I’m Getting My Healthy Dog Spring Cleaning Today

Okay! The house has had it’s spring cleaning.  Now it’s my turn.  We dog’s need a good spring cleaning just like everything else so they can stay healthy.

Here are the “must-do” items for spring cleaning your canine companion and keeping him healthy all year.

1. Health
2. Food
3. Feet
4. Ears
5. Coat
6. Teeth
7. Eyes
8. Private Parts
9. Bed
10. Hugs

Let’s talk about our health first, because it’s important.

Health

Now, I know not every dog goes to the doctor at the same time every year for an annual check-up. But, it you feel like it’s been a while since you paid them a visit, spring is as good a time as any.  We need to be checked for internal parasites (I don’t like calling them worms) that might have found a warm winter hiding place inside our bodies.  Our hearts need to be checked to be sure they’re in good beating order.  Make sure we don’t have any heartworms too.  With spring here, mosquitos will be invading our space soon, so get us on some kind of preventative.  Fleas will be jumping up and down soon too, anxious to use us as their mode of transportation everywhere we go.  Get something to get rid of those little pests.

FOOD

Now is a good time to check our food.  Are you feeding us a good, quality food?  Have we gained weight during the winter and need to take off a pound or two?  You can ask about that while you’re at the vet.  And get on the computer and do a little research on the best foods available for us.  I like Purina Pro Plan.  I eat it every day and so do all my family members – even those who are older and need to be on a special diet.  If you aren’t sure if your food is giving you the nutrition you need, ask your vet.  If he or she doesn’t know, ask mine.  She knows everything about keeping us healthy.

FEET

Now, who checks their feet in the spring?  Well, ours need to be checked for cracked pads, matted hair between the pads. Nails that need clipping.  And have your owner take a sniff and see how your feet smell too.  Sometimes they start smelling like corn chips in the spring.

Why is that?  Well, we have sweat glands in our feet and they’re surrounded by fur.  This creates a great environment for bacteria to grow.  That’s where the smell comes from. But it’s not necessarily a bad thing unless it suddenly gets really strong. That could mean a yeast infection.  If that happens, back to the vet you should go.

EARS

When you’re giving us a big hug and an overall checking out, be sure to take a look at our ears.  Are they dirty inside?  Do they smell bad?  Is hair matted inside? If so, clean them up.  You can use tweezers to gently pull out the hair.  If our ears are dirty, and they probably will be if we haven’t had them cleaned all winter, just use some over-the-counter ear cleaner and then wipe them out with a soft tissue or cotton ball.  Whatever you do, don’t stick anything in the ear canal. You can cause damage in a dog’s ears just as you can in your own.

EYES

Make sure our eyes are clear and clean.  We might get crusty stuff in the corners.  If so, wipe it our with a soft tissue or cloth. Be careful using your fingertips because if we suddenly jerk, your finger might poke us in the eye.

COAT

Oh goodness, that means it’s time for a bath.  Some dogs hate them.  I think they’re fun.   Before bathing, always brush your dog out and be sure all the tangles and mats are gone.  This will help remove any debris that may be in the coat, but it will help the dog dry more quickly as well.  And, there won’t be any knots and tangles in that wet hair.

When you bathe, be sure to use a good shampoo.  I get mine at a place called Blue Ridge Scents ‘n Soaps.  It is an online store, so the shampoo comes right to my door.  I use a creamy shampoo in a cedarwood scent.  It’s more masculine (like me) and it has smelling great.  Not only am I squeaky clean, buy my coat is healthy and with the cedarwood it helps me naturally repel fleas.  Another good scent is lemongrass.  You can buy it at the same place and it does the same job as my cedarwood. Check it out here. Get Some Shampoo

TEETH

Take a look at my teeth.  I like to have a sparkling white smile.  If they are stained or look like they’re turning brown, let the vet take a look at them.  Maybe tartar has just build up and a good cleaning will do the trick.  But one could be cracked and causing some pain.

PRIVATE PARTS

Take a look behind your pup’s tail.  Be sure it is clean of any waste that may have gotten stuck.  Be sure there’s no swelling, odor or discharge too.  If so, off to the vet you go.

BED

Check your dog’s bed.  Be sure it is clean and comfortable.  It might be time for a new one if it’s getting worn around the edges.  Or maybe a new one of the latest spring colors …