an eye out for excessive scratching, licking, or hair loss, as these can be classic signs of allergies. If your pet develops any of the symptoms, take them to the vet immediately.

Update your shots

In warmer seasons, your animals hang out a lot with other pets that may or may not have been properly vaccinated. Before you start spending more time at dog parks or join other fun pet activities in the neighborhood, make sure your pets have gotten their shots and are protected from infectious diseases.

Pet vaccination is important, but not every pet needs to be vaccinated against every disease. Schedule a vet checkup to ensure that your pet’s necessary vaccines are all updated.

Bonding with your pets outdoors during the warmer months can be just as fun for pet parents as it is for the pets themselves. With a little prep, you can have true peace of mind and be ready to fully enjoy this awesome time of the year!