Spring has finally arrived and you’re no longer confined to chilly walks around the block. You might be ready to start enjoying your dog’s favourite parks again, but are they? Along with the flowers and spring blossoms come changes in temperature and environment, and there are some important things you should check off with the seasonal switch.

1. Your dog’s kingdom

Before you head out the front door, take a look out back. Depending on how tenacious winter has been, the state of your yard may have compromised the security of your fencing. Softer ground makes it easier for dogs to dig around the edges, and mud and long grass means you may not have noticed what they’ve been up to. It’s also a great opportunity to have a good look at the state of your dog’s kennel or outdoor living area and make sure that it’s a clean, healthy environment.

2. Shedding

As your carpet probably already knows, warmer weather causes dogs to start shedding, and for a good reason. It helps them regulate their temperature and stop them from overheating. A lot of breeds ‘blow’ their coat as Spring approaches, so this is the time to give them a good brush to remove excess fur. This is manual, time-consuming work, so you may want to consider getting your fur baby off to a good start in the warmer weather with a trip to the doggy parlour for professional grooming.

3. Allergies

Yes, your furry pals can get seasonal allergies just like humans can! Being vigilant about symptoms is key, as the solution can be as easy as adapting your walking route, or cleaning their paws once you’re home to fight the pesky prevalence of pollen. If symptoms go ignored it can lead to infection. Tell-tale signs are excessive or obsessive scratching or licking, redness, and shedding excessively in one spot (particularly around the ears).

4. Pest patrol

Spring means more plants, more food, and more bugs that are looking for a home! Make sure you check your dog’s coat regularly to make sure no unwelcome visitors have made a nest in your pet’s fur. Now is also a good time to protect your pet against fleas and ticks.

5. Visit your vet

Preventative care is always better than a reactive visit to the vet. Make sure all of your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and be sure to take them to a vet sooner rather than later if you suspect that they might not be a hundred per cent. These are your best bets at keeping your best friend safe against spring-related ailments and pests, especially as your vet will be able to spot any potential issues quicker a lot quicker than you can.

Can you think of something we’ve missed? Let us know on Facebook.