5 Spring Safety Tips for Your Dog

There’s warmer weather in the forecast! Are you looking forward to it as much as we are? With warmer weather, there are some safety tips you need to keep in mind so you and your dog can happily enjoy the spring.

Crack Your Car Windows

If you take your dog with you and need to leave her in the car, remember to crack the windows a few inches. Even if it’s only 40-50 degrees outside, the sun can raise the temperature in the car by several degrees and quickly make it uncomfortable, and even unsafe, for your dog.

Avoid Toxic Plants

Spring is a beautiful time of year, with all of the plants sprouting and flowers blooming. Some of those plants, though, may be poisonous to your dog. When you take your dog outside, watch what he puts in his mouth. If you’re raising an SSD dog, there’s a list of toxic plants near the back of the puppy manual. The ASPCA also has an extensive list of plants that are toxic to animals. 

Groom Your Dog

Grooming your dog not only makes them look good, but it helps prevent skin irritations, fleas, and ticks. A well groom coat also helps dogs regulate their temperature.

Attach ID Tags to Your Dog’s Collar

Whether you’re taking your dog for a walk or are just spending time in the backyard, make sure your dog is wearing their ID tags. When you spend more time outside, there are more chances for your dog to wander off or you may need to drop the leash for some reason. Even if you’re confident that your dog will stay by your side, it’s a good idea for your dog to wear ID tags to make it easier to recover them if they do get away.

Keep Spring Cleaning Supplies Out of Reach

If you’re doing some spring cleaning, be sure to keep your cleaning supplies out of your dog’s reach. The chemicals in many cleaners are poisonous for dogs

We hope you and your dog have a happy and safe spring! Enjoy the warmer weather! 

Dressed to the Nines: Good Grooming

Good grooming is an important part of every dog’s health, and it can be a great opportunity to bond with your dog, especially when you’re brushing him or giving him a puppy massage.

SSD Irwin gets groomed daily.

First, Donna uses the curry brush to loosen the fur and dirt.

Next, she uses a comb to check for ticks.

She finishes with a soft brush for a nice, shiny coat.

He gets his teeth brushed.

Irwin loves the peanut butter toothpaste!

Rubbing toothpaste on the left side.

The right side

And the front! Donna uses the finger brush because it's easier for her to work with. Because canine toothpaste is enzymatic, vigorous brushing isn't necessary unless the dog's teeth are extremely dirty.

He gets his ears cleaned. Because labs have floppy ears, moisture can accumulate in their ears and become a breeding ground for organisms. Regular cleaning, about once a week in warm weather, will help prevent infections. 

Irwin holds still while Donna wipes out his ears.

Irwin’s favorite part is his daily puppy massage! Who wouldn’t want to get a massage every day?