Springtime Activities With Your Pup!

Looking for some fun activities to do outside this springtime? Here are some great suggestions:

Go swimming – Many dogs love spending time in the water. This is the perfect activity for a hot spring day. Whether you are near the beach or near a river, you can spend quality time splashing around with your dog. We always recommend having your dog wear a life jacket for his/her protection!

Become running partners – Workouts are a no-brainer. If you love to go out for a run, then you can make your dog to be your running partner also. On the other side, if you have a tough time getting up and going out than you can use your pet friend as a motivation. This will be beneficial for both you and your dog’s health. It doesn’t have to be a run; fast-paced walking is as good, just find some nice shoes for you and a quality harness that it is comfortable for your dog and you are good to go.

Find a new park – Free afternoons or weekends in the spring are meant for exploring. Make a point to divert from your usual route and find a new park full of sticks, trees and grass to explore.

Enjoy date night – If your local bar or favorite restaurant allows it, let your pup tag along for date night and take a seat outside to enjoy the scene. Your dog will be thrilled to keep you company as you eat and won’t need anything more than a fresh bowl of water, and maybe a treat every now and again, to enjoy people watching on the street.

Do some spring cleaning – If you haven’t already started this year’s spring cleaning, take those old raggedy shirts out from the bottom of your dressers and tie them together for a giant tug-toy! Go out and have an epic game of tug-of-war with your pup.

Springtime is Dog Time!

Springtime has sprung!

It is time to clean up inside your home and spend your time outside with your dog for the Spring Season.  Here are some helpful tips to do that:

• It is a good idea to schedule a vet check up for your dog.  Taking in your dog for a checkup after he has been inside for most of the winter will ensure your dog is healthy and ready to get outdoors.
• Your dog will start shedding as the warmer months approach so it is a good idea to brush your dog on a daily basis.  This will help keep shedding under control and keep your dog neat and clean.  Brush all the way down to the skin which will loosen and remove dead hair and dandruff.  Brushing routinely will also help reduce the buildup of pet hair in your home.
• Spring can bring mud outdoors so it is important to keep your dog’s feet clean.  In order to keep paw prints of mud and dirt off your newly cleaned home, greet your dog at the door and gently clean each paw with a damp cloth making sure to get between the toes and remove mud and debris.
• Regularly wash your dog’s bed. Use a fabric cover that on your dog’s bed that can be easily removed for washing. Vacuum the excess hair and dirt and then wash the lining in a non-scented detergent without fabric softener these can irritate your dog’s skin.
  Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/26/2714431/get-dogs-ready-for-the-spring.html#storylink=cpy
• Get active with your pet!  Make sure you and your dog take advantage of the warmer weather and spend time outside.  If your pet has been cooped up most of the winter, take it slow at first.  Go to the local dog park or play fetch in your yard.

Spending quality time with your dog will not only improve your pet’s behavior it will also improve your mood as well.  Who can’t enjoy watching a dog completely overwhelmed with happiness while he is playing outdoors?  Spring is here, it is time to get out with your pup!