Building up exercise

For all dogs, it is important to resume activities slowly and gradually after a quieter period (e.g. winter), but this is especially true for older dogs and dogs affected by osteoarthritis or arthrosis. If you want to give your dog some extra support in this regard, you can do so by using a feed supplement such as Olly & Molly Party Paws.

Young animals

During spring, take extra care that your dog doesn't leave the walking tracks. Lots of animals are born in spring. Deer and hares often leave their young alone in the woods or long grass. When in danger, these young animals often just lie down instead of running away, making them an easy target. But even when a dog just comes near a young, it can be enough for the mother to abandon it.

Ticks

Ticks can be found everywhere in nature: in the garden, in the forest, in long grass, ...

They are particularly active between March and October (outside temperature > 7°C). 

You can protect your dog from ticks by preventively administering a tick repellent (tick collar, drops or a pill). However, it is still recommended to regularly check your dog for ticks, especially after a walk. If you want to learn more about this parasite, be sure to read our blog article on ticks.

Grass seeds

Can you imagine that it’s dangerous for a dog to walk through long(er) grass. Yes, it certainly is! Wild, long grasses contain grass seeds. Unfortunately, these tiny grass seeds often have big consequences! Grass seeds are sharp and have barbs that can attach themselves in the coat and skin, between the toes, in the nose, in the ear canal, in the eyes, throat, ... Again, it is very important to check your dog after a walk (especially through long grass) for the presence of these grass seeds. But also be attentive to complaints in your dog such as: suddenly sneezing a lot, squeezing their eye shut, trying to scratch their eye with their paw, coughing, shaking their head (ears), ...

If your dog shows any of the above symptoms, it is best to contact your veterinarian immediately.