|
Written by Sue Lambert
|
Spring is my favorite season. I find it inspiring, as tress bud, daffodils sprout and cherry trees blossom and I am encouraged to dust off my to-do lists, unbury those New Year goals, and spring into action.
As I come out of hibernation mode I tend to evaluate what pet related projects may have accumulated over the shorter winter days. I have to admit I probably bathe my dog much less in the winter, so I usually plan a “spring clean” bath day. Typically we go to a local do-it-yourself doggy wash. If you have limited space at home or don’t have the strength or patience to wrestle your dog into the shower or tub, this is a great option.
I guarantee you will be amazed at how much mess you can create and guiltlessly leave behind for someone else to clean up. There are huge bath tubs with endless hot water, shampoo and conditioner. They also provide brushes, towels and a giant blow dryer. It takes me about 45 minutes to shampoo and dry my dog, Sasha. I also check and clean her ears and teeth (they provide handy wet wipes for this). I usually clip her nails at another time to reduce the trauma of the experience, for a lab mix, she is surprisingly resistant to water! The floors are non- slip and there is a safety leash attached to the tub which makes this not only a convenient option but also very safe.
Make sure you apply your topical tick and flea medicine after the bath. Because I stop administering flea and tick medicine during the winter, checking to be sure that I have it in stock is another item on my post winter to-do list. It is easy to purchase online (no prescription required). Make sure you purchase the correct weight for your pet.
If you have lapsed behind on your pets annual vet check up, spring could be the perfect time to reinstate it. An annual check up is a wise investment for you and your pet, and is so much more than a weight and vitals check. Most examinations will include a thorough “nose to tail” check where a vet carefully inspects your pets, nose, mouth, eyes, ears, lungs, heart, skin & coat, abdomen, back , tail, legs, and paws. Stay present for the examination and ask questions, that way, you can monitor any problem areas between visits.
Sadly, some owners view an annual check us as an unnecessary expense since their pet has always been in great health and then suddenly their pet is hit with a serious ailment. It is during these check ups that your vet can pick up on the early warning signs of a serious problem that can be corrected, treated or at least slowed in progress.
I meet with pet owners every week who have just moved to the area or recently adopted a pet. Often they will ask me to recommend a vet. When considering your options, be sure to consider the distance and travel time, you don’t want to be deterred from a vet visit because you dread the trip there.
I also recommend visiting the vet location prior to signing up, especially if there are special needs to consider. Perhaps you have multiple large breed dogs? If so, you may need to consider a larger practice, with plenty of waiting room. If you have a cat who is terrified of dogs, you may opt for a cat only veterinary practice. If you have a rare breed, you may be more comfortable working with a vet who has prior experience with this breed. Accessible parking is crucial if your pet is frail and you want to minimize the walking distance from car to door. Every owner’s criteria are going to vary depending on their specific needs. Do your research to optimize the best match.
A good veterinary practice will offer advice over the phone to help you monitor your pet’s health issue and determine when and if you should bring your pet in. I know this because when I first adopted Sasha, much like any new parent, I would panic at the slightest sniffle, belly rumble or runny stool. When I called my local vet, a friendly technician would patiently talk me through it.
You probably are aware that you need to keep your dog’s rabies shots up to date. Did you know you need to buy a new dog license every year, and provide proof of rabies (your vet will issue a certificate). If you live in the city of Alexandria you are also required to buy a license for your cat, so keeping your cat rabies shots up to date is also crucial.
Once you have your routine pet care to-do list written up and checked off, why not devise a list of fun things to try. How about an agility class, a trip to a new dog park, or a drive out to a new hiking trail? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try pet therapy, or would like to learn pet massage. Spring is a great time to get out and try new things before the summer heat is upon us!
Sue manages the Alexandria Office of Doggywalker.com located in Old town. Doggywalker.com is a professional pet-sitting company providing daily walks and customized in-home pet care. Celebrating 10 years in business, visit Doggywalker.com or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
|
|
