As the snow melts and the trees bud we all start venturing a little farther and more often out of doors. Ensuring you and your dog can enjoy spring together takes a small amount of worthwhile preparation. Obedience and vaccinations are two key points to enjoying the out of doors
This time of year we aren’t the only ones waking up. Our neighboring wildlife is waking up too, and after their long sleep it can take a few weeks of wondering around before they are fully in tuned to their surroundings. Porcupines, skunks etc are all Awake and abundant and dogs fall afoul of porcupines more often in the spring months than any other time of year. The most well trained of our canine charges will find a face to face with wildlife very difficult to resist. Unless one is utterly assured that their dog will respond to their masters instructions, then leash walking in the spring is highly recommended.
Now is the time to double check those vaccinations and initiate parasitic control if not done year round. It’s not just the bears that go in the woods, and that can have serious consequences for an unprotected dog. And don’t forget Canine Cough (unfairly nicknamed kennel cough) a chance encounter with a new or old Canine friend is all it can take to catch a “doggie cold” .
So please contact your Veterinarian to ensure your pet is protected and take a moment to do some refresher training and use a lead where possible.