GETTING YOUR PUP READY FOR SPRING!

from Best of Burlington Spring 2023

For Vermont Real Estate Company, Independence is Everything

IT’S ALMOST SPRINGTIME! The days are getting longer and the temps are getting warmer, so you know what that means…it’s almost dog park season!!!

As we begin to venture outside more with our furry friends, it’s important to remember these 9 important things to keep your pup safe and happy this Spring.

1. Your pup has been taking it easy all winter, so they’ve probably put on a little weight and lost some muscle tone. Ease your pup into outdoor playtimes. Doing it right away could lead to injury or exhaustion.

2. Before venturing out to the dog park, make sure your dog is up-to-date on their flea & tick medications.

3. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their heartworm medication as well. Warm weather means active mosquitos who are carriers of the dangerous disease.

4. Dogs can experience seasonal allergies, just like humans. If you notice your pup sneezing, coughing, chewing at their fur or scratching excessively, take them to see their vet for an allergy check-up.

5. Beware of toxic Springtime plants. All varieties of lilies, morning glory, crocus, rhododendrons, tulips and azalea flowers are toxic to dogs. Make sure you are able to identify them to keep your dog safe.

6. Don’t let your dog drink from stagnant water. Stagnant water, such as ponds and puddles, can cause bacterial infections, gastrointestinal upset and some bacteria can be deadly.

7. Dogs can get skin cancer, especially if your dog has a white coat or pink skin around their eyes or nose. Make sure your light skinned and white colored pups aren’t out in the sun for too long without protective clothing or sunscreen. Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray or Petkin Doggy Sun Stick are great options.

8. Don’t forget that Springtime is mating season for dogs. If your dog isn’t spayed or neutered, make sure to keep an extra close eye on them at the dog park.

9. Last but not least, make sure your dog is up-to-date on their rabies vaccine. It only takes one sick squirrel or raccoon wandering into a dog park to introduce your dog to rabies.

Yoga Bunnies

If you’re feeling the urge to relax among adorable bunnies, you should check out a bunny yoga class at Water and Rock Studio’s in Burlington, VT. This studio teams up with local shelters, farms or rescues to bring these adorable, hoppy creatures to you. Classes are open to all ages and 50% of the proceeds go to the participating local animal rescue/farm. You can even plan a bunny yoga session for your own private group.

Spring Chickens

Did you know that you can have backyard chickens in Burlington? It’s true! You are allowed up to three hens in your backyard. Not only do chickens provide eggs but they are excellent foragers and will rid your yard of pests if allowed to free-range in your (fenced) backyard. They eat pests too—crickets, mice and ticks are some of their favorite snacks!