Pet Care Articles
After a dreary winter, prepare your pet for warmer weather by following these 9 tips...
1) Visit the Vet
Schedule an appointment to see your pet’s veterinarian. Bi-annual exams are the best way to ensure that any potentially life-threatening condition is detected early. At this time of the year, have your pet’s doc give him a blood test for heartworm, in order to prescribe a preventive program.
2) Groom Your Pet
What a great time for a makeover! Have a groomer revitalize your pet’s fur and trim those winter-ravaged ends.
3) Flea & Tick Protection
When you choose a flea treatment, recognize the importance of killing not just adult fleas but also the eggs or larvae. The Advocacy for Pets and Affordable Wellness (APAW), a national coalition of pet owners and advocates dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of America’s pets, encourage pet owners to save money by searching out quality and vet-grade flea and tick products at superstores like Costco and Walmart
4) Pet Proof Your Yard
In the spring, garden chores the likes of cleaning up from winter; preparing soil for planting; buying flowers, plants and trees; safeguarding property from insects; mulching; securing yard fencing; preparing the pool and caring for gardening and other tools can be dangerous for your pet. Before working in the yard, consider your pet’s safety as well as other animals that could wander onto your property.
5) Safe Spring Cleaning
Although spring cleaning may mean a deep cleaning of your home, use non-toxic products so that you can create a healthy and environmentally friendly atmosphere for the two and four-legged members of your family.
6) Cope with Pet Allergies
Like humans, pets suffer from seasonal allergies, too. Symptoms include: watery eyes, runny noses, sneezing, and itchy skin. Pet allergists recommend walking pets early in the morning and late at night when the pollen count is down as well as wiping off pets before they come in the house to avoid spreading allergens throughout your home, making their conditions worse. Treatment for pet allergies is similar to treatment for humans. Allergy testing, shots, antihistamines, air-filters and humidifiers are available but speak to your vet to determine the best health strategy for your dog or cat.
7) Get Your Pet Active
After a sedentary winter, your dog may have packed on the pounds. Feed your animal the recommended serving sizes of pet food and limit treats and other snacks. With warm weather here, you can also use the opportunity to get your pet exercising at least 30-60 minutes a day.
8) Cope with Pet Shedding
In the spring, all dogs and cats (except hairless breeds like a Sphinx or an American Hairless Terrier) lose their winter coats and begin to shed. Unfortunately, shedding hair is one of the biggest annoyances to pet owners. Regular bathing, grooming and supplementing their diets with Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids will keep their coats healthy and shiny
9) Update Your Pet's Gear
With the change of season, it is always a good time to replace worn and frayed leashes, harnesses and collars. Also, update ID tags and microchip database date to keep your pet safe should he get lost.