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Six Springtime Dog Tips

As Spring days grow longer, many of us are becoming more active with the outdoor activities we enjoy with our dogs. Here are a few tips to help your pooch ease into the fun of hitting the trails:

1. Start the day early by getting outside and enjoying the cool morning air in order to prevent your dog from overheating.

2. Protect your pet's nose, ears and other sensitive areas with sunscreen.

3. Monitor your dog's overall condition; be cautious to prevent exhaustion.

4. Let your dog build up his endurance, don't overdo it by attempting an extended hike early in the season.

5. Make sure that fresh water is readily available.

6. Inspect paws for wear, damage and injury.

Got Fleas or Ticks? Vacuum the Lawn!

No, this is not what Martha Stewart does on weekends. We're talking about removing ticks and fleas from your grass. Using the lawnmower's bag to catch the clippings, rather than mulching them, picks up all kinds of undesirable parasites that have jumped off squirrels, mice and deer into your grass.

You can compost the clippings at the edge of your property where the parasites will be trapped in the pile. Mulching mowers, eco-friendly as they are, do not suck up these blood suckers as well as the bag method does.