Hello, friends!
April showers bring May flowers… and, if we’re lucky, a little more sunshine here in the Pacific Northwest. Every spring, after months of rain, most of us (dogs included) are getting a little stir-crazy. Here’s how to make the most of the longer days safely.
Check Your Yard for Hazards
More daylight means more time outside, so it’s a good time to walk your yard and look for anything that could poison or hurt your pet. Keep fertilizer, rodent repellent and garden sprays well out of reach of your four-legged friend. Even a tiny amount of poison can be deadly, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Stay Ahead of Bugs and Parasites
Bugs come out as the weather warms up. Keep your dog’s flea and tick prevention current so they stay protected from insects and parasites. (It’s also one of our requirements for daycare and boarding.) After time outside or in the woods, do a quick once-over to make sure no ticks have latched on.
How to Remove a Tick
If you do find a tick, here are a few quick steps:
- Wearing gloves and using tick-removing tweezers, grab the tick as close to your pet’s skin as you can. Pull straight up in one smooth motion, without squeezing too hard.
- Put the tick in a screw-top jar with some rubbing alcohol and screw on the lid.
- Disinfect the bite site on your pet. Wash your hands well, and disinfect any tools that touched the tick.
- Keep an eye on the bite site. If it’s still inflamed after a week or so, take your pet and the tick to your veterinarian.
Tire Them Out Before a Big Outing
Spring and summer bring lots of dog-friendly outings around the Eastside: patios, parks, festivals and ballgames. If you’re worried about how your dog will behave somewhere new and busy, a day at daycare beforehand can help. A dog who has spent the day playing with friends is usually more relaxed and happier to settle in next to you.
Muddy Paws? We’ve Got a Tub for That
Spring hikes mean muddy dogs. Instead of turning your bathroom into a mud pit, bring your pup to Jax Self-Wash. We have a professional wash station with a ramp, three shampoos to choose from, ear wash, face wash, towels and a professional dryer. Walk-ins are welcome during self-wash hours.
We’d love to see what you and your dog are up to this spring. Share your photos with us on Facebook or Instagram!
