When spring arrives, it’s perfectly natural to adapt your habits and routines to soak up all the season has to offer—and you aren’t the only one. From shedding their winter coats to having more energy to get out in the beautiful weather, our dogs can change in spring, too. Yet, even as all the excitement of the spring beckons, it’s essential to help your dog stay on an even keel. Sit Means Sit Philadelphia can help with that. Take a closer look at some common changes that can affect dogs in the spring and consider how you can help your pup work through them with continued dog training.
How Spring Affects Your Dog
Changes in Energy Levels & Behavior
You’ve probably heard of spring fever. It’s that strange feeling of restlessness, stimulation and increased excitement that often accompanies the arrival of beautiful weather and longer days. Dogs can be just as susceptible to this excitement as humans. Still, it’s important to help them not give in to hyperactivity and wild urges. Ease into longer walks and play sessions that still give your pup ample time to have fun and explore. This helps keep them from getting overwhelmed, anxious and over-tired while giving you opportunities to reinforce obedience commands and help your dog stay focused.
Spring Shedding
It’s normal for many dogs to shed a lot during the spring and summer. Many dogs grow thicker coats during the colder months—think of it as their own set of winter threads—which then fall off with the return of warm weather. A good grooming routine with regular brushing and shampooing can help you control shedding, prevent matted fur and reduce the risk of dry skin. Keep in mind, though, that if your dog’s fur appears patchy or excessively shed, it might signal an underlying problem, such as skin conditions or an allergic reaction. Consult your vet if you have concerns about your dog’s shedding.
Seasonal Allergies
Pollen and other seasonal allergens can do just as much of a number on your dog’s sinuses as they can on yours. The myriad problems they might trigger include sneezing, excessive scratching, hives, watery eyes and ear infections (sounds familiar, right?). There are many ways to help your dog overcome spring allergies, such as regularly washing their bedding, wiping down their fur and paws after walks, and using hypoallergenic shampoos and grooming products. If their allergies appear exceptionally severe, your veterinarian may be able to recommend medications or other treatments to help fight the condition.
Adjusting Your Dog’s Routine for Spring
Increase Outdoor Activity Safely
No one wants to get outside in the beautiful spring weather more than your dog. Still, it’s not a good idea to let them burst into the open and run wild on the first nice day. After all, letting them do too much too quickly could lead to overexertion and other bad behaviors. It’s a better idea to gradually increase your pup’s exercise time as the spring goes on. Think of it as spring conditioning for your dog. In fact, spring is an excellent time to work on leash training your dog and build their tolerance for longer excursions. Don’t forget to watch for common hazards like heat exhaustion, animal bites, and paw injuries that could threaten your dog when they venture out this season.
Brush Up on Training and Socialization
After a season of isolation indoors, your dog might need to firm up its social skills around other people and animals. The new or unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells accompanying spring excursions could make your dog overreact in ways ranging from friendliness to aggression. However, working on structured training may help your dog refamiliarize themself with essential obedience and behavioral skills that can give them more confidence to face the world. Areas to focus on may include off-leash and loose-leash walking, recall commands and calm greetings.
Spring Safety Tips for Your Dog
Remember Flea, Tick & Heartworm Prevention
Being outdoors and around other animals often increases your dog’s risk of contracting common pests like fleas, ticks and heartworms. If you’re wondering how to protect your dog from these creepy crawlies in the spring, never fear. On the one hand, regular grooming and a healthy diet are often your pup’s first line of defense. Moreover, preventive medication and treatment are also essential to helping your dog avoid these pests. Speak to your vet about the best treatment and prevention options for your dog.
Beware of Seasonal Hazards
Enjoying spring’s beautiful weather can pose various safety risks for dogs. Just a few of these include:
- Toxic Plants: Azaleas, tulips, daffodils and other foliage can harm dogs if ingested, and you should always stop your pup from consuming these plants.
- Pesticides & Fertilizers: Treated lawns can contain toxins that might irritate your dog’s paws, get under their fur and pose poison risks. Keep your dog away from fertilized areas to reduce these risks.
- Standing Water: Everything from puddles to local lakes can carry harmful bacteria and parasites. Never let your dog drink from these sources and always wash them thoroughly if they get wet.
- Hot Cars: Leaving pets in a hot car is very dangerous (plus, it’s illegal in many jurisdictions). Never leave your dog in a car without leaving a window cracked and providing food and water (at a minimum).
- Hot Pavements: Scorching pavements can burn your dog’s paws, so you should always encourage them to stay on the grass and other cooler surfaces as temperatures rise.
- Dangerous Animals: Your dog may encounter bites or communicable disease risks from other dogs and wildlife. Training them to follow your commands around other animals helps ensure their safety.
Don’t Forget Hydration and Heat Management
Risks like heat exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke can threaten dogs as much as humans. If the weather is too hot for humans, it’s too hot for dogs. When you go outside, ensure your dog drinks plenty of water and has access to shady spaces to cool off. It’s often a good idea to never let your dog outdoors for more than 10-15 minutes at a time on hot days.
Help Your Dog Make The Most Out of Spring
Spring opens up countless new opportunities for you and your dog, but it’s still important to adopt plenty of good habits and practices to keep you and your pup safe (and sane) this season. Whether it’s adjusting your seasonal routines, following spring safety practices or keeping an eye out for changes in your dog’s behavior, there are plenty of ways to make the spring a success for your pup. If you need extra support this time of year, Sit Means Sit Philadelphia proudly offers robust training and behavior modification services for dogs of all ages, breeds and dispositions. Schedule your free evaluation today and help your dog stay on track.
