"Spring Cleaning" Your Pooch
After a long winter, dogs are eager to get outside and back into a regular exercise routine.
To make the transition as easy as possible, there are things responsible pet owners should do.
Pet groomer Ali McLennan, of the Animal Planet series "From Underdog to Wonderdog," visited The Early Show Saturday Edition to show us how to get our dogs ready for spring!
Ali bathed an adorable shelter dog she brought along and, as she did, gave pet care pointers every caring dog owner should know, on bathing, paw protection, nail cutting, and flea and tick prevention.
The dog with Ali is named Lafayette, and is up for adoption.
Lafayette is described as a perfect little bundle of fur! He came to the Animal Haven Shelter in New York from the city shelter, where he was brought in as a stray. But it's clear this boy wasn't always a stray. He loves to sit in your lap, and is thrilled just to be in your arms! He also looks much larger in photos than he is (due to his excessive fur). In reality: Lafayette is only about 8-10 pounds. He'd love to go to an active home with lots of exercise and enrichment. He is good with kids and other dogs (and, most likely, cats, too!). For info on adopting Lafayette, click here.
Ali says how your dog looks says a lot about your home! So, while you're doing your spring cleaning, don't forget about the one who actually makes your house a home!! After a long winter on the couch, getting your pooch ready to see his old pals in the park may seem overwhelming, so here are a few tips from Ali:
Bathing
Problems that occur in winter and how to combat them for spring:
Shedding: Bathing a dog who is shedding badly should start with a good brush out, removing the wispy undercoat and mats before the dog ever gets in the tub.
Matting: If your dog is matted hold the mat in your had to protect the skin, separate the mat with a slicker brush (sometimes a little corn starch on the mat helps break it up). Follow with a pin brush, then a steel comb all over.
Dry Skin, Dull Coat: Never use a Human shampoo on a dog, it's much too harsh. The result will be more shedding. Try a shampoo with omega 3 & 6 fatty acid to combat dry skin, shedding and matting all at once. Try using a curry brush in the tub to get all the products past the undercoat.
Tears stains: Common reasons are allergies, spring cleaning and new surrounds may exacerbate this condition. Try giving your dog distilled water with a couple of drops of vinegar. Keep that area extra clean by wiping once a day with a warm wet paper towel.
Paw Care
Problems that occur in winter and how to combat them for spring:
Dry cracked pads: Salt and cold weather can damage your dogs paw pads. This can be painful and lead to all sorts of infections. Before his first park run of the year, try soothing them with a paw balm with tea tree oil, to kill any bacteria or fungus while his pads heal.
Booties for after grooming: After your dog is all clean, those muddy April showers can be a drag, I always give my clients little rubber booties so they don't mess up their feet, or the carpet!
Nail Trimming
Overgrown nails can lead to all sorts of orthopedic problems in your dog. Keep your dogs nails as close to the quick as possible, shaving away slowly and, if your dog has black nails, look for the little black dot that you'll see right before you reach the quick. Afterwards, always do a little filing, so you and he won't get scratched by a sharp corner.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Frontline: This product contains an ingredient that is stored in your dog's sebaceous glands all month repelling fleas and ticks and killing eggs and larvae to prevent or stop a cycle. Once a month apply to your dog, right between the shoulder blades, 72 hours before or after a bath. Some natural alternatives are herbal flea collars and adding brewers yeast and garlic to your dog's diet.
How to Search for Parasites
If your dog has a tick, remove it with heated, needle-nose tweezers, making sure you remove the head. If not, the dog could suffer from infestation, from eggs in his blood stream, or contract lime disease.
If your dog has fleas, bathe immediately in a flea shampoo, leaving it on for 10 minutes while combing with a flea comb. Disinfect the area, and in the coming weeks, bath your dog in a tea tree oil shampoo to avoid flea allergy dermatitis.
As the temperatures begin to warm and the plants start to get green, many of us itch to clean our homes. And our dogs itch to get outside. What do we pet owners need to do to get our pooches ready for the coming warm weather?
Groom: Start with a bath, as long as your bathing area is warm enough to keep your pet from getting chilled. A self-serve grooming salon is a great choice for a budget-conscious pet owner. You can also send your dog to a full-service grooming salon and save yourself a lot of work.
Use a whitening shampoo to brighten light-colored fur that has been ravaged by winter mud. Lather with a curry comb to help remove your dog's winter coat without pulling. Then get your dog dry using the dryers at the salon. Brush your dog's fur - use a metal bristle brush for long hair and a natural bristle brush for short hair. Clip or grind your dog's nails to an appropriate length, taking care not to damage the quick.
Clean Up: Freshen your dog's sleeping area by washing the bed or bed cover. Toss or repair any toys or bedding materials that are ripped or broken. Vacuum hair and dirt.
If you use a crate, take it outside and wash it with antibacterial soap and lots of water - don't leave any soap or fragrance residue to irritate your dog's nasal passages. Make sure it is completely dry before you put the crate pad back in.
Exercise
A long winter cooped up means that you and your dog both need to ease back into regular exercise. Make a schedule that gradually increases activity. Don't overdo it by becoming weekend warriors the first warm day of the year.
Get Healthy
Stock up on medications, such as heartworm preventive and flea repellent. Make sure any prescription medications you have are current; dispose of any that are unnecessary or expired. Schedule your dog's annual checkup and vaccinations.
If your dog is nearing senior status or is a large or giant breed, discuss the need for joint supplements with your veterinarian. Glucosamine or other supplements can help prevent joint pain and problems, but only your vet can help you make the appropriate decision to supplement. Blood tests and other senior-specific care might be necessary, so make sure your vet does any extra testing that is necessary based on your pet's age.
Finally, make sure your dog has proper identification. If you don't have a tag, get one made. If you do have a tag, check to make sure it is still securely attached to the collar and that it is still readable. If you have your dog microchipped - a safe and effective method of identifying you as its owner - have the vet scan the chip to ensure it is still readable.
Check Your Yard
Take a walk around the yard to check for any wear and tear on your fence. Fix any gaps or areas where your dog might escape.
Look for any plants that might be toxic or dangerous for your dog. Check the plants in your yard against this comprehensive list of unsafe plants. Also check for loose branches that might be unsafe.
Check the garage or shed to assess the chemicals you use outside. Dogs are at an increased risk of sensitivity to chemicals because of their size and tendency to eat things. Raise a Green Dog is a great resource to find safe fertilizers and herbicides.
Relax!
Now you are ready to enjoy the warm weather with your dog!