Spring With Your Pets

Spring is finally here, and it’s a great time to enjoy the weather with your dog. If you’re the spring cleaning type, it’s also a good time to refresh your home and get yourself and your pets ready for the warm weather ahead. So, here are five things you might want to do for your pets in spring:
1-Make a grooming appointment. At our house, grooming means me giving the dogs a bath in the yard, and letting the cats tend to themselves. In spring, dogs might need an extra nail trimming, too, if they went on fewer walks (which can naturally wear down nails) during the winter.  Also, as embarrassing as it may be for your dog, it may be time to excise those anal glands.   I know, not the most romantic aspect of owning a dog; but still a point to consider.  They're no happier about this than you are, but better to get those glands cleaned than see your "Little Precious" scooting her hind end across your freshly cleaned carpet.
2-Get a jump on fleas. If you like to use holistic/natural products to treat your home, yard and pets for fleas, early spring is the time to think about getting started. There are non-toxic powders you can use to treat your carpets and even your hardwood floors, there are beneficial nematodes for your yard and even sprays for your pet’s bedding and your pet — but you’ll want to start using these products early in the season for maximum effectiveness. I have learned to avoid any of those mass advertised drops for fleas.  They tend to irritate both of my dogs skin and send them into a lather. Best to use regular baths, powder their bods and bedding, flea collars and oral medication.  If you notice fleas on your pets don't waste time in eradicating the little bastards.  Not only can they make your pets itchy and irritable...they can cause intestinal worms and diahrrea.  3-Make landscaping or gardening plans with your pets in mind. Did you know there are many plants that are toxic to pets? For example, that bright yellow flower that signals spring has arrived — the Daffodil — is toxic to both cats and dogs (as well as horses.) The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which runs a pet poison control hotline, provides a resource on plants that are toxic and non-toxic to pets. Don’t worry — there are many beautiful plants that won’t hurt your pet.
4-Do a spring cleaning. Spring is a good time to give your pets’ favorite items a good cleaning (it’s surprising how much hair can accumulate in the crevices of a pet bed) and to go through their toys and other items. If you have toys sitting around that your pet doesn’t like or play with — or even treats or pet care products you’re not using — consider donating them to your local animal rescue or shelter.
5-Get out and have fun. Spring is such a wonderful time of year. So, open a window for your cat to get some fresh air or take a long walk with your dog.