For dogs, spring is probably the most beautiful time of the year. The cold winter is over, and the walks can finally be longer. However, with spring also come a few challenges for dog owners. From spring fever in dogs to ticks: we’ll tell you how you and your furry friend can stay healthy and lively through the season.

Spring Fever in Dogs

The increased light and sunshine influence our mood, and this is no different for our dogs. They experience a kind of spring fever. Many female dogs come into heat in spring, and male dogs sniff around like there’s no tomorrow. But whether female or male, other things happen in a dog’s body that can make them more lively than usual. For instance, many breeds shed their winter coat. We’ll give you some tips on how to make this wild phase a bit less stressful.

1. Explore New Paths:

Dogs are naturally curious. If there’s something new to sniff, they are quick to get excited about it. Provide your four-legged friend with some variety, such as new walking routes. This will distract them, and they may become less fixated on the opposite sex. Try walking at different times, like late in the evening or very early in the morning when there are fewer dog friends around.

2. Talk to Other Dog Owners:

If you are out with your female dog in heat, approach unknown dog owners from a distance. This way, they can also adjust to the situation if they have a male dog. On the other hand, if you encounter male dogs you know, you can proactively take a detour to prevent your female dog from getting her hopes up for the male companion.

3. Distraction for the Male Dog:

As obedient as your beloved dog may usually be, once the object of his desire leaves her scent, there is no holding him back. When the scent of a hot female dog reaches his nose, he will do everything to get closer to his beloved. In this case, make sure your dog is on a leash during walks. Otherwise, he could quickly escape and potentially cause an accident in public. To prevent him from having to walk too close to you, you can use a long lead on these days, so you still have control.

4. What to do if it happens?

Of course, it can always happen that the male and female dogs find a way to each other. As difficult as it may be for you, let the dogs be. If you try to separate both dogs, you could end up injuring both of them. Stay nearby and wait until the mating is complete. As the owner of the female, go to the vet as early as possible to prevent fertilization of the egg.

Exchange contact information with the owner of the male; he is responsible for the wild antics of his dog and must cover the veterinary costs. This applies if you had control over your female dog, and she was essentially taken over by the male. If you are the owner of the amorous male, inform your dog liability insurance. It covers the follow-up costs of the unwanted mating.

If Your Dog Snaps at Insects

Outdoors, life is buzzing on meadows and fields, especially with insects thriving as flowers and plants bloom everywhere. Your dog, having retained his hunting instinct during the winter, might quickly snap at the occasional flying insect. A significant risk is that a sting from a bee or wasp in the oral cavity can lead to swelling. This can result in difficulty breathing as the swelling obstructs or at least reduces the passage to the lower airways. Therefore, keep a close eye on your beloved pet in the colorful flower meadows. If an insect sting does occur, here are some tips for assistance: Bee Sting in Dogs

Throwing Sticks – When the Popular Game Becomes a Danger

Most dogs love chasing after objects, not just balls but also sticks found on the forest floor. We enthusiastically throw them far into the field and enjoy watching our furry friend eagerly chase after them. However, this game can turn into a significant danger: If our beloved four-legged friend is faster than the stick, they might catch it mid-air and, in the worst case, lodge it in their throat or palate.

If a severe injury occurs, it may come with heavy bleeding. Depending on your location with your dog, it could be critical to get them to the vet on time. Therefore, we recommend using fetch sticks that are virtually indestructible, even through chewing. Your dog just needs to bring it back obediently; otherwise, wear and tear would be too high.

Shed the Winter Coat

Many dog breeds shed their thick winter coat at the beginning of spring. The timing depends on the daylight duration and temperature. It usually takes six to seven weeks for your furry friend to lose its winter coat, with older dogs taking a bit longer. Assist your dog during the shedding process by brushing daily to remove the undercoat. Using specialized combs also stimulates blood circulation. Observe the shedding period: If it lasts longer than described, it could be due to nutrient deficiency. Take the opportunity for a spring check-up with the vet, who can provide nutritional tips for your dog to ensure ongoing health. Find more grooming tips here: Dog Coat Care

Note the breeding and setting times of birds and game

Now that nature is once again reaching towards the sun, you must consider the breeding season of birds and the setting season of game. From April 1st to July 15th, unfortunately, your dog must be kept on a leash in forests and on many green areas. Near bodies of water, many waterfowl have nested, and there are many bird species that hatch their offspring on the ground. In addition, in the forests, deer and other game animals are raising their young. Keep in mind that even the pursuit of these animals by your dog causes so much stress that the animals may succumb to it. Ultimately, you are liable if your dog chases or kills an animal. Furthermore, the respective regulatory authorities may take measures that could even affect the ownership of your dog.

Conditioning must be gradually rebuilt

After the long winter months, exercise is certainly beneficial now – but please do so in moderation. Organizing marathon runs directly is not optimal for the dog. They need to gradually get used to increased activity. Start with short walks, which can also happen more frequently throughout the day. Extend the walks with your four-legged friend so that they slowly adapt to longer walks. Especially for large dog breeds and senior dogs, the slow adjustment is necessary to avoid putting too much strain on their conditioning, circulation, and musculoskeletal system all at once.

Poison bait attacks are increasing

When many dogs are out with their owners, animal haters also become more active. Poison bait attacks become more frequent. Many dog owners have not yet prepared their dogs for such risks and do not know what to do in such a case. The fact is: Poison bait can be found anywhere – whether in the city or in rural areas. Few dogs are safe from this madness unless you react correctly. When you are out with your dog, you must keep a constant eye on them. If they sniff things that you cannot immediately recognize, you must intervene.

If you suspect your dog has swallowed something, check if there are remnants on the ground and consult a veterinarian with your dog. The symptoms of poisoning do not always appear immediately – sometimes abnormalities only show up after hours or even days. However, it may be too late for life-saving treatment by then. Treat your dog like a little child when you go for a walk.