A good start to spring with your dog
A good start to spring feels like a fresh start for many dogs. Nature awakens, the days get longer, and suddenly everything smells much more exciting. For us humans, this is often a moment of relief – for dogs, it is a real energy boost that is clearly noticeable in everyday life.
However, the change of seasons brings more than just good moods and longer walks. Dog owners should be aware of how their dog’s hormones change and of the hidden dangers that lurk in their own garden.
Spring: Is the dog behaving differently now?
Dog in spring. The “spring awakening” in dogs is indeed not a figment of the imagination. With the first signs of green, many dogs’ daily rhythm changes. More light means more activity, and rising temperatures boost their metabolism. The body releases more serotonin and endorphins, while the sleep hormone melatonin decreases. The result: Many dogs suddenly seem much more energetic, playful, or even exuberant.
Especially in unneutered animals, hormones are running wild right now. Nature awakens, smells are more keenly perceived, and tracking becomes a priority on walks. Owners should not be surprised if their usually obedient companion suddenly tunes out – instincts are often stronger than training in spring.
Typical spring changes in dogs include:
- Increased urge to move around due to pleasant temperatures.
- Increased sniffing and exploratory behavior.
- Hormonal changes that can influence territorial behavior.
- Shedding of the coat places additional demands on the body.
- Increased distractibility due to new stimuli in nature.
- These changes are normal and show how closely dogs are connected to their environment.
Garden Dangers:
Your own garden may seem like a haven, but overlooked risks arise, especially in spring. Many of these involve plants, fertilizers, or insects – things that pique a dog’s curiosity but are not always harmless. Typical spring garden dangers include:
- Poisonous early-flowering plants such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, or lilies of the valley. The bulbs are particularly problematic.
- Fertilizers and pesticides can be irritating or toxic. Some dogs even eat organic fertilizers, such as horn shavings.
- Compost heaps where mold can form.
- Garden tools that become tripping hazards in the heat of the moment.
- Ticks and other parasites become active with the first warm days.
Caution is also advised when gardening. Chemical fertilizers, slug pellets, or freshly spread bark mulch can cause poisoning or irritation. Furthermore, be careful not to leave garden tools, such as shears or rakes, lying around to avoid paw cuts.
Parasite and fitness check
With the first warmer temperatures, ticks become more active again. Early protection with spot-on treatments, collars, or tablets is now essential. Owners should also gradually increase training intensity. Those who have been relatively relaxed all winter should not immediately take their dog for a two-hour walk at the first sign of sunshine: the joints and overall fitness need to be built up carefully first.
The shedding season:
An unmistakable sign of spring is the “wool invasion” in your home. Your dog is shedding its thick winter coat to make room for its lighter summer coat. This process takes a lot of energy from the body. Support your pet by brushing it daily. This not only promotes blood circulation in the skin but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog and prevents the loose undercoat from clogging pores.
With a little care and the right preparation, nothing stands in the way of an energetic start to the season for both you and your dog. As temperatures rise, please provide plenty of water, as dogs can dehydrate more quickly. Enjoy your time together – after all, those “dog spring feelings” are contagious!