Give your pet a spring clean!

Now that spring is upon us, it’s time to think about the ways that we can prepare our pampered pets for the season. At home, we find ourselves doing a spring clean and organising things that may have been left over the winter, but getting your pet ready for spring is just as important as sprucing up your home.

There are a few things you can do to give your pet a spring clean in March:

• Regularly brush their coat – This is the time of year when most pets will shed as they get rid of their winter coat. Regular grooming will help minimise shedding, keeping your home clean and your pet more comfortable overall.
• Flea & tick prevention – Fleas and ticks are much more prevalent in the warmer weather. With springtime here, your pet will probably be spending much more time outdoors. If you don’t keep your pet on a year-round flea control treatment, now’s a good time to talk to your vet about the best treatment for your pet.
• Keep an eye out for allergies - Humans aren’t the only ones who suffer seasonal allergies. Animals are also sensitive to the changing environment, as flowers, trees, and grasses start to bloom. Unlike people who deal with allergies through our respiratory systems, animals express allergic reactions through their skin and one tell-tale sign could be excessive scratching. Vets can prescribe a simple antihistamine should your pet come down with an allergy.
• Check collars and tags - Your pet may have put on some weight over the winter, which is understandable! Before letting them roam, be sure that their collar or harness is still a comfortable fit and their tag is readable.
• Ease into exercise - Winter makes most of us, pets included, want to curl up with our favourite blanket and nap. It’s totally normal if your pet doesn’t get back into the swing of things right away. Your little friend might have some winter weight to shed, or maybe their joints are still a little stiff from the chilly weather. Either way, let your pet tell you when they’re ready for full fun activity. Shorter walks might be a good idea until your pet has really shaken off their winter routine.