Veterinarian Lists Tips to Prepare Pups for a Social and Active Spring

If you're as tired of cold, gloomy weather and ready for springtime, fresh air and sunshine, think about how ready your dog must be too!

Whether you're getting ready to hit the dog park or just going in your own backyard for a game of frisbee with your pup, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Physical rehabilitation veterinarian, Kelly Fishman, DVM owner, Strut Animal Mobility gave us their best tips to get our dogs ready for all of the warmer weather fun.

Keep Your Dog Strong and Get Moving (Slowly)

There is old vet wisdom that says springtime is when dogs get new injuries. There is a good reason as dogs, who are pent up and kept inside for winter, start gaining weight and losing muscle are then suddenly active in Spring. Out of shape dogs are more susceptive to injury.

Prevent injuries by keeping your dog’s muscles strong with protein supplements. My favorite is MYOS which is clinically proven to prevent muscle loss. I suggest pet parents start supplementing around Thanksgiving to reduce muscle loss associated with winter inactivity.

Another tip, slowly increase activity to build endurance. Build up to longer walks and hikes by adding 5 minutes of activity weekly. This will help your dog build the strength and endurance needed for injury prevention.

Related: Dog Walkers Post Epic Video of Their Pack and It's Truly Jaw-Dropping

Be Wary Of Allergies

While dust mites are a top allergen in winter, dogs with allergies to trees and grasses suffer in Spring. Pet parents should watch out for paw and fur licking, hair loss, and scratching. If noted, give your dog relief from allergies by talking with your vet about prescriptions and other products that help allergies.

Exposure to cold dry air, indoor heat, and winter weather can lead to dry skin and fur. You can provide internal hydration with foods and supplements rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Healthy skin handles allergens better. Bathing weekly to monthly with hydrating, non-irritating shampoos is helpful by rinsing allergens from the fur.

Be Mindful of Toxic Spring Plants

Gardens and parks are in bloom with new plants and flowers, and curious dogs can get into trouble by eating toxic plants. Pet parents should be aware that Lilies, Hyacinths, Irises, Tulips, Daffodils, Sago Palms, and Azaleas are toxic. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is a resource for more information.

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Don't Forget Those Pesky Pests

Spring is the time when ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes become active and pose a risk of transmitting disease. Flea, tick and heart worm preventatives are readily available, and pet parents should keep their dogs on these preventatives year-round. Dog owners should check their dogs for ticks and fleas after walks and hikes.

In warmer parts of the country with a rainy winter, there is a higher potential for outbreaks of leptospirosis (lepto). This is a bacteria that survives in water and mud contaminated with infected urine. A dog with a small cut on their paw can be infected by walking through a contaminated puddle, water pooled on a sidewalk or in a park, or around a sprinkler head. Pet parents should ask their vet for leptospirosis vaccination as part of routine vaccinations.

Contagious Coughing and Respiratory Diseases

Diligent pet parents may have heard about the mystery dog illness causing coughing, eye and nose discharge, and in some cases phenomena. Top veterinary hospitals and the USDA are working on identifying the cause of the sickness. Until we know what the cause is you can ensure you are keeping your dog safe by bringing your own water bowl, avoid contact with dogs that are coughing, sneezing or have nasal discharge. If your dog is coughing, tired, or eating less, contact your vet and let them know if there is a possibility your dog has a contagious respiratory disease.

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