2024 Spring Guide for Dog Owners

We’re happy to say that spring is back! And here at BreezeGuard, we’re especially looking forward to what the warmer weather will mean for our dogs!

As the temperatures start to rise (we are in an El Nino year, after all!), there are a few things you can do to make this spring extra special for your pup. Take a look!

Take full advantage of the sunny days
Scientists are predicting that El Niño is going to create some warmer-than-average spring conditions here in the Pacific Northwest. Of course, this is Seattle, so there will still be rain! As such, make sure that you take full advantage of the sunny or partly cloudy days to schedule your adventures with your furry friend.

If you live outside of our neck of the country, take a look at what the weather forecast is predicting for your area!

Have a plan for the rainy days
Even though sunnier days are on the horizon, there will still be a few stay-inside days for you and your dog. And, if your pup is the kind to get wound up when they’re inside for too long, try a few of these activities to burn off excess energy:

• Treat scavenger hunt. Hiding little treats around the house will give your dog the chance to satisfy the sniffing instinct that they’re missing from their daily walk.

• New trick training. Burn off the built-up calories with some brain exercises! Teaching your dog a new trick is good mental stimulation while deepening your bond.

• Hide-and-seek. Not only is this a fun game to fight off the rainy day boredom, but it’s also a good way to reinforce your dog’s recall command!

• Indoor obstacle course. You might teach your dog to jump through hula hoops, spin around broomsticks, or army crawl under a low table. These are all great ways to get your dog’s heart rate up without leaving the house.

• Treat-filled toy. Dogs have a natural instinct to forage and chew, and rainy days are the perfect opportunity to break out their favorite treat-filled toys!

Be on the lookout for spring plants that are poisonous to dogs
You and your pup are excited to get back into nature after a long winter, but make sure to keep an eye out for hazardous spring plants, including:

• Daffodils
• Hemlock
• Tulips
• Lilies
• Foxgloves

As with any other time of year, you’ll also want to keep your dog away from wild mushrooms.

Be ready for packed trails and dog parks
For your dog, hitting the trails and dog-friendly areas in spring is a little bit like going back to school in the fall! They’ll see their old and new friends who they didn’t get a chance to mingle with as much over the winter.

As such, make sure that you’re prioritizing safe and friendly greetings! Keep your dog on a leash and chat with other dog owners to get a sense of friendliness and play habits.

If your dog is reactive, this time of year could pose extra challenges. Make sure that you let other dog owners know to keep a safe distance and consider getting a bright label for your dog’s leash that lets others know that your dog is reactive.

Install BreezeGuards on your car
Spring is full of wonderful sights and sounds for your dog. And you can make sure that they enjoy the stimulating breeze in their face with BreezeGuard screens for your car. These durable, easy-to-install screens are placed over the back windows to allow air to flow freely while your dog stays safely in the backseat.

Stay up to date on flea and tick treatment
Spring and summer are peak flea and tick season, so make sure that your furry friend is up-to-date on their prevention treatment!

It’s also good practice to check your dog for external parasites any time they take a romp in long grasses.

Be careful of snowmelt
If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with snow, you might be extra excited to get back to nature in spring! But, be careful of rivers that may be flowing faster than normal because of snowmelt.

Enjoy some dog-friendly spring fruits and veggies
Spring is an ideal time to share some dog-friendly fruits and veggies with your pup! Depending on your area, the follow may be in season right now:

• Strawberries
• Mangoes
• Pineapple
• Carrots
• Celery

Remember to always feed these ingredients in moderation. Too much of a good thing can cause stomach upset, which will put a damper on your spring activities!

Get back to your spring exercise levels slowly
After the short days of winter, you and your dog are probably eager to get back into a more active exercise routine. Your dog will love the extra time playing fetch or the few extra miles running together.

But, make it a point to ease back into things slowly. Too much exercise after a period of rest can be the perfect storm for injury or overexertion. 

Spring cleaning can be for your dog too!
Are you clearing out the cobwebs in your home for a bit of spring cleaning? Don’t forget to add your dog’s harness, toys, bedding, and other accessories to the wash list! This will lower Fido’s risk for fleas and viruses like kennel cough.

Enjoy the season by staying present!
The best way you can make the most of the spring season is to live in the moment with your doggo! This spring, see if you can spend more quality time playing fetch, teaching new tricks, and giving your dog all the cuddles they could want. In 2024, a great goal is to spend less time scrolling and more time tummy-scratching! 

Are you ready for spring?
If you’re as excited about spring as we are, we want to hear about it! Head over to our Facebook and let us know how you plan on enjoying the spring season with your dog!