When spring arrives, many of us feel the urge to open the windows, declutter the house, and give everything a fresh start. Maybe you're swapping winter blankets, tackling the dog hair that somehow ended up everywhere, or finally washing the toys that have been sitting in the corner all winter.
But while you’re refreshing your home, it’s also a great time to refresh something just as important: your dog’s wellness routine.
Seasonal changes can bring heavier shedding, more outdoor activity, and increased exposure to pollen and other seasonal environmental factors.[1]
A simple 5-step spring dog care checklist can help you refresh your pup’s routine and support their health as the season shifts. This guide covers five easy ways to get started:
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Clean and refresh everyday supplies
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Reset grooming routines for seasonal shedding
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Review preventive health care
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Check supplement freshness and needs
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Build a consistent daily wellness routine
1. Clean and Refresh Your Dog’s Everyday Essentials
Your dog uses their beds, bowls, toys, and gear every day. Over time, these items can quietly collect dirt, bacteria, and allergens.
A quick refresh of these everyday essentials is one of the easiest places to start when creating a cleaner, more comfortable space for your pup.
Spring Cleaning Checklist
Wash bedding and blankets
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Remove loose fur first with a lint roller or vacuum
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Wash with pet-safe detergent
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Fully dry to prevent mildew
Deep clean food and water bowls
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Wash daily with warm, soapy water
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Inspect for cracks where bacteria could hide
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Consider stainless steel or ceramic bowls if you’re using plastic
Inspect toys and chews
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Toss toys that are cracked, fraying, or broken
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Wash rubber or plastic toys with mild soap
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Machine wash fabric toys if they’re safe for the washer
Check collars, leashes, and harnesses
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Look for worn stitching or loose hardware
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Clean fabric gear with mild soap and warm water
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Replace items showing heavy wear
2. Reset Your Dog’s Grooming Routine
As the seasons change and days get longer, many dogs begin shedding their thicker winter coats.[1] That means spring is often the time when brushing routines need a little extra attention.
Regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils through the coat, which supports skin health. It also gives you a chance to spot early signs of skin irritation, parasites, or coat changes.
Spring Grooming Checklist
Brush your dog more frequently
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Helps remove loose winter coat
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Reduces fur buildup around the house
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Supports healthy skin circulation
Schedule a spring bath
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Removes winter buildup of dirt and oils
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Helps loosen shedding fur
Check ears, paws, and skin
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Look for redness, irritation, or debris
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Gently clean ears if needed
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Inspect paw pads after outdoor walks
Pro Tip: Using a gentle 4-in-1 formula like PupGrade’s Complete Care Shampoo & Conditioner can help cleanse, moisturize, and detangle your dog’s coat in one step—perfect for managing seasonal shedding.
3. Check In on Your Dog’s Preventive Care
Warmer weather usually means more time outside exploring, which can increase your dog’s exposure to things like fleas, ticks, and seasonal allergens.
Taking a few minutes to review preventive care can help you stay on top of your pup’s health.
Preventive Care Checklist
Schedule a wellness check with your veterinarian
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Review overall health
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Discuss any behavioral or mobility changes
Review flea and tick prevention
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Make sure your protection plan is current
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Check for ticks after outdoor adventures
Watch for seasonal skin or environmental sensitivities
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Increased scratching
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Licking paws
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Red or irritated skin
4. Refresh Your Dog’s Supplement Routine
Supplement routines can be easy to set and forget. Spring is a great time to double-check what your pup is taking and make sure it still fits their current lifestyle and activity level.
Supplement Routine Checklist
Check expiration dates
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Make sure all supplements are still fresh
Confirm proper dosing
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Ensure serving sizes match your dog’s weight
Helpful Nose-to-Tail Supplement Support
If you notice areas where extra support could be helpful, targeted supplements can be a simple way to round out your dog’s routine.
Spring can bring increased exposure to pollen, grass, and other seasonal environmental elements.
Our Skin & Coat supplements provide nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, and Biotin, which help support healthy skin and promote a soft, shiny coat.*
With warmer weather comes longer walks, hikes, and outdoor play.
Our Joint Support soft chews include ingredients like glucosamine, MSM, green-lipped mussel, and chondroitin to help support joint mobility and normal movement so dogs can stay active.*
As dogs spend more time outdoors and routines shift in spring, diet and lifestyle changes may influence the balance of microorganisms in the gut microbiome, which plays an important role in normal digestion and overall wellness.[2]
Our Digestive Support soft chews feature a blend of probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive-support ingredients like pumpkin and apple pectin, to help support a balanced gut microbiome and maintain healthy gut flora.*
Suggested Read: What is the Gut-Mood Connection in Dogs?
5. Build a Simple Daily Wellness Routine
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency. Dogs thrive on routines that support both their physical health and emotional well-being.
Instead of trying to change everything at once, focus on building a few small daily habits that become part of your dog’s normal routine.
A Balanced Dog Wellness Routine Might Include
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Balanced nutrition
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Feed meals at consistent times each day
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Monitor portion sizes and fresh water
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Daily movement and play
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Walks, fetch, or active play that matches your dog’s energy level
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Outdoor time helps support both physical and mental health
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Regular grooming and hygiene
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Brush your dog several times a week during shedding seasons
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Check paws, ears, and coat during grooming sessions
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Consistent supplement support
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Offer supplements at the same time each day
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Pair them with meals so they become part of the routine
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Mental enrichment and rest
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Puzzle toys, training games, or new environments
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Plenty of downtime for recovery and relaxation
Quick Win: Even a 10-minute reset—like brushing regularly, cleaning bowls, or keeping a consistent supplement routine—can make a meaningful difference in your dog’s comfort and daily routine.
Suggested Read: Why Consistency is the #1 Wellness Hack for Dogs
FAQ: Spring Dog Care
Q: Why do dogs shed more in spring?
A: As daylight increases and seasons change, many dogs move through natural phases of the canine hair growth cycle, which can result in increased shedding.[1]
Q: Should dogs take supplements year-round?
A: Some dogs benefit from year-round nutritional support for skin, joints, or digestion. Your veterinarian can help determine which supplements are appropriate for your dog’s age, activity level, and health needs.
Q: How often should dogs be bathed in spring?
A: Most dogs benefit from bathing every 4–6 weeks, though active dogs or heavy shedders may need slightly more frequent grooming during seasonal transitions.
Small Spring Updates Can Support Your Dog’s Health
Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up your home. It’s also an opportunity to pause, check in on your dog’s needs, and refresh the routines that help them feel their best.
With a few simple updates—cleaner supplies, refreshed habits, and thoughtful wellness support—you can help your dog step into the new season feeling comfortable, energized, and ready for more adventures together.
If your spring wellness reset includes refreshing your dog’s supplement routine, you can explore PupGrade’s nose-to-tail wellness formulas and save 10% with code BLOG10.
This information is intended for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or health routine, especially if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your dog's movement or behavior.
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
Resources:
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Müntener T, Doherr MG, Guscetti F, Suter MM, Welle MM. The canine hair cycle - a guide for the assessment of morphological and immunohistochemical criteria. Vet Dermatol. 2011 Oct;22(5):383-95. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2011.00963.x. Epub 2011 Mar 14. PMID: 21401741.
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Allaway D, Haydock R, Lonsdale ZN, Deusch ODO’Flynn C, Hughes KR2020.Rapid Reconstitution of the Fecal Microbiome after Extended Diet-Induced Changes Indicates a Stable Gut Microbiome in Healthy Adult Dogs. Appl Environ Microbiol86:e00562-20.https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.00562-20
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