Here in Maryland the grass is turning deep green, flowers are starting to blossom, the trees are budding, and there is a frost warning tomorrow. That can mean only one thing... Summer is finally almost here!
This is definitely one of my favorite times of year. You can feel the excitement as kids start breaking out skateboards and bicycles and you step outside and hear lawn mowers buzzing and houses up and down most streets are in the throws of spring/summer prep, either edging gardens or tossing down fertilizer and mulch. One day its warm enough for shorts and the Maryland staple, flip flops, and the next morning there is a thin layer of frost on the grass. Despite old man winter trying to push off summer with the random morning frost we are quickly headed towards hot, long summer days, and vacations. That also means its not too early to start thinking about what you might want to consider doing for your four legged family members ahead of the heat and change of season.
1) Consider taking your dog to a groomer. People start working out feverishly in preparation for the warmer weather, go to tanning salons and make sure nails are manicured. The same mindset should resonate with pet owners. A good scrub with a hypoallergenic shampoo followed by a thorough brushing will help ensure that old fur is removed helping keep your pet cooler and it will help release natural oils to help keep furry coats looking great. This will also help cut down on shedding which can become out-of-control with some dog breeds. It is also a wonderful time to get nails trimmed, anal sacks expressed and ears checked (a definite with any long eared pups and hound breeds).
2) Don't expect fido to be ready to start jogging 5 miles with you because the weather breaks next weekend. Unless you have been regimented with your pet's exercise over the winter your four-legged friends will be out of shape. Allow them to get back into an exercise routine. Start out with a daily walk gradually increasing distance until you hit a comfortable pace and time to maintain. Also recognize that some breeds simply aren't meant to keep you company when you go for a jog. Taking your Dachshund for a 3 mile jog isn't going to work.
3) Swimming and other water exercises are a lot of fun when are pets can participate but keep in mind that its always wise to allow your pets to get acclimated not only to surroundings but to the water you so desperately want them to leap into with you. Crowded lakes and some beaches are stressful for dogs so its best to make sure that your animal is used to be socialized with other people and pets and that you give your dog some time to get used to the water, particularly in late Spring/early Summer.
4) If you are fortunate enough to own a boat make sure that you have enough life preservers for everyone, including your four-legged family members and guests. While swimming comes naturally for dogs they are not made to swim for extended periods of time so a life preserver is a must.
5) Plan ahead when it comes to vacations. Many of our clients prefer to leave their pets at home where they are comfortable and we love getting the opportunity to provide TLC while you are away but it always works best if you book in advance. Similarly, if you are taking your pets with you lay out your trip well in advance. Find hotels that will allow pets to stay with you. Too many times we see owners leave dogs/cats in kennels in cars overnight. There are several sites that provide listings of pet friendly hotels including www.petswelcome.com, www.pet-friendly-hotels.net, and even some chains feature listings of properties that allow pets, like http://www.marriott.com/hotel-search/pet-friendly.hotels/.
6) Make the spring and summer months more pleasurable for everyone by keeping your pet's medications up-to-date, particularly if your pets will be spending significant time outside. Traditional flea and tick products like Frontline and Advantage as well newer oral medications like Nexguard and Comfortis are good to consider. Similarly, heartworm prevention should be considered leveraging products like Heartgard or Revolution. Some pets will exhibit bad allergies including runny noses, discharge and skin conditions. Consider having Diphenhydramine on hand and a medicated hypoallergenic pet shampoo nearby. Giving your pet Omega 3 tablets is also a way to help ward off skin ailments.
7) Last but not least make sure you always have water nearby. If you plan to take your furry family members hiking or to the beach or simply hanging in the backyard be sure you have ample water for all of them! Dogs have a very difficult time regulating their body heat during the summer months.
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