A Healthy Start to Spring
More buds on the trees, the tulips have popped up, the weather is warmer, and the dogs are spending more time asking to go outside than to come in – it must be Spring! No season is more welcome, at least not at my house. With the change in seasons comes the change in dog care, everything from grooming to exercise. It’s time to get outside with the dogs, so here are some tips to help make the transition from winter couch potato to spring bunny a little easier on all participants.
If you haven’t taken your dog to the vet’s office in a while, now is a good time to make the trip. A thorough checkup for your pup is in order. Finding changes with heart, eyes, ears, joints, or muscles can prevent a problem from becoming chronic, which could result in a higher vet bill down the road. If you don’t use heartworm preventative during the winter, it would be wise to discuss with your vet the advantages of starting medication now, before mosquito season erupts. Likewise, flea and tick season has already begun and you may wish to explore options to protect your pet from these nasty pests. I personally stay away from any medications that have warning labels about getting the substance on human skin (what is so different from your skin and that of your dog?), choosing instead remedies such as diatomaceous earth (food grade, not swimming pool chemical) or lemon and rosemary sprays. There are some commercial natural shampoos and sprays on the market, just be sure to read the label completely and don’t rely on the word “natural.” While doing your research on pet friendly medications, you may also wish to educate yourself on the new schedule of vaccinations. Rabies vaccines are now recommended every three years by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians and the State of Tennessee. Two sites for further information are http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/DODDS-CHG-VACC-PROTOCOLS.HTM or http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/vmth/clientinfo/info/genmed/vaccinproto.html . Educating yourself about current trends in pet care will help you be more informed when you talk with your vet. Please don’t forget this is also a good time for you to get a checkup as well.
I suspect many readers have experienced the aches and pains that accompany the first day of yard work in the spring. The soreness in one’s back, arms, and legs are reminders of all the cold winter days spent inside, sitting by the fireplace, watching TV while munching on comfort food instead of exercising. Dogs are affected by the change in activity level as well, so be sure not to push too hard on those first outings. Check out a book on stretching your dog such as Stretch Your Dog Healthy by Raquel Wynn or order a DVD or three by Debbie Gross Saunders from http://www.wizardofpaws.net/ . You might share your dog’s stability ball and try some of the people exercises at http://www.my-physical-therapy-coach.com/thera-ball.html (after consulting with your physician). As the weather warms the water, swimming is a low stress exercise which will help your dog stretch and strengthen her muscles and get back into shape with fewer aches and pains. Be sure to choose swimming areas that contain clean, flowing water as you want to decrease your chances of exposure to giardia and other nasty germs. Gradually increase the distance you and your dog walk and once you two are clipping along at a good pace without being winded, add in some hills.
Spring is a great time for a safety inspection of your equipment. Chain link and wooden fences should be checked for weak areas that the dog might push through. Be sure Hairy hasn’t begun to dig his escape route under the fencing. Time for collar, harness, and leash inspection! Are all still free of rips and tears? Do they still fit appropriately? If not, it’s time to replace them. Make sure you have an identification tag with current information attached and talk with your vet about microchipping. If you have already microchipped your pet, update your contact information with the provider regarding new addresses or phone numbers. How about purchasing a life vest for Hairy and desensitizing him to it before you actually load up the boat? Is your grooming equipment holding up? Bowzer is sure to come back from an excursion sporting a new layer of burs and he will need a good brushing to get them out. Furminators, flea combs, brushes, nail clippers, and toothbrushes should all be in good condition.
If you find yourself without a four-legged companion with whom to share all the blessings of Spring or if you just want to add another faithful friend to your group, the Animal Shelter, with support from the Friends of the Cookeville/Putnam County Animals and the Humane Society Spay/Neuter Clinic, is repeating their popular adoption program of older animals, Twice The Love – Half The Fee, from April 1st through the 15th. Call the Shelter at 931-526-3647 or visit them at 2105 West Jackson St. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Spring than with a new old friend!
Jan Casey owns Smiles and Wags in Cookeville and provides reward-based training and behavior counseling for dogs and their owners. You can email her at jan@smilesandwags.com or call her at 931-510-0119.