The temperature finally rises again, the first flowers sprout, spring feelings show up. Not only we humans enjoy this great season, also our animals adjust to this change. In this article, TOBALIE gives you an overview of what to look out for in spring.
Change of fur
Especially in spring some pet owners have to struggle with the change of fur of their pets and hardly keep up with the spring cleaning. Just put the vacuum cleaner away, you can see the first cluster of hair again. The winter coat goes, the summer coat comes. But why? Simply, in summer our dogs and cats don’t need a warming undercoat to protect them from the freezing cold winter. This process is started by the temperature rise and by longer daylight (also by hormones) and usually lasts 6-8 weeks. However, not all dogs have a change of coat, such as the poodle and some cats (especially those without undercoat) have little or no hair all year round. With appropriate coat care you can help your darling with this change and the coming summer coat will be shiny and soft. You can also ask your veterinarian for certain feed oils (e.g. linseed oil) that make it easier to change coat and improve coat texture.
Parasites and Co
As nice as a rise in temperature is, unfortunately there are also disadvantages. From a temperature of approx. 8 degrees ticks, fleas and mites become active and search for their hosts. The motto here is: Prevent instead of fight! Meanwhile there are several means to protect your pet prophylactically against annoying parasites. So-called spot-on preparations, collars, natural remedies but also various sprays can protect against an infestation of these pests. Ticks are particularly active between 15° and 25°. So remember to protect your darling in time.
Caution when greening the garden
Now is also the time to think about garden greening. Caution is advised, however, with the following poisonous flowers: Snowdrops, yellow narcissus, tulip, crocus, hyacinth. At the first signs of poisoning, such as vomiting and diarrhea, cramps, increased salivation, take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Fertilizer can also trigger these symptoms.
Caution outdoors
Not only we humans get spring feelings, also with our domestic animals the turn of the year is to be recognized by the mind. Often in the spring the heat of dogs begins, which lets some (above all uncastrated) males mutate to true „Romeos“. If your dog is very strongly driven by these feelings and any commands are simply “overheard”, you should think of a leash or a possible castration during this time, otherwise it can happen that you soon expect offspring. Female dogs in heat should not go around into dog zones, in order not to put the males unnecessarily into stress. In cats this is of course similar, between March and September, is usually partner choice. Male cats can become permanently wheeled, hangovers mark everything. Never let uncastrated animals go outside, because the offspring will come faster than expected.
You should also be careful when walking your dog, as spring is the beginning of the breeding season for wild animals. In many areas the use of leashes is compulsory!
Young wildlife is still helpless, dog and cat have an easy game in hunting. So be careful not to let your animal run uncontrolled.
Summary
After a long and cold winter, the spring provides a true mood high. Not only humans, but also our pets are influenced by warmer temperatures and sunlight. Now the change of coat is on the agenda, even annoying little animals crawl out of their winter shelter again, which has to be observed. And, of course, now is the time of urges and feelings. New life is born, which we have to be considerate of. Now go outside and recharge your batteries.