Preparing Pets for Spring

April showers bring May flowers, so the saying goes. But all the extra moisture in the ground from March rains and melting winter snow could mean for a wet and buggy spring, even well after the flowers start to grow. Our pets will without a doubt be excited to get back outdoors as the weather warms up, but as pet owners, it is our responsibility to make sure they stay healthy with the increased outdoor exposure. Consider these tips for getting your pet, especially a dog or outdoor cat, ready for spring!

Inspect your yard. As the east coast finally begins to thaw after a harsh winter, you could find a good amount of debris strewn around your yard or outdoor areas. Winter may have taken its toll on trees, fences, cable lines, and even wildlife. Check outdoor areas that your pet could explore for fallen branches, trash, broken wires or, sadly, animal carcasses to prevent your pet from ingesting anything unfamiliar.

Watch for seasonal allergies. A wet winter means that many humans are already seeing early signs of spring allergies. Pets are not immune to these symptoms, and may show signs of allergies as well. As explained by VETdispatch Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Lauren Connolly in a recent post on spring pet preparations, pet’s allergies are manifested through their skin, so watch for excessive itching in your pet. Although pet allergies cannot be prevented, should symptoms show up, speak with your veterinarian about treatments.

Increase exercise slowly. Your pet may be raring to go as soon as they set foot outdoors, but encourage them to take things slow. Less activity during winter may have allowed your pet to gain some weight or have decreased energy levels. Quickly jumping back into strenuous exercise or activity could lead to injuries. If you are also starting exercising this time of year, include your pet and help them to slowly work off the winter weight.

Flea, Tick & Heartworm prevention. Although fleas and ticks can survive the winter, as the weather gets warmer, they will come out in full force. Heartworm, which can be carried through mosquitoes, also becomes more prevalent this time of year. If you are not already treating your pet with preventive flea, tick and heartworm medications, now is the time to start.

Have a ball! It’s time to get outside with your pet! Enjoy the warmer weather with plenty of walks and playtimes outdoors. What are you looking forward to doing most with your pet this spring?

Tips to Prepare your Pet for Warm Weather

Warmer weather for humans means new clothes, new haircuts, spring cleaning and some sniffing and sneezing. But what does it mean for your pet? Petside.com published a list of the top 9 tips for preparing you pet for warm weather and you might be surprised; a lot of pet tips sound just like human ones!

Read on for the list, and check off as you prepare your pet for the months ahead:

1. Visit your Vet – Bi-annual exams are important for your pet’s general health. This time of year is good for updating vaccinations, getting tested for heartworm, and doing an overall health check.

2. Visit the Salon – While you might get a haircut or wear lighter clothes to keep cool, your pet’s fur coat will trap in heat all year round. Get your pet groomed to help them stay cool as the weather heats up. Morris Animal Inn offers full grooming services to keep your pet fresh, clean, and cool.

3. Protect from Fleas and Ticks – You have bug spray and citronella candles, your pet has flea and tick treatment. Look to your vet, a superstore, local pharmacy or pet care facility (check our lobby!) to save money on this important part of your pet’s preventive health.

4. Get a Green Thumb – Pet-proofing your yard after a long winter can protect your pet from insects, other animals, and injury. Make sure your fence is secure, mulch any garden areas, plant flowers and other plants, and secure any pool areas or other open spaces.

5. Spring Cleaning Safety – As you clean your home, remember to use non-toxic pet-friendly products to create a healthy environment for you, your family and your furry friend.

6. Stop Sniffling and Sneezing – Your pet can suffer from seasonal allergies just like you can. Spend time with your pet outside in the early morning and late evening when pollen counts are down to alleviate symptoms, and speak with your vet about additional treatments. For more tips on fighting pet allergies, read our blog post “Itch They Can’t Scratch?” from last month.

7. Get Moving – After a winter of resting indoors, your pet needs exercise! Get outside with your pet for walks and playtime that can help you burn off some calories as well. For extra fitness, schedule your dog a spot in our upcoming daycare fit camp: A Week at the Races!

8. Fight the Fur – Once spring starts, pets begin shedding their winter coats, leaving hair and fur balls spread around your freshly-cleaned house. Do what you can to lessen shedding by getting your pet bathed and groomed regularly and asking your vet about supplements for a shiny coat. Morris Animal Inn also offers a shed-less treatment for pets prone to shedding that helps to remove excess fur. Ask about it when scheduling your next grooming appointment!

9. Update their Wardrobe – With the promise of more outdoor activity, spring is the perfect time to purchase your four-legged friend a new collar, harness and leash, especially ones that have become worn out over time. Stop by our lobby for the latest selection of gear. Also make sure you update your pet’s ID tags for safety in case they get lost.

For more tips, to schedule and appointment, or to inquire about any of the above purchases, give Morris Animal Inn a call at 973-539-0377. We’re gearing up our staff and guests for warmer weather, and would love to help you and your pet do the same!

Itch They Can't Scratch? Itchy Pets May Have Seasonal Allergies

Spring is finally in the air, which means flowers, green trees, and… allergies. Many humans suffer from itchy noses and watery eyes this time of year, but did you know your pet can experience seasonal allergies, too? As much as they love getting to play outside, your dog or cat could be reacting to all this pollen just as badly as you are.

 

The trick is, you won’t know if your furry friend is suffering this time of year just from a typical cough or sneeze. As Dr. Karen Becker, Blogger at Healthy Pets, explains, pet allergy symptoms can be observed through skin irritation, unlike the human respiratory response. This condition, called allergic dermatitis, causes dogs and cats to have itchy skin that they literally cannot scratch enough. Their ears may bother them more than usual, due to inflammation in the ear canals. You may notice your pet not only scratching, but biting at their skin and feet or rubbing up against walls, furniture, the carpet or something else. There are also few human-like symptoms to watch for, such as puffiness around the eyes or redness of the eyes, mouth, or paws.

If you notice these symptoms, which could be followed by tender inflamed skin and even hair loss or scabbing, there are numerous steps you can take towards giving your pet relief. A veterinarian can test for specific allergies, but you can provide immediate relief through regular foot soaks and baths.

Think about it; your doctor tells you to shower morning and night to help remove the allergens, right? The same goes for your pet. Soaking their feet can help reduce the amount of allergens that your pet tracks around the house, and baths with a grain free shampoo will wash away the pollen that is stuck to your pet’s skin.

At Morris Animal Inn’s Grooming Salon and Spa, we offer Berry Clean Tropiclean shampoo baths which can help relieve pets of their seasonal symptoms. This soothing, all-natural dog and cat shampoo helps to replenish skin’s moisture and will leave your pet squeaky clean and itch-free. We also offer paw soaks which helps to moisturize their paws as well. Call to book your pet’s refreshing bath today: 973-539-0377!