If you and your dog love enjoying beautiful weather outdoors, chances are you’re both counting down the days until spring.
While you’re in the midst of preparing your home for spring, take advantage of the time and prep your dog, too!
Here’s PupGrade’s ultimate checklist for getting your pup ready for spring:
Spring Cleaning
Springtime typically calls for the tradition of a thorough spring cleaning. However, before you dive into your spring cleaning, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Clean Your Home & Yard
It’s time to rid your house of the winter wear and dust. Unfortunately, many cleaning products can actually be harmful to your dog. Find pet-friendly cleaning products or search for natural DIY solutions. If need be, safely secure your dog in another part of your home while you clean. Be sure to store them out of your dog’s reach, too.
Spring cleaning can apply to your yard, too. Take time to clear debris that may be left from the winter weather. Check your lawn for any hazards (holes, broken lawn decor, trash) and repair any fences if needed.
Clean Your Dog’s Items
Spring cleaning applies to your dog’s stuff, as well! This includes dog toys, their bed, bowls, placemats, and grooming supplies.
Ideally, you should clean your dog’s bedding and toys about every three months to rid it all of the fur, dander, pollen, flea and/or flea eggs, and other buildups. This is especially important if your dog suffers from allergies.
Clean Your Dog
While you’re doing all your spring cleaning, why not give your dog a little cleaning of their own?
Many dogs develop a thick coat during winter that they will likely shed come spring. This shedding may even come in the form of large clumps at once. Brush your dog every day, if possible, to remove all the dead fur, dandruff, and allergens. Give them a good bath, too.
Prep for the Outdoors
After being stuck indoors during winter weather, you and your pup are probably itching to get outside and enjoy the weather. But before just running outside, take time to do some prep to ensure you’re both ready.
Check Your Gear
Do an inventory of your gear and ask these questions:
- Is everything still in good condition?- Do their collars and harnesses still fit?
- Do you have portable water and food bowls?
- Are any of your training treats expired?
- Is your dog’s ID tags up to date with your current information?
Replace anything that isn’t in good condition or doesn’t fit properly (dogs can put on a bit of holiday winter weight, too). If your leash is a little worn or your bowls need an upgrade, be sure to do so before heading out on any adventures.
Reacclimate Your Dog
Being cooped up at home and then diving into the outdoors can affect your dog and overwhelm them. Start off slow and switch up your walking routes every once in a while.
If you’re heading to crowded places or dog parks, keep an eye on your dog and their temperament. Check for signs of stress and be ready to head out if necessary. It may take them some time to readjust to social situations.
Curious about what signs to look for if your dog is stressed? Read our blog.
Find Some Fun
The beautiful weather is here and it’s time to go have some fun with your furry best friend! There are so many things to do with your dog, but keep in mind that not all dogs are created equal in terms of energy and exercise needs. Check out our blog “Daily Exercise for Every Breed Type” to learn more.
If you have a more energetic dog, there are tons of fun and out-of-the-box activities to keep them entertained. Check out our blog for 10 games that can help keep them active (and tire them out.)
Health & Wellness
But before we start thinking about heading on outdoor adventures, it is important to ensure your dog is ready and in tip-top shape.
Pest Protection & Prevention
Many dog owners tend to pause on flea and tick medications during the cold winter months. However, it is important to provide protection year-round.
If you may have stopped medications during the winter, springtime is the best time to start back up. Pests will begin to thrive and become more of a concern. Also, get in a habit of checking your dog for ticks if you were out on an outdoor adventure.
First Aid Kit
With the nicer weather, chances are your dog will be spending more time outdoors. Therefore, being prepared for any accidents is important. Include things like:
- Gauze, adhesive tap, and non-stick bandages- Cotton Balls
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Antibiotic Spray/Ointment
- Milk of Magnesia
- Tweezers and Small Scissors
- Digital Thermometer
- Medicine Pillbox for Medications
Joint Support
Springtime means more outdoor time. After being cooped up all winter, your dog might not be used to so much activity or might be a little stiff. Adding a joint supplement to their regimen will help keep them mobile and lively.
PupGrade’s Joint Support is crafted with a powerful blend of ingredients that helps cushion joints and promotes cartilage to rebuild and alleviate discomfort. And our Joint Support is made with natural ingredients that you and your dog will love, like Perna Canaliculus, Glucosamine and Chondroitin, MSM, and more.
Allergy Support
Just like we may suffer from seasonal allergies, your dog may as well. If your dog tends to experience allergies, give PupGrade’s Itch & Allergy Chew a try.
Our Itch & Allergy Chew has been formulated to meet the needs of dogs that experience allergies, itchy and flaky skin, and runny noses. It also contains anti-inflammatory ingredients to help make your dog feel better from the inside out. With ingredients like Alaskan Salmon Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, and more, this meaty treat will help give your dog quick relief.
Check out our blog for more information and tips on managing your dog’s allergies.
We hope this list helps you prepare and gets you excited for the spring weather ahead!
Looking for more ways to keep your dog feeling its best all year long? Click here to check out PupGrade’s line of high-quality pet supplements to meet your dog’s needs.
We've gone ahead and enclosed a 10% OFF Coupon below for you to use in the store - remember, your puppy DESERVES to have the healthiest life! Click here to start shopping!
