What to do with your dog in the winter-to-spring transition

Who doesn’t love those moments that signal the end of winter and the beginning of spring? Little green buds begin peeking up from beneath the soil, you spot the odd robin perched in a tree, and there’s those semi-melted pools of grey slush that are packed around everything!

This time of year also separates dogs into two groups: The first are those who won’t put a single paw down in the wet, cold stuff. The second are pups that get the zoomies and run full tilt around the backyard, more often than not, leaving a trail of dirty paw prints throughout the house.

 

Like us, our four-legged BFFs are unique and not every dog welcomes the changing season. There are the mud puddle-magnets and the dirt-averse, and both types can get stir crazy with an early-onset spring fever that arrives before the last snow or slush has cleared.

 

So what do you do during those weeks when temperature changes and unpredictable weather patterns make both you and your dog feel more cooped up than usual?

 

We asked our experts — from vets, to trainers, to nutritionists — for their advice. 

What to do when your dog dislikes the spring thaw

If the fluctuating temperatures and unsettled weather patterns are throwing your dog off their game, don’t worry, they’re not alone. There are several reasons for dogs to want to avoid the outdoors during the transition from winter to spring and — insert big sigh of relief here — there’s more than one strategy to overcome their resistance to braving the elements.

 

Common issues with the outdoors include physical discomfort (cold or pain), fear, and distraction.

  

First up, clothing can solve multiple issues. Dog jackets and hoodies serve two purposes: of course, they keep your furry companion extra warm, but they can also play a role in soothing dogs who are fearful of strong winds and rain. You see this philosophy at work with so-called thunder shirts which fit snugly around a dog’s body like a big comforting cuddle.

  

Paw care is also a big part of managing seasonal transition for your dog. Both icy and hot pavement can be irritating and during a particularly turbulent spring (extreme cold or hot), your dog might be dealing with both.

  

“With winter, we're worried about a dry climate and cracked paws,” says Dr. Garrett Schuilenberg, a veterinarian at Islington Village Animal Hospital. “Ice and salt are going to dry their paws out. But then when we start getting into hotter temperatures, even as early as 25 degrees Celsius, if your dog is walking on hot pavement, that pavement is going to be substantially hotter than it actually feels outside.”

  

Paw protection can range from boots in colder weather to semi-permeable waxes, which provide a barrier layer for paws that are sensitive to both hot and cold conditions.

  

Diet can play a part in how senior dogs cope with changing weather as well. Supplements can ease sore joints and achy muscles that can plague seniors during the colder months, says Pet Valu nutritionist Kylie Hogan, who has a Master's in Science and Animal Nutrition with a specialized focus on cats and dogs.

  

“Most senior diets have glucosamine in them and increased Omega fatty acids. But that's something you may need to supplement even more in the winter if their joints are feeling a little bit achy. Similarly in spring and summer, you may need more depending on your dog — if they are more active they need that support.”

 

If a dog’s reluctance to venture outside is rooted in fear or distraction, training is the key to overcoming the problem. The goal is to condition your dog into associating the outdoors with good stuff by centering walks around those things that they love — treats, positive verbal reinforcement, and toys.

 

With her own dog, Melanie Krumme, a trainer at the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, says that she plays a simple game called ‘Look at That.’

  

“Basically, when he sees something that he's trying to react to, I use my clicker to mark the behaviour that I'm looking for,” she explains. “I'll click and reward him just for looking at the thing that could be scary to him or concerning for him. Sometimes you can work through that situation a little easier if you can use some engagement with them: talking to them, or rewarding them for eye contact.”

How to beat springtime cabin fever

Each spring brings with it some days when neither one of you dares to venture outside (with the exception of the briefest of doggo bathroom breaks). And, while you might want to curl up on the couch together with a new Netflix series, your dog probably has other ideas — and a lot of excess energy.

 

You can cool cabin fever by setting up some simple DIY activities for your dog that stimulate them on either a physical or intellectual level. Obstacle courses can be built from household items and furniture, treat puzzles require only an old cereal box or yogurt container, and who doesn’t love a classic game of hide and seek (especially when what’s hidden are more treats)?

 

“I always find that mental stimulation can tire a dog out a lot better than physical stimulation,” says Krumme.

 

“If you're able to, make time to do some of these enrichment puzzles or games where you're giving your dog that mental stimulation,” Krumme advises.

 

These sniffing and chewing activities or training exercises are all outlets for your dog’s energy.

 

Alternatively, you might set up a fun playdate with another dog owner and take turns hosting at each home.

 

“All of these things are going to help contribute to giving your dog that stimulation so that they're not destroying something in the house,” she says. Bonus: following some intellectual stimulation or a solid play session, your dog will be far more open to that Netflix-and-cuddle session you originally had in mind

A dog day out on the town

While the dog park may be your pet’s preferred destination, when the weather drives you indoors, there are great spots both dogs and pet parents can visit to get out of the house. Across Canada, retailers are realizing that dogs are an important part of the family and are welcoming them into their stores. A few examples include Lowe’s, Indigo, HomeSense and Winners, Canadian Tire, and (your dog’s favourite) specialty pet stores like Pet Valu!

Nurseries and garden centres are also frequently dog-friendly and your furry BFF is likely to enjoy the indoor/outdoor vibe they offer.

 

After shopping, head to a local craft brewery — many will enthusiastically welcome dogs in both their indoor and outdoor spaces, although it’s only water on the menu for your furry friend! Check out your local brewer’s social media accounts to gauge how dog-friendly they are or make a quick call to find out if their facilities accommodate your companion.

 

Many public transit systems are also dog-friendly spaces, just be sure to check before you travel. Not only will this experience enhance the bond between you and your furry friend, but it can also promote mental stimulation and socialization. One quick tip is to avoid rush hour when your pet may feel stressed out by the crowds.

The psychology of seasonal change: Do dogs get seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

Changes in your dog’s mood or behaviour can be observed seasonally, says Dr. Schuilenberg, but they’re not the same psychological ups and downs we might experience ourselves.

 

“We don’t really observe SAD in dogs,” says Dr. Schuilenberg.

A dog’s change in behaviour is related more directly to the temperature outside as opposed to being filtered through their emotions.

 

“We certainly will see mood changes,” explains Dr. Schuilenberg. “Dogs are lazier in the winter, they're lazier when it's really hot outside. That can affect appetites as well.”

As an example, Dr. Schuilenberg says a dog that comes in from a long walk might just want to lay down. If you are trying to feed your pup and he’s not interested, it is likely just because he’s tired.

 

“We as humans interpret this, because we relate a lot of things back to us and anthropomorphize different emotions,” he says. “I think that's where this idea of seasonal affective disorder has come into play.”

Good news: your dog probably doesn’t need happiness therapy any time soon.

Allergies, weight gain, and that itch that won’t quit: dealing with seasonal physiological changes

Here’s where your dog could experience some real, tangible shifts thanks to the changing seasons. From weight gain, to extra shedding, to allergies, the winter-to-spring transition can trigger some physiological issues for your dog.

 

Following a winter that likely featured extra couch time, a lot of dogs may have experienced some weight gain, which possibly could have been prevented.

 

“What's most important is rotating your food and that's where the seasons really come into play,” says nutritionist Kylie, who recommends switching to a lighter food for the winter. “If you have a pet who's prone to weight gain or you can't exercise them as much, you might want to switch to a weight control food,” she suggests. “That would mean higher protein, lower fat, higher fibre.”

For dogs who become more active in the spring, dietary changes are also recommended.

 

“If you’re someone who goes for bike rides or long hikes and your dog comes with you, you want to be feeding more,” says Kylie. “You probably also want to switch to something that's going to complement that — something that has more fish in it which is really good for skin and coat if they're going to be outside in the elements more. It's also better for joint health if they're going to be running around a lot more. Also when you're going into those more active months, you can go to a higher protein, higher fat diet because they need that extra energy.”

The arrival of spring and its pollen-palooza also means the start of allergy season for both humans and dogs. According to Dr. Schuilenberg, environmental allergies typically show up in dogs at some point between two and six years of age.

 

“In year one, your dog is exposed to [an allergen], creates an immune response, and is ready to react when they encounter it again,” he says. “And then year two, they do it again. By the time your dog is five or six years old, they've probably been exposed to everything they're going to be exposed to and if their body hasn't reacted to this yet, they're probably not going to.”

When it comes to determining whether an allergy is caused by environmental or food-related factors, it’s easiest to start with food first. If dietary changes don’t help alleviate symptoms, it’s time to see the vet. Dr. Schuilenberg says symptoms of environmental allergies typically present themselves on a dog’s torso, belly, neck, or face, whereas food allergies show up on ears, rears, and feet!

 

“I look at these different distributions on their body and where exactly they're itchy,” he explains, “and that helps, but it's not definitive.”

The good news is that diet can actually help to alleviate mild environmental allergy symptoms.

 

“If you're just having problems here and there, supplement with omegas,” says Hogan. “There are also probiotics that you can add to your pet's food and usually starting internally with the gut does help.”

 

Another strategy can be switching your dog’s food to a formula for sensitive skin and stomachs.

 

“Those will have a lot more of the nutrients that are needed for calming inflammation,” she adds. “There's a lot of beta glucans from yeast and oatmeal which have not only a soothing effect on internal digestion, but it also will go through your blood walls into epidermis and skin and have anti-inflammatory effects there as well.”

Probiotics, explains Hogan, are a great addition too, “because they help to create that healthy gut that starts everything, that whole chain reaction. If you have a dog that struggles with seasonal allergies, switching to that kind of diet is probably your best bet.”

Sometimes, however, medication is the only way to find relief for your dog.

 

“A little bit of a workup with your vet is important when you start to see skin issues at any time of the year,” says Dr. Schuilenberg.

 

But how do you know when it’s time to schedule the appointment?

 

“Usually what I'll ask people is, ‘Rate your dog's itchiness or discomfort on a scale of one to ten.’ If you're pushing six, seven, eight, saying, ‘My dog is basically itchy all the time. I'm constantly catching them licking, I'm waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of them scratching themselves’ then it’s definitely time to bring your dog in.”

Fleas and ticks: a not-so-fun fact of canine life

While flea and tick season can kick off at different times across the country, one rule holds true for all of Canada: as global warming progresses, fleas, ticks, and the mosquitoes that carry heartworm disease are appearing earlier in the year and in places where they haven’t been seen before.

 

What this means is that your dog requires protection from these harmful parasites for a larger portion of the year than was once the case. Vets are now recommending that dogs start treatment earlier in the year, and end it later.

 

“Our warm season has become much longer,” says Dr. Schuilenberg. “Ten years ago we would do prevention for fleas, ticks, and heartworm for about six months out of the year. That's all we really needed, that was when it was warm enough for these things to come out. Now our warm season is longer and our winters are a little bit shorter.”

 

Ticks, for example, come out anytime that temperatures are above 0 degrees Celsius — and the longer tick season means a greater risk for pets.

In addition, Dr. Schuilenberg says the warmer weather means new kinds of ticks have moved up from the Northern United States into Canada.

One example is the Lone Star tick which transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever which is a blood-borne bacterial disease that can cause a whole laundry list of different vague symptoms.  “Timely treatment generally carries a good prognosis but prevention and regular screening is key,” Dr. Schuilenberg adds.

 

Additionally, it’s a mistake to think that your dog is safe if they only venture out as far as your backyard or if you live in an urban area.

 

“That's not true,” Dr. Schuilenberg warns. “Because we've got wildlife that runs through backyards. And heartworm comes from mosquitoes. Walk downtown in the middle of the summer and you'll probably get a mosquito bite. They're everywhere. So I think that's a misconception.”

 

While dog owners can attempt to minimize contact with ticks by steering clear of their habitats (these insects like to live in long grasses) fleas and mosquitoes are unavoidable. Dr. Schuilenberg also advises to consult your vet about any intestinal parasites your dog can be exposed to.

 

“Other animals are out there leaving droppings around and dogs can pick those kinds of things up as well,” he says.

  

Safeguarding your dog (and their environment) from these and other nasty parasites means peace of mind and more outdoor fun for the both of you… as soon as that final snow melts.