With spring upon us, we’re entering the season of renewal. Longer days, fresh air, and more time outside are a welcome change from the chilly winter months. Spring brings more opportunities for your dog to stretch their legs, explore, and enjoy new adventures. But as the seasons change, so do their wellness needs.
Whether it is stiff joints or seasonal shedding, slight adjustments may help keep your dog feeling their best. Take a moment to read through these veterinarian-recommended tips to help support your dog as we enter springtime.
A Simple Step for Joint Support
More movement means more strain on your dog’s joints. Talk to your veterinarian for help in creating a plan to support their joint health. Things like weight management, regular exercise, and mobility aids such as ramps or carpets on slippery floors can be helpful depending on the age of the dog.
“Dogs of all ages rely on strong, healthy joints to move comfortably. Regular exercise, weight management, and joint health supplements can provide support throughout their lives,” says Dr. Eric Shreves with Nutramax Laboratories.
Springtime Joint Care Tips
Warm Up Before Play
Just like humans, dogs benefit from a warm-up before exercise. Start with a short, gentle walk before engaging in running, jumping, or agility activities.
Paw Protection
Spring can bring muddy, wet, or have uneven terrain, which may be slippery. For older dogs or those with joint concerns, keeping their paws clean and trimmed can improve traction and reduce the risk of slipping.
Adjust Activity Levels Gradually
If your dog was less active in the winter, don’t jump straight into high-impact exercise. Slowly build endurance with shorter, more frequent walks before increasing intensity.
For joint health, many veterinarians recommend Cosequin®, the No. 1 veterinarian-recommended retail joint health supplement brand, to help support a dog’s joints. For advanced care, Dasuquin® combines key ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and avocado soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) to help support cartilage health.
Adding a joint health supplement to your dog’s daily routine is an effortless way to support them through the changing seasons. Remember, you don’t need to wait until a dog’s senior years to think about joint support and supplementation.
Support Skin and Coat Health from the Inside Out
As temperatures rise, so does shedding. Dry air, seasonal allergens, and normal coat turnover can all affect skin and coat health.
Want to support your dog’s skin and coat? Supplements like Welactin®, the No. 1 veterinarian-recommended omega-3 supplement with EPA and DHA, helps boost skin and coat health. It’s also an easy addition to their routine that will help them look and feel their best.
Brush Regularly
Frequent brushing helps remove loose fur and stimulate natural oil production, which can reduce shedding and keep the coat looking healthy.
Check for Seasonal Allergies
Warmer weather increases pollen exposure, which may cause itching, paw licking, or redness in some dogs. Rinsing your dog’s paws and coat after walks can remove allergens and help prevent irritation.
Use a Gentle Shampoo
If springtime adventures lead to frequent baths, use a moisturizing, dog-friendly shampoo to avoid stripping essential skin oils.
Make This Spring Your Dog’s Best Yet
Spring is full of fresh starts, for both you and your dog. A few small adjustments, like adding joint and skin and coat support, can help support your dog during this season.
While these supplements are often associated with senior dogs, they can be beneficial for dogs of all ages. Learn more about Cosequin®, Dasuquin®, and Welactin®, and talk with your veterinarian about supporting your dog’s wellness early and throughout their life.
Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc. provides science-back supplements to support your dog’s health. For over 30 years, Nutramax Laboratories has delivered exceptional quality, rigorous research, and innovative solutions for supplements that veterinarians trust. From joint and digestive health to skin, coat, and immune support, Nutramax remains committed to enhancing the well-being of dogs at every stage of life.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.
