10 <tc>VEGDOG</tc> SPRING TIPS

It's that time again! Spring is here and has chased away the last nasty temperatures. The shivering walks in the cold are finally turning into long walks in the blossoming countryside again. The temperatures are neither too cold nor too warm - just perfect for two- and four-legged friends! That's why we at VEGDOG agree: spring has a very special charm.

In order to fully enjoy this time of year, we would like to share 10 VEGDOG spring tips with you today. Because unfortunately, spring also hides potential dangers for our four-legged friends. The good news: with our tips and your appropriate behavior, nothing stands in the way of an active, healthy and beautiful springtime

Unfortunately, spring is also tick season. Especially if you have a long-haired or dark-colored dog, check it thoroughly for ticks and remove them immediately. The dog can also be given an anti-tick preparation. These are best bought from your veterinary practice, as many products from the internet have not been adequately tested for safety and effectiveness! It is important to prevent the transmission of diseases (z.B. Lyme disease, barbesiosis or anaplasmosis) to the dog in the event of a tick bite. Alternative tick prevention such as amber chains, coconut oil in food or ceramic collars have unfortunately not been convincing in studies and therefore do not offer reliable protection.

Your four-legged friend may also be prone to typical spring allergies, such as pollen allergies. Owners are often unaware of the symptoms of an allergy, as these naturally vary from dog to dog. It manifests itself primarily through skin problems ( z.B. Atopic dermatitis) and less frequently through problems with the eyes or nose. As for us two-legged friends, there are also medications for our four-legged friends which, in the case of a pollen allergy, make spring shine again and allow them to run around without symptoms. Such environmental allergies can only be diagnosed with certainty by a process of elimination, ideally by a dermatology specialist. Unfortunately, blood, hair or saliva tests are not suitable for diagnosis.

Dogs can also get sunburn. So be careful with skin-sensitive and fair-skinned animals. It is necessary to apply sun cream to the tip of the nose and ears to protect the dog from sunburn. A burnt tip of the nose should be avoided at all costs so that nothing stands in the way of pain-free sniffing. UV radiation can also promote the development of skin cancer in our four-legged friends. Creams specifically for dogs or humans (without fragrances) with SPF 15 or more can be used. When applying cream, the same applies as for us humans: apply at least 30 minutes before sun exposure, repeat regularly and apply as much as necessary but not too much, which can then be licked off again.

A long spring walk can quickly come to an unpleasant end if your dog is bitten by an insect. This is because your dog can be just as sensitive or even allergic to such stings as we are. If your four-legged friend has never been stung by a bee, wasp or other insect, you naturally have no way of knowing whether your dog is allergic to such stings. For minor stings or irritations, cooling or applying anti-allergic creams (e.g. Fenistil) will help. Insect bites in the head and throat area can cause breathing difficulties in dogs due to swelling. If this is the case, you should visit your veterinary practice immediately

On particularly hot days, you should take your four-legged friend for a walk in the early morning or late evening if possible. This is when the temperatures are more bearable for your dog. Older and sick dogs in particular struggle with high temperatures even more than healthy dogs. When walking at lunchtime, make sure that you choose routes with shady areas and as little asphalt as possible for your tour. Forests and parks offer a good change between sun and shade.

Our dogs can't always cool off in the cool water on hot days. If there is no river or lake nearby, you can simply moisten a towel with cold water. Many dogs love it and like to lie on the cold towels or the cold floor to counteract the high outside temperatures. Cool - not cold - water to drink can also help.

A quick trip to the shops and leaving the dog in the car - after all, it only takes a few minutes. The fact that you shouldn't keep your four-legged friends waiting in the car for long in summer is now widely publicized. But even in spring, the supposedly first warm rays of sunshine can be torture for your dog in the car. At an outside temperature of 20°C, the temperature in the car can rise to 36°C after just 30 minutes. So don't underestimate the spring sun and always ensure a dog-friendly ambient temperature if your shopping trip takes a little longer. Even better and ensures relaxation on both sides: Leave your four-legged friend at home or in a suitable environment. After all, shopping is more fun this way.

Because dogs, unlike humans, cannot sweat through their skin, they have a harder time keeping cool in high temperatures than humans. They can therefore quickly get heatstroke. Correctly recognizing the signs and symptoms of heatstroke and taking the necessary action can save your dog's life in an emergency.

The following symptoms may indicate heatstroke:

• persistent, heavy panting
• possibly increased salivation
• Inside of the ears are very red and hot
• The throat is often stretched out and the tongue hangs out wide
• Restlessness, nervousness and even panic

The following symptoms indicate a final heat stroke:

• shallow and rapid breathing
• heart palpitations occur
• the mucous membranes under the tongue are strongly red in color
• the dog appears apathetic, absent-minded and has balance problems
• Vomiting and/or bloody diarrhea can also be consequences of heatstroke

If the above symptoms can be detected in the dog, quick action is required! You should:

• take the dog to the veterinary practice as soon as possible and inform them of your imminent arrival. This will allow them to make the necessary preparations before you arrive.
• Take the dog to a shady and cool place.
• Cool the paws and legs with cool water first, then the stomach, back and neck.
• Offer the dog cool - not cold - drinking water. If the dog is no longer conscious, try not to give it water. In this case, place him on his side, stretch his head forwards and upwards and pull out his tongue.
• Check the dog's body temperature every 5 minutes with a clinical thermometer. Ideally, this should be between 37.5 and 39°C.

If your dog has had less exercise during the winter, don't overexert him now. Running on the bike in particular is not ideal for most breeds. So shift down a gear in spring and don't throw the stick quite so far

If you have a lothario, make sure that he does not harass female dogs excessively and/or cause fights with other male dogs. Because the spring sun doesn't just boost the dogs' endorphins! 😉

Have fun and enjoy springtime

your VEGDOG-team