Spring Preparation for your Dog

With spring just around the corner and the world awakens from its winter hibernation, its time to prepare you dog for the warmer weather. Springtime in Toronto brings muddy paws, shedding, and blooming flowers. Here are some ways to keep your dog happy and healthy for the springtime season.

Spring in Toronto spans from March to May and can be fickle when it comes to the weather and temperature.

March temperatures usually average around 4°C – 5°C

April hit highs of 11°C and Lows of 4°C

May is when temperatures start to comfortably rise, with highs averaging 18°C to 19°C

Preparation for Spring

Parasite Prevention

Ticks can start to be active at temperatures as low as 4°C, which means they are already active in early spring.

• Keep your dog on year-round tick, flea, and heartworm prevention medication

• Speak to your veterinarian about the best parasite prevention for your dog

• Inspect your dog for ticks after walks in wooded areas or tall grass

Early prevention is always easier that treatment.

Vaccines: With the springtime weather your dog will start to interact more with their environment such as parks, sidewalks, and shard spaces with other dogs, so make sure your dog is updated on all their vaccines.

• Check with your Veterinarian on what vaccines your dog is up to date on

• Keeping a vaccine calendar/log as a reminder

• Ask your veterinarian if any booster vaccines are due

Springtime Plants

Several plants found in Toronto during the spring are toxic to dogs, and some bloom as early as March.

Siberian Squill

Tulips

Hyacinths

Daffodils

Lily of the Valley

Siberian Squill: Invasive tiny blue flowers that usually carpet lawns and the bases of trees.

Toxic Parts: Entire plant

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and heart issues 

Tulips and Hyacinths: 

Most Toxic Part: Bulbs

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea and excessive drooling.

Daffodils:

Toxic Part: Bulb (contains Lycorine)

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart and breathing issues.

Lily of the Valley: 

Highly toxic (Cardiac Glycosides)

Symptoms: Severe cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, potentially fatal.

Important Information:

• Do not mow or compost toxic plants, this can spread the bulbs.

• If ingestion occurs, call your veterinarian or nearest emergency Vet clinic

• Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661

Seasonal Allergies

Dogs usually show signs of allergies through:

• Itchy paws

• Excessive licking

• Red or irritated skin

• Ear infections

• Brown staining on fur

• Hair loss / Hot spots

Ways you can help:

• Brushing (2-3 times a week) can help in removing pollen from their fur

• Bathing with an oatmeal-based or hypoallergenic shampoo

• Consult your veterinarian if symptoms persist

Grooming

As the temperature rises, dogs begin to shed their winter coats.

Brushing regularly helps the following:

• Prevents matting

• Removes loose fur

• Manage dogs with heavy undercoats

Breeds with thick undercoats require extra attention, breeds such as Huskies, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers to name a few.

As a Husky owner, I can confirm that “springtime shedding” is more of an event than a season. Schedule a grooming session to help remove loose fur and having your dog looking nice for spring.

Gear Check

Springtime is the ideal time to check up on the quality of your dog’s gear.

Ensure the following are clean and in good condition.

• Collars

• Harnesses

• Leashes

• Outdoor toys

• Bedding

Walks & Exercise

With the possible decrease in activity over the winter, it is important to ease your dog into their exercise routine. The following can help:

• Gradually increase the length of your walks

• Avoid sudden high impact activities

• Revisit basic training cues such as “recall” and “leave it”

Too much to fast can be hard on your dog and may lead to injury.

Spring Preparation Checklist for your Dog

• Parasite and Tick prevention

• Vaccines and boosters

• Toxic plants identified and removed

• Brushing and grooming

• Gear inspection

• Exercise, increase gradually

• Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661

A little planning goes a long way to keeping your dog happy, healthy, and secure this spring. Whether your spring plans include hiking, road trips, or longer walks around the neighbourhood.