For the Love of Vets

4 Smart Tips For Taking Care Of Your Dog This Spring

7 May 2020

Erin Steeves

As spring warms up and more days are warm and sunny instead of cold and chilly, it is time to get outside and get more active with your dog. As spring arrives, there are several things you can do to take care of your dog.

Smart Tip #1: Treat Your Dog for Heartworm

You should be treating your dog throughout the year for heartworm. However, if you have slacked off in treating your dog with heartworm prevention medication, you are going to want to get back on track, as the chance of getting heartworm increases as your dog spends more time outside and the temperatures get warm.

If your dog is off their heartworm medication, take them to the vet to get tested for heartworm before putting them back on the medication.

Smart Tip #2: Protect Your Dog from Fleas and Ticks

As your dog spends more time outside, they are going to encounter fleas and ticks, which is why you need to make sure you are protecting your dog against fleas and ticks. This can be achieved through medication or collars that repel fleas and ticks.

You can also work to keep the vegetation around your home short so that ticks don't have anywhere to hide around your home.

Smart Tip #3: Gradually Increase Your Activity Level

Third, if you have been spending all fall and winter only taking your dog outside to go to the bathroom, don't expect your dog to go on a five-mile run with you on the first warm day. Just like humans, your dog can get both in and out of shape.

If your dog has not been that active during the cold months, gradually increase your dog's activity level as it warms up outside. This will help your dog get back into shape.

Smart Tip #4: Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Finally, as it warms up outside, make sure you keep your dog hydrated. Dogs do not sweat like people do, so they need to drink lots of water and do a lot of panting in order to keep their body cool when they work out and are outside.

Make sure your dog always has access to water, and when you leave the house, always bring water and a dish to keep your dog cool.

Take care of your dog this spring by protecting them against heartworm, fleas, and ticks. Gradually increase your dog's activity as it gets warmer outside, and be sure to keep your dog well-hydrated.

To learn more, contact an animal hospital near you.

Share  

Search