What Spring Asks of Your Dog’s Body: 4 Ways to Support the Changes

As spring buds start to appear on the trees and new scents of air and soil catch your dog’s snout, you might notice a sudden surge of excitement for the outdoors.

Warmer temperatures and longer days are a welcome change — but behind the scenes, your dog’s body is suddenly adjusting to a lot all at once.

Spring doesn’t just change the weather. It shifts activity levels, environmental exposure, and daily demands on your dog’s joints, skin, coat, immune system, and even their nervous system.[1,2]

Think of it as a seasonal “system update.”

Let’s walk through 4 key shifts happening in your dog’s body this spring, so you can feel more confident supporting a comfortable, happy season ahead.

Spring Shift #1: Energy That Arrives Before the Conditioning

Did your dog’s winter routine look something like this:

→ quick potty break

→ immediate retreat back to the couch

A pattern of reduced movement (hello, all-day snoozing) can naturally lead to decreases in endurance and range of motion over time.

Then spring hits, and suddenly your dog is logging more steps, moving faster, and navigating new terrain. 

If that sounds familiar, it’s probably because we’ve all felt it — like your first workout after a long break, when your enthusiasm shows up before your joints, muscles, and connective tissues do.

How You Can Help

Support from the inside

• Give Joint Support Soft Chews daily, not just on high-activity days, to help support joint comfort as movement increases.*

Support from the outside

• Use next-day comfort as feedback:

• If your dog gets up easily after rest, you’re likely on the right track

• If they seem slower or stiffer the next morning, opt for a lighter walk or rest-focused day

Suggested read: Is Your Dog Slowing Down? Signs of Joint Discomfort & How to Help

Spring Shift #2: Environmental Exposure Increases All at Once

What happens when plants and trees wake up in spring? Pollen. And lots of it.

From floating through the air to clinging to grass, soil, and fur, seasonal particles are everywhere. While it’s impossible (and unnecessary) to avoid them completely, spring does increase what your dog’s body is processing each day.

It’s normal for dogs to experience temporary changes as their immune system responds and adapts to this increased exposure.[3,4]

Some common reactions may include:

• Itching or scratching

• Watery eyes

• Hot spots

• Dry or flaky skin

Every dog responds differently depending on genetics, breed tendencies, grooming habits, and gut health — which is why a supportive, whole-body approach matters.

How You Can Help

Support from the inside

• Give Itch & Allergy Soft Chews daily to help support immune balance and a normal response to seasonal environmental exposure.*

Support from the outside

• Reduce what comes indoors:
  

• Wipe paws, legs, and belly after walks

• Rinse food and water bowls daily

• Wash bedding weekly during high-exposure periods

Together, these habits help reduce excess exposure while supporting your dog’s natural ability to adapt.

Spring Shift #3: Skin & Coat Enter High-Turnover Mode

As spring rolls in, your dog’s coat doesn’t just shed — it transitions.

Shedding is an active, behind-the-scenes process that helps your dog adjust to warmer temperatures. And like any transition, it requires resources. Skin and coat health depend on consistent nutrition, hydration, and gentle care, especially during periods of heavy turnover.[5]

During shedding season, you may notice:

• Dryness where there wasn’t before

• A coat that looks a little less shiny

• Skin that seems more sensitive than usual

How You Can Help

Support from the inside

• Give Skin & Coat Soft Chews daily to help support skin barrier health and maintain coat quality during seasonal shedding.*

Support from the outside

• Clean without stripping:

• Bathe as needed using PupGrade’s 4-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner, designed to gently cleanse while helping maintain moisture

• Brush regularly to remove loose fur and support healthy turnover without over-bathing

Consistent upkeep helps your dog’s skin and coat adjust to spring’s demands — without adding unnecessary stress.

Spring Shift #4: Mental Stimulation Increases (So Does the Need for Calm)

Spring isn’t just busy for your dog’s body — it’s busy for their brain, too.

More time outdoors means more smells, sounds, dogs, people, and general excitement. While that stimulation can be fun, it also requires processing. 

Sometimes, that shows up as:

• Restlessness after walks or playtime

• Difficulty settling once the day winds down

• “Wired but tired” energy in the evening

• Needing more time to decompress after stimulation

If your dog seems amped long after the walk is over, it’s not misbehavior, it’s often just a nervous system catching up.[6]

How You Can Help

Support from the inside

• Give Calming Soft Chews daily to help support relaxation and emotional balance during busier spring days.*

Support from the outside

• Build in a reset after stimulation:

• Offer a calming activity like chewing, licking, or quiet rest after outings

• Keep feeding and bedtime routines consistent, even when spring schedules get more flexible

Balancing activity with recovery helps your dog enjoy spring without feeling overwhelmed.

Suggested read: Do Dog Transitions Feel Like We Do? Here’s What to Know

Spring Dog Care FAQs

Q: Is it normal for my dog to feel a little “off” in spring?
A: Yes. Spring brings multiple changes at once, and some dogs need time to adjust as activity, exposure, and stimulation increase.

Q: Should I change my dog’s routine when spring starts?
A: Not dramatically. Keeping feeding, rest, and bedtime consistent can help your dog feel more balanced during seasonal change.

Q: Do dogs need joint support even if they’re young or active?
A: Spring often increases activity faster than conditioning builds. Joint support can be helpful for dogs of all ages during this shift.

Q: Are seasonal skin and allergy changes always a sign of a problem?
A: Not always. Shedding or sensitivity can be part of a normal seasonal adjustment.

Q: How long does it take dogs to adjust to spring?
A: It varies. Many dogs settle in within a few weeks, especially with consistent routines and daily support.

Supporting Your Dog Through Spring’s Changes

Spring is a busy season for your dog’s body and brain. Longer days, warmer weather, and more time outside suddenly boost their activity levels and exposure to seasonal allergens. 

Rather than playing catch-up after things feel off, help their system adjust with consistent, targeted support for joints and immune balance. 

You’ve got the external habits, we’ve got the internal support. 

Use code BLOG10 at checkout for 10% off your PupGrade order.

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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:

1. O'Brien C, Darcy-Dunne MR, Murphy BA. The effects of extended photoperiod and warmth on hair growth in ponies and horses at different times of year. PLoS One. 2020 Jan 14;15(1):e0227115. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227115. PMID: 31935219; PMCID: PMC6959597.

2. Hall EJ, Carter AJ, Farnworth MJ. Exploring Owner Perceptions of the Impacts of Seasonal Weather Variations on Canine Activity and Potential Consequences for Human-Canine Relationships. Animals (Basel). 2021 Nov 19;11(11):3302. doi: 10.3390/ani11113302. PMID: 34828033; PMCID: PMC8614552.

3. Jensen-Jarolim, E., Einhorn, L., Herrmann, I. et al. Pollen Allergies in Humans and their Dogs, Cats and Horses: Differences and Similarities. Clin Transl Allergy 5, 15 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13601-015-0059-6

4. Cerdeiro, A. P. S., Farias, M. R., Cunha, V. E. S., Secchi, G. V., Pacheco, B. D., Alcalá, C. O. R., & Ganho, R. G. R. (2021). Grass pollen sensitization in dogs in Paraná, Brazil: Comparison between percutaneous and intradermal testing. Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, 73(4), 821–826. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4162-12111

5. Leverett K, Manjarín R, Laird E, Valtierra D, Santiago-Rodriguez TM, Donadelli R, Perez-Camargo G. Fresh Food Consumption Increases Microbiome Diversity and Promotes Changes in Bacteria Composition on the Skin of Pet Dogs Compared to Dry Foods. Animals (Basel). 2022 Jul 22;12(15):1881. doi: 10.3390/ani12151881. PMID: 35892531; PMCID: PMC9329806. 

6. Riggio, Giacomo. (2018). A review on the effects of sensory stimulation in shelter dogs. Dog Behavior. 4. 25-35. 10.4454/db.v4i1.71.