Spring is back and that's great news for our dogs. This mild season is conducive to walks and outdoor activities with our four-legged friends. (which is more difficult in winter because of the cold).

However, it is important to remain alert to the potential dangers or nuisances your dog may be exposed to outdoors. Here are some tips to enjoy the beautiful days with him in complete serenity.

Beware of parasites !

When we think of parasites, we are of course thinking of the disadvantages of chips. But we must also be extra vigilant against ticks which are responsible for Lyme disease and piroplasmosis..

After walks in the wooded area, in the forest or in the park, it is important to control his coat to be able to remove them if necessary. There are specific tweezers or “tick removers” that allow you to remove the parasite without leaving its head.

In certain regions, especially in the south of France, biting flies known as sandflies are responsible for leishmaniasis which is a parasitic disease.

To prevent all these inconveniences, it exists pipettes, necklaces, treatments and natural solutions that your veterinarian can advise you.

For your information, you can also consult the website of your prefecture. Often, alerts and recommendations regarding parasites are given according to geographic areas.

On the SPA website, you also have a FAQ interesting for many frequent requests related to animal care.

Plants poisonous to dogs

Cocoa mulch that we use in the flowerbeds is toxic for the dogs which are often attracted by these small odorous scales.

It is the same for some bulbs which belong to the Alliaceae family and which come out of the ground in the spring. You also avoid letting your animal approach it..

Here are some examples of spring plants that are toxic to different degrees for our dogs :

• the azaleas ;
• hydrangeas ;
• rhododendrons ;
• the oleander ;
• thrush ;
• the tulips ;
• narcissus…

Spring allergies

Allergies are very common in dogs during the spring. It can go through grass allergy, flea bites, pollen or mites. Processionary caterpillars are a scourge and cause serious allergies because of their stinging hairs.

If your dog is itching or sneezing a lot, if you notice any lesions on their skin, seeps, pimples or watery eyes, it is recommended make an appointment with your veterinarian. There are specific products and treatments to relieve it.

Shedding is a natural transition in dogs

All dogs are not created equal when it comes to shedding. Some lose very little hair like the basenji, the bichon frize, Maltese bichon, le cairn terrier, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Afghan Hound for example.

If your companion sheds a lot, it's not inevitable, but a completely natural and inevitable transition. For spring, we emphasize a good diet and daily brushing. Since it helps eliminate dead hair and avoid knots depending on its coat type.

D’ailleurs, It is strongly recommended not to clip your dog (except for woolly hair). Sa fourrure est vitale pour réguler sa température corporelle. Elle le protège contre le froid, la chaleur, les UV, les intempéries et l’humidité. En enlevant son manteau, vous l’exposez à de nombreux risques et affaiblissez son système immunitaire.

En cas de doute, it is best to seek advice from a veterinarian. You can also hire the services of a dog groomer to take care of its fur during moulting.

For more content on dogs and cats, do not hesitate to consult my section Pet life. 🐶