March 15, 2019

You have to love the Vancouver weather. One day we get snow, the next it’s a beautiful sunny day. As the days become longer, you’ll be spending more time outside with your dog. However, the more time you walk and hike, the more your dog will be exposed to fleas, ticks, and parasites which also love the warmer weather. Here are some things that you need to watch out for to help you and your dog have a successful, stress-free Spring.

Parasites

Ticks, fleas, and parasites all need a host animal to latch onto and your dog is a prime target for these little creatures. Fleas are common and can be annoying, but thankfully they are easy to treat. Similar to head lice, fleas live on dogs’ fur and quickly multiply. If left untreated, they can easily get out of control and cause health issues. Fleas are also known to carry disease which they can pass onto their host so once you spot them, get rid of them immediately.

Spring Grooming

Dogs tend to shed their winter coat as the temperature warms up which means a little extra grooming might be necessary. You can either take your dog to a professional or do a little trim yourself.  Either way, your dog will look and feel better. While you are at it, check your dog’s nails. They could probably use a good trim.

Collars and Identification

In the winter, dogs tend not to stray far from home but in the Spring they can sometimes wander off and get lost. You should ensure that your dog has a collar and name tag. Make sure that it is snug but not too tight. Check that your contact information is still clear and visible.  If your dog loves to travel far, you might also decide to invest in a GPS tracker. With these trackers, you can instantly see where your dog is by using the app on your phone.

Allergies

When we think of allergies, we usually don’t think of pets, but they can have allergies just as easily as humans can. While sometimes pets sneeze, a lot of allergies occur through skin irritation. Watch for excessive scratching or red areas. If you suspect your dog or cat has an allergy, speak with your local vet about treatment.

Conclusion

While Spring is still not officially here for another couple of days, it’s time to think about what you’re going to do with the sunnier weather. Plan ahead and be prepared for any dangers that might arise with a new season approaching. If you need to make an appointment give us a call at Cypress St. Animal Hospital by clicking the link HERE