Spring is in the air, Everywhere you look around….
Thank Heavens the weather has definitively turned. As we all wake up and step outside we need to be aware of some of the most common things that pop up in the spring, other than tulips.
Woodland Creatures – We aren’t the only ones to poke our noses out and realize that its time to get moving. This is a time of excitement and confusion for our outdoor friends. The long hibernation, food is only just emerging from the ground and trees, excitement about procreation can all have our little friends wandering out onto the trails and not necessarily reacting the way they normally would if they meet your family pet. Keep an extra eye on your cats and dogs when in the yard and keep them leashed when out walking. Guests here at the dog hotel and cat hotel only venture into our fenced yards after safety checks to ensure we haven’t had a wild visitor join us by mistake.
Watch for seasonal allergies and sensitive skin – The change of season can cause seasonal allergies for our dogs and cats just as they do for us humans. Skin irritation is the most common sign of seasonal allergies in our pets. Itchy dry skin can cause your pet to be more prone to rashes and possibly skin infections. Not to mention it is terribly annoying for them to have to suffer with the discomfort.
Also don’t forget about that winter coat. Their coat grew in thicker over the winter and as they try to shed it, they will have perspiration sitting against their skin. Brushing or if necessary shaving does help to alleviate that discomfort and eliminate the possible breeding ground for rashes.
We have many guests who arrive for Dog Boarding Barrie and Dog Boarding Toronto who bring antihistamines, sometimes anti-inflammatories or special shampoos to help get them through the spring season.
Watch for what the snow left behind – Pet Parents should be mindful of pooches ingesting all the aromatic (some may say disgusting) treasures left behind by the melting snow. Everything from old leaves, sticks, garbage to little chocolate presents left by other creatures (okay poo).
Decaying plant matter can cause very serious upset tummy and diarrhea potentially requiring veterinary intervention. And we probably don’t have to say too much about poop eating other than besides the obvious downfalls, some very deadly diseases can be transferred through fecal matter.
Vaccination time – Fleas, ticks and potentially heartworm and leptospirosis are just some of things becoming active in the warmer weather. Wildlife carry fleas, its a fact, so if you walk your pet anywhere that wildlife may be, then watch for fleas. Just remember that even in the city, creatures are walking through your backyard at night. Spring is a great time to have a check up and discuss with your Vet if and how you will handle any of the things that could befall your pet while getting out and about enjoying life. Your Vet is there to help make sure they continue that enjoyment.
Now get out there and enjoy!
…..Jenn Dahinten is part of the care giving team at The Royal Pets Hotel and Spa located just north of Toronto in the beautiful Barrie countryside.
Whether pets are here from Barrie, Newmarket, Toronto even Sudbury for Dog Boarding or Cat boarding, we do everything possible to maintain a clean, healthy and enjoyable outdoor paradise for our guests.