7 tips to prepare your dog for warm weather

Spring is a wonderful time for everyone. The trees are starting to bloom, the birds are waking up, and the sun shines much brighter. We find ourselves cleaning our houses from head to toes. Also, we organize all the things that were neglected during the winter. Though, it sounds like you’ve forgotten something! Yes, yes, we’re talking about your furry bud. This warm-weather season is the time to start taking special care of your dog.

As the sun comes through, the idea of more outdoor time may sound appealing. However, there are certain steps you must take to ensure the safety of your beloved dog. Your little friend is extremely dependent on you when it comes to spring precautions and routines. Here are certain steps you need to consider before letting your dog run free into this blooming season.  Let’s go through the essential warm-weather tips for your dog.

Prevent ticks, fleas, and other pests

One of the biggest hazards of the spring season for dogs is pests, like ticks and fleas. They’re dangerous for any pet that spends a lot of time outdoors. So, if you’ve got a rabbit, a cat, or whatever else, take care of their pest prevention as well. You may suppose that your yard is completely safe for your dog because it’s not a wooden area. Though, mind the fact that there are certain animals that can bring those parasites into your own private yard.

It’s important to consult your dog’s vet for pest prevention meds when the weather warms up. If you live in a country where pet meds are available without a prescription, take buying them very seriously.

Speaking of pests, it’s essential to give your pet a thorough check after each walk. Give their fur a little brush to remove any suspicious residue after a walk in the park. Be especially cautious after a walk in forests or any other wooden areas.

The forms of tick prevention differ. There are:

• vaccines
• pills
• shampooing treatments
• sprays
• collars

Pills are much easier to access for the majority of dog owners than other medications.  Depending on the weight and age of your dog, the medications and doses differ.

Dog’s weight calculations are convenient methods to determine the pet’s weight to choose the right dose of a pill. There’s an easy way of holding your dog on your hands, weighing with it and then without it. Then you can subtract the weight without your buddy from the weight with it. The result will be your furry friend’s weight. Consult with other sources on the doses of certain pills for your pet.

If you have trouble converting particular weight and height measurements you’ve taken into needed units, try using RockNets. There, you can also have fun using the dog’s age calculator. And yes, it’s been long debunked that a human’s year equals seven dog ones. It also differs depending on the size of your pet. So, I finally found out why my furry bud’s been acting weird lately. He’s just in the sensitive teenager’s age.

Take your dog to the vet for an exam

We, as humans, need to have regular check-ups of our bodies at the doctor’s office. Just like us, dogs need a vet’s examination every once in a while. Spring is especially a good season to do that.

The procedure isn’t out of the ordinary. A vet or vet’s assistant will get a complete history of your pet’s health and discuss the previous and present concerns. Also, a total physical check-up is as important. Young dogs don’t need to be examined every 6 months; once a year is enough. It is not the same for an elderly dog. They need special care and check-ups every six months.

Your trusted veterinarian will prescribe all the needed vaccines and medications and will give you some advice on how to get your pet ready for a dog park as well.

It is always a great idea to perform a complete health exam for your furry buddy. That way, it ensures a long and happy life for your dog and your stress-free life.

Help your dog shed the winter weight

Everyone knows how the winter season affects our body and appetite. And we tend to end up heading into spring with a little excess weight. Our dogs can be just the same. Especially if you’ve got the habit of sharing your food with your dog, your pet will likely have extra weight as well.

So, before hitting the running track with your dog, work on cutting down the meal portions or consult your vet for a personalized weight loss program. After that, you and your pet will be perfectly fit for the warm-weather season.

Find a dog park

Your pet is just like your child. You want the best for them: the best food, the prettiest collars, and the tastiest snacks. But remember that a dog park is also a very crucial part of every dog’s life. It is a place for them to socialize and spend at least a few hours a week. So, choosing the best possible dog park is only logical.

Some key factors to look for when choosing a park are:

• Clean-up opportunities. There is always a benefit for both people and dogs to clean up after your buddy has finished his business. What’s more, if you’re a resident of an urban area, you need to be a responsible dog owner.
• Water and shade. Dogs are built a bit differently from the way humans are. Their body cooling system isn’t as efficient as ours. So, they really need to have access to areas with no sun and drinking water. It’s also needed after a long time playing with other fellow dogs.
• A lot of space. The vast majority of dog owners let their pets run loose in dog parks. There’s nothing wrong with that. But problems may arise if the park where everyone is playing is overcrowded. Fights may occur when there are too many dogs.

Get your dog ready for the park 

Preparing your dog for the dog park is equally as important as choosing the best park. The park can be the source of absolute excitement. If your dog isn’t properly trained, the park can cause stress.

In what ways can you train your pet for the dog park?

First, teach your dog to socialize without fuss. Prepare your dog to interact with a lot of different breeds of dogs. So, try to get him acquainted with as many other dogs as you can before going to the park. See how your dog reacts and work on some challenges it might have.

Take health precautions and make sure that your pet is vaccinated. Having an up-to-date vaccination history is a must.

Is it better to have two dogs?