[Bernard]

Now that everything’s blooming, my pup’s been sneezing more than usual. I’m curious how others manage seasonal allergies, bug bites, and all the mud that comes with spring adventures. Do you change your dog’s routine or grooming habits this time of year?

[Tara Maurer]

Totally feel you—spring is beautiful but messy when you’ve got a dog! I’ll switch up a few things this time of year to help manage the chaos.

For allergies: I wipe my dog’s paws and belly with unscented pet wipes after walks to get rid of pollen and other irritants. If the sneezing gets bad, I’d check in with your vet to rule out anything more serious or to ask about antihistamines.

Bug bites: I stay on top of flea/tick prevention and use a natural bug spray on hikes.

For the mud situation: Towels live by the door now. I also trim my dog’s leg and paw fur to cut down on the mud clumps. If your dog tolerates it, you could also look into a paw washer cup.

And yes—I definitely brush more often and bathe my pup slightly more during spring to stay ahead of it all. The grooming effort goes up, but so does the trail time, so it’s worth it. 😊

[Author]

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