Spring and Pets

Spring is a time of excitement for most pets. From a pet's point of view, winter offers less sights and sounds and when the life of spring arrives, expect your pet to react!

Pets (especially those that go outdoors) need more attention to their coats in the spring time. Spring is usually a wet time which creates a muddy problem and the additional exercise also calls for an extra bath from time to time.

Bathing - Remember that a pet's coat is balanced by nature and too much bathing can cause skin problems. Some tips to remember;

• You do not have to use shampoo every time, sometimes a rinse is enough
• Do not use flea shampoos unless it is necessary - most are toxic to some degree
• Rinse, rinse, rinse. Left over shampoo can cause skin problems
• Switch shampoos if your pet develops skin problems

The excitement of spring leads to many pets finding a way to escape. The extra sights and sounds is sometimes too much for a pet with spring fever! Some safe pet tips;

• Fences - Take a walk around your yard and check for winter damage
• Doors expand and contract during the winter - check to be sure they close tightly
• Prevention is the key to the lost and stolen pet problem. Choose Guardian or Guardian VIP protection for your pet
• Remind guests to watch for the pets when entering the house or yard

Extra exercise is a big help to keep the pet calm in the home. Cats that watch outside all day will appreciate a walk on a leash and dogs would love a good walk around the neighborhood. Take advantage of play toys that give the pet a good workout.

Always remember that when you are out with your pet to be courteous to others. Do not let your dog approach others and never let your cat run free so a neighbor will come out to find paw prints on their new car! And of course, spay or neuter.