Warmer weather means it’s time to spring clean, get grooming and prepare your pets’ diets to support them through the season.
Keep your furry friends happy and healthy this spring with these six tips from the experts at Zesty Paws:
Give skin and coats a little TLC
Many pets form winter coats during the colder months to help them stay warm and comfortable. They then shed the coats in the spring to prepare for warmer temperatures. Some pets may need extra help maintaining their shiny, healthy coats, especially if mats have formed in their fur or if they are breeds that develop a thick undercoat.
Professional grooming, at-home brushing and regular bathing can be helpful ways to speed up the process to remove some of the extra fur and decrease the prevalence of dander, dust and pollen that can attach to fur and skin.
Get back to more exercise
The change in weather means more time for outdoor adventures with your pets, but don’t forget to cool down and warm up as you and your pets ease back into the season. Plan for short, leashed walks and timed play sessions to help your pets gradually prepare their hips and joints for fun, warm weather activities.
Watch out for pests
Once temperatures start to rise, tiny, creepy critters start crawling. Fleas, ticks and other pests can cause serious health concerns for pets. Make sure your pest control programs are primed and ready this spring for added protection. Talk to your veterinarian about the best routine and products for your pets.
Freshen bedding and bowls
It’s important to keep a clean environment by scrubbing, sweeping and vacuuming regularly to decrease allergens in the home. When you’re tackling this year’s spring cleaning, remember to put your pets’ bedding and bowls on the list, too. Updating or disinfecting your pets’ blankets, litter boxes, toys and other supplies is a good way to keep them feeling safe and comfortable.
Schedule an annual visit to the vet
Spring is a good time to schedule your pets’ annual vet visits. Make sure they’re up to date on all vaccinations, get their dental health checkups and re-evaluate nutrition plans.
Add seasonal allergy support
Just like humans, furry friends can develop and experience seasonal allergies. Giving your pets’ immune systems some extra support can help ease some common allergy symptoms. There are all sorts of chewable supplements that provide seasonal allergy support by aiding normal immune functions, skin health and gut flora. They may also help maintain normal histamine levels. Check with your local pet store or veterinarian for suggestions.
More info: zestypaws.com. Family Features contributed
to this story.
Stay cool. Support City Paper.
City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.