As the weather begins to warm up, your dog inevitably starts spending more time in the great outdoors. After being cooped up during the winter, they are excited to take advantage of the long, warmer days to release all their pent-up energy. As pet owners, we must ensure our beloved furry friends remain safe and healthy with the change of season.
Here are four ways to keep your pet protected and healthy this spring so they can enjoy their time outdoors!
1)Update Vaccinations
Spring is a good time to check and ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. Dog to dog contact increases in the spring and continues into the summer months. Your dog is exposed to more infectious diseases during this time of year. For example, many veterinary clinics start to see an increased incidence of kennel cough in the spring because of increasing dog-to-dog contact. Getting your dog up to date with their vaccines can save them from unwanted health concerns.
2)Don’t Forget About Heartworm
Depending on where you live, mosquitoes start becoming more active, and they can transmit heartworm disease. Generally, heartworm preventative medication should be given year-round to prevent infection. Despite this, some pet owners do not give heartworm preventatives in the winter, so spring is a good time of year to make sure your dog has been checked for heartworm and is current on their preventative medication.
3) Be Aware of Fleas and Ticks
Along with pesky mosquitoes, fleas and ticks appear when the weather warms up. Various products are available to combat these nuisances. However, I only recommend Revolution or Frontline Gold or Frontline Plus and NO oral flea or tick medications. Start early as preventing ticks and fleas from becoming a problem is far easier than dealing with a major flea infestation. Get into the habit of regularly checking your dog for ticks. Ticks are typically found around the head, ears, neck, chest, and forelegs.
4)Get Pet-Friendly Plants
Spring for some people means it is time to start planning your garden. Selecting plants that are safe for dogs is crucial. Keep in mind that some dogs enjoy digging, so avoid planting toxic bulbs such as hyacinths, tulips, daffodils, and certain lilies. Fertilizers and mulch can be toxic, so store them in an inaccessible area like a shed when not in use and do not allow your dog in the garden area.
Now that you know all the rules to keep your pets safe and healthy this spring, it’s the perfect time to get a new furry family member! Here at Blue Star Labradoodles, we provide exceptional Multi-Generation Australian Labradoodle Puppies that make perfect additions to your household.
Call us today at (509)979-0949 to learn how you can reserve a puppy from our next litter!
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