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Winter is in full force, but spring will be here before you know it. Instead of succumbing to the temptation to slumber, plan for next season when the weather warms up and your pet wants to get outdoors. There are several ways you can do this. 

To prepare your pet for spring, treat your dog or cat for fleas and ticks. Check them when they come indoors. Create new grooming habits, as your pets will lose their lush winter coats. Spring is kitten season, and cats go into heat. Spay or neuter your felines to prevent unwanted litters. 

Spring is a season of change and renewal, and a new level of awareness comes with the change of seasons. In this article, you will learn more about season-appropriate pet care and how to prepare your pet for spring.

Preparing Pets for Spring 

Spring is a magical time when the sun comes out to greet us more often, and the smell of flowers lingers in the air. Pets love spring because it means they get to enjoy the outdoors. We must ensure our pets are safe and ready for the new season. To prepare your pets for spring: 

Flea and Tick Prevention

Have your pets on flea and tick prevention. The more time your canine or feline companion spends outdoors, the greater the chance they can come home with unwanted pests. Fleas and ticks are more common in warmer weather, so check them when they come indoors. Cornell University (College of Veterinary Medicine) describes that four significant diseases can arise in dogs from ticks:

• Ehrlichiosis Bacterial
• Anaplasmosis Bacterial 
• Lyme disease Bacterial
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Bacterial  

Bites from fleas can lead to infections and tapeworms. If a flea feasts upon your pet’s flesh, it can trigger anemia, which is dangerous to pets. Also, fleas coming into your home is not a pretty picture. They multiply quickly, as they lay eggs on pets unless you practice prevention. Preventatives can safely be distributed to our pets. Year-round protection is imperative to prepare for springtime creepy crawlers.

Spay or Neuter Your Cats (And Dogs) 

Kitten season is upon us, and spaying or neutering your cat is responsible pet parenting. Cats go into heat in the spring and procreate, leading to unwanted litters of kittens. Shelters are crowded enough and are not the best places for animals. Some signs your cat may be in heat:

• Trying to escape
• Loud mating call
• Spraying or urine marking
• Assuming the mating position

The mating position is when a cat has its head down, legs bent, hindquarters raised, and the tail raised and off to the side. Hopefully, you never see this unless you have a pregnant cat and are willing to raise the kittens. 

Better Grooming Habits

Regular brushing helps remove dead hair and dandruff and makes our furry friends feel much better. In the spring, pets shed their winter coats, and they can shed more often. Brushing them properly cuts down on shedding. Spring is also a time to bathe your pets to eliminate pollen and allergens. Quick grooming tips: 

• Brush before bathing to loosen knots  
• Use dry shampoo in between baths 
• Use a nail grinder instead of a clipper 
• Use disposable cleaning wipes for convenience   

Regular haircuts make your dog feel more at ease. If your dog’s hair is too long, it can get into their eyes and irritate them. Clipping reduces matting in the hair coat and removes dirt that may be trapped in the fur, making your dog feel unclean and not as fresh. Get your dog a cute new haircut, and they will feel like a new canine.  

Build a Catio for Your Furry Feline 

Most cat parents know the great outdoors is generally unsafe for their furry feline. Cats are naturally attracted to the outside world, though. They love to look at the birds and squirrels, as their predatory instincts are not lost to them just because of a pesky issue like domestication. This situation is where building a catio is a wonderful option.

A catio is a screened-in porch or outdoor enclosure that allows cats to access the outdoors without putting them in harm’s way. It offers your cat fresh air and the enticing sights and sounds of the outdoors within a safe area. It encourages them to satisfy their curiosity without any dangers involved. Put some cat trees and toys in the catio, and your cat will be in heaven. 

Get a Vet Check 

After winter weather, your typically athletic, energetic pet may be in poor shape. Just like humans, pets can gain weight from the winter blues. Your vet can work with you to create a healthy nutrition and exercise plan suitable for your pet. Ensuring your pet has all their vaccinations up to date is also wise. 

Conclusions

Preparing your pet for springtime can be a lot of fun. But there are also some serious factors to consider. Ensure your pets are up to date on their flea and tick prevention and vaccines. Spay and neuter your cats before kitten season, and have your dogs spayed or neutered. Most importantly, get outside and enjoy the warmer weather with your furry friend. 

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