Never leave your dog out in the sun too long. Dogs can get sunburned, just like people. Provide lots of shade for your pet, and always provide plenty of cool, clean water to prevent dehydration.
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Regular brushing will help keep shedding under control. Shedding increases in the spring as dogs lose their winter coats. To keep your dog neat and clean make sure to brush all the way down to the skin, letting the massaging action stimulate blood circulation and loosen and remove dead hair and dandruff.
Clean your dog's feet: Often dog lovers refer to springtime as "mud season", referencing many a paw print smudged floor. As a preventative measure when your dog returns from a rambunctious outdoor rollup, greet them at the door and gently clean each paw with a damp cloth, being sure to get in between the toes to remove mud and debris.
Dogs can have severe allergic reactions to insect bites. If you notice your dog becoming acutely swollen in the muzzle, or developing hives, it is best to get him/her treated as soon as possible. If left untreated, the inflammatory response can cause severe illness and respiratory distress.
Bite wounds are one of the season’s most common emergencies.Make sure your pet’s rabies vaccination is up-to-date in case of such an encounter.
Puppies:
Puppies less than four months old aren’t fully immunized yet and are at higher risk for contracting diseases. Leave small puppies at home. They are also very vulnerable to being traumatized by another dog’s aggressive behavior.
Food/Toys:
Do not bring toys or food. Most parks are already littered with balls and toys that other people have brought. Rewarding your dog with treats or giving him toys in front of other dogs can create jealousy and aggression.
Body language:
Educate yourself about dog body language and communication signals so you can tell the difference between fear, play and anger. Our trainers can help you learn to “read” your dog’s body language.
Know when to leave:
You should remove your dog from the park if he is being threatened or bullied and seems fearful; begins to display aggressive behavior by becoming overexcited or threatening toward other dogs; is panting heavily; or seems overly tired. Keep your dog’s welfare a top priority.
DO NOT physically intervene in a dog fight:
Never reach in to break up fighting dogs. Squirt the dogs in the face with a water bottle or try to distract them by throwing something near them, but never physically intervene.
Prevent injuries:
Be aware of the signs of a possible dog fight before it might happen. Don’t allow a dog’s overexcitement turn into a fight. If your dog injures a person or dog, give your name and phone number to the injured party. Report to law enforcement authorities any handlers who refuse to take liability for damages or injuries and who are endangering the safety of others.
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Consult with your veterinarian about seasonal medications to keep your pet healthy. For example, in many parts of the country, heartworm medications for dogs are often discontinued in the winter. Springtime is the season to restart this medication to keep your dog free of this parasite. But keep in mind that manufacturer’s instructions warn that heartworm medications should not be given without first visiting your veterinarian to ensure that your pet has not developed the heartworm.
Maintain a moderate temperature in your house and leave coolwater for your pets.
Please keep an eye out for any of the below hazardous situation that your dog may find him/herself into.
Rat and mouse poisons
Controlling vermin becomes an issue again in the spring. Be aware that the same properties of common rat and mouse poisons that make them irresistible to pests will also attract your pet. If consumed, these can be fatal to your animal.
Cleaning products
Spring cleaning is an annual tradition in many households, but make sure the cleaning products don’t hurt your animals. If the label states “keep pets and children away from area until dry” follow those instructions carefully, and store all chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
Paint and paint thinners
If you’re putting a fresh coat of paint on the house, keep the pets away. Paint thinners, mineral spirits and other solvents can cause severe irritation or chemical burns if swallowed or even if they come in contact with your pet’s skin. Latex house paints typically produce a minor stomach upset, but some specialty paints may contain heavy metals or volatile substances that could be harmful if ingested.
Talk to your Veterinarian to confirm whether your dog is on the right diet
Fleas and ticks
They can be tiny, little more than a pinhead in some instances, but they grow and spread quickly once they find a host. The preventative treatments that you may have discontinued in the winter should start early in the spring to keep your pet’s coat, and your home, free of pests.
Lawn fertilizers
Lawn fertilizers are very toxic to pets. Store fertilizers in a place far from where your dog or cat — and children– can get at it. After applying it to your lawn, follow manufacturer instructions on how long you should wait before allowing your pet into the area. If you see a sign posted on a lawn that tells you
Pesticides and herbicides
It’s probably not surprising that these chemicals can be toxic to your pets, but, even when they’re not lethal, there are some long-term health concerns. Studies indicate the use of pesticides and herbicides may be tied to increased rates of specific forms of cancer in dogs. If your pet is exposed, wash them with soap and water immediately and call your veterinarian.
Cocoa bean mulch
It’s becoming common to mulch a garden with the fragrant spent shells of cocoa beans. But just like chocolate, dogs like to eat them and they are toxic.
Rhubarb leaves
Rhubarb makes a fine pie and it’s a staple in many vegetable gardens, but the leaves are poisonous and can cause kidney failure.
to keep your pets off, abide by it.