As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, it's time to prepare your pets— especially horses and dogs— for the changing season! Spring brings new opportunities for outdoor activities, but it also comes with unique challenges like shedding, allergies, and increased parasite risks.
Here’s how you can ensure a smooth and healthy transition for your animals!
Grooming For The Season
For Horses:
Shed Out the Winter Coat
Spring is prime shedding season! Horses naturally shed their thick winter coats as temperatures rise. Use a shedding blade, curry comb, or grooming mitt to help loosen and remove dead hair. Brushing daily not only speeds up the shedding process but also stimulates natural oil production, giving the coat a healthy shine!
For horses with particularly thick coats, vacuum grooming tools or shedding gloves can help speed up the process.
Spring weather can bring skin conditions like rain rot, fungus, or mud fever due to damp conditions. Regular grooming allows you to check for bald patches, scabs, or skin irritations early. If you notice skin issues, clean the affected area, and apply a veterinary-approved topical treatment. Ensure your horse has a clean, dry shelter to prevent further irritation!
Bathing & Deep Cleaning
Once the weather is warm enough, a good bath will help remove dirt, sweat, and winter grime. Use an equine-specific shampoo that is gentle on the skin and helps promote a healthy coat. If it’s still too cold for a full bath, try spot cleaning with a damp sponge and dry shampoo. Make sure your horse is completely dry before turning them out to prevent chills!
Mane & Tail Maintenance
Detangle your horse’s mane and tail using a wide-tooth comb and a conditioning spray. Avoid excessive brushing, as it can cause breakage. Instead, use your fingers to gently separate knots. Consider trimming the tail to a manageable length if it drags in the mud.
Hoof Care
Spring often brings muddy conditions, which can lead to hoof issues like thrush and abscesses. Clean out hooves daily using a hoof pick, paying extra attention to the frog and sole. Apply a hoof conditioner or thrush treatment if needed, especially if your horse has been standing in wet conditions.
Schedule a farrier visit to ensure proper trimming or shoeing for the new season!
Fly & Parasite Prevention
Warmer temperatures mean flies, ticks, and other pests return. Start using fly sprays, fly masks, and sheets to protect your horse. Check for ticks after turnout, especially around the ears, mane, and underbelly. Consider deworming your horse based on your veterinarian’s recommendation.
For Dogs:
Shedding Control & Coat Maintenance
Many dogs shed heavily in the spring as they lose their winter undercoat. Use a deshedding brush, slicker brush, or undercoat rake depending on your dog’s coat type. Breeds with double coats, like Huskies and Golden Retrievers, will need frequent brushing to prevent loose hair buildup. If your dog has a short coat, a rubber curry brush can help remove hair and stimulate circulation.
A spring bath helps wash away dirt, allergens, and loose fur. Use a gentle, dog-safe shampoo that won’t dry out their skin. If your dog has dry or itchy skin, consider a moisturizing shampoo or conditioner. For dogs that dislike full baths, waterless shampoos or grooming wipes can be a great alternative!
Nail Trimming & Paw Care
Dogs may have longer nails from less outdoor activity during winter, so trimming is important to prevent discomfort. Use a nail grinder or clippers and trim gradually to avoid cutting the quick. Spring surfaces can be rough on paws—check for cracks, cuts, or sensitivity caused by rough terrain or leftover de-icing salts. Applying a paw balm can help keep paw pads soft and healthy.
Ear & Eye Cleaning
Dogs can develop ear infections in the spring due to increased moisture and allergens. Clean ears gently with a dog-safe ear cleaner and cotton pad—never insert anything deep into the ear canal. If your dog has tear stains or eye discharge, use a warm, damp cloth to wipe around the eyes!
Health Checkups & Preventive Care
For Horses:
Schedule a Spring Vet Exam
Have your veterinarian perform a general wellness exam to check for weight changes, dental health, and any issues that may have developed over the winter. Discuss nutrition adjustments if your horse’s activity level will increase. Ensure your horse is fit for riding or competition after the slower winter months.
Vaccinations & Deworming
Spring is the ideal time for core vaccinations, including:
Deworming schedules should be based on fecal egg count tests to avoid unnecessary treatments and target parasites effectively.
Dental Care
Horses should have annual or biannual dental exams to check for sharp points, uneven wear, or dental discomfort. Signs of dental issues include difficulty chewing, weight loss, and excessive drooling.
For Dogs:
Schedule a Spring Vet Checkup
A comprehensive physical exam can help detect any underlying health issues. Discuss nutrition needs if your dog will be more active outdoors. Check for joint issues or arthritis if your dog is aging or has been less active during winter.
Vaccinations & Parasite Prevention
Spring brings increased exposure to diseases and parasites, so update vaccinations, including:
Start or continue flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. Check for ticks daily after walks in grassy or wooded areas!
Dental Health
Spring is a great time to schedule a dental cleaning if needed. Brushing at home with dog-safe toothpaste helps maintain oral health. Provide dental chews to reduce plaque buildup.
Adjusting Diet & Hydration
For Horses:
Gradually Introduce Spring Pasture
Spring grass is rich in sugars and carbohydrates, which can pose a risk for laminitis, colic, and metabolic disorders. Introduce grazing slowly—start with 15–30 minutes per day, gradually increasing over 2–3 weeks. Horses prone to laminitis or metabolic issues (e.g., Insulin Resistance or Cushing’s) may require a grazing muzzle or restricted pasture time.
Balance Nutrients with Forage & Grain Adjustments
As pasture availability increases, you may need to reduce grain or concentrate feed to avoid excess calories. Ensure your horse is still receiving enough fiber—if pasture isn’t sufficient, supplement with good-quality hay. Consider adding a vitamin-mineral supplement if your horse is on restricted grazing.
Monitor Body Condition & Weight
Spring activity levels may naturally lead to weight changes—track your horse’s Body Condition Score (BCS) regularly. If your horse is gaining too much weight from lush grass, consider limiting turnout time or using a slow feeder hay net. Hard keepers or performance horses may need increased calories as their workload rises.
Support Digestive Health
A probiotic or prebiotic supplement can help ease the transition to fresh grass and support gut health. Salt and electrolytes encourage drinking and prevent dehydration as temperatures rise. Provide free-choice loose salt or a salt block to support hydration.
Increase Hydration for Warmer Weather
Warmer temperatures and increased activity levels require more water intake! Ensure your horse has clean, fresh water available at all times—check and clean troughs frequently to prevent algae buildup. If your horse sweats more during exercise, consider adding electrolytes to their water or feed to replenish lost minerals. Some horses prefer warm or flavored water (e.g., apple juice or molasses in water buckets) to encourage drinking.
For Dogs:
Adjust Caloric Intake for Increased Activity
If your dog has been less active during winter and starts exercising more in spring, they may need slightly more food to match their energy output. Active dogs, working dogs, or those participating in hiking, agility, or swimming may need a higher protein and fat intake. Conversely, if your dog gained winter weight, you might need to reduce portions slightly to maintain a healthy body condition.
Transition to Seasonal Foods Carefully
If changing your dog’s diet (e.g., switching to a new brand or formula), do so gradually over 7–10 days to prevent digestive upset. Introduce fresh foods like fruits or vegetables (e.g., carrots, blueberries, or apples) in moderation as seasonal treats. Be mindful of seasonal allergies—some dogs may develop food sensitivities in spring.
Support Hydration as Temperatures Rise
Warmer weather means increased panting and water loss, so dogs need more water. Always have fresh water available, especially after walks, playtime, or exercise. If your dog is reluctant to drink, try adding low-sodium broth or ice cubes to encourage hydration. Some dogs enjoy water fountains, which keep water cool and circulating.
Signs of dehydration include dry gums, lethargy, excessive panting, and sunken eyes. Carry a portable water bowl when hiking or walking in warmer weather. Provide shade and cool resting spots during outdoor activities. Avoid walking on hot pavement, which can cause paw pad burns.
Seasonal Supplements & Dietary Adjustments
Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin) can help dogs that are more active in warmer months. Dogs prone to allergies may benefit from omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) or antihistamines (per vet advice). Some dogs develop seasonal shedding—a balanced diet with enough healthy fats (like salmon oil) promotes a healthy coat.
Exercise & Outdoor Safety
For Horses:
Ease Into Spring Workouts
If your horse had a lighter workload during winter, start with short, low-intensity rides and gradually build up endurance. Begin with groundwork, lunging, or hand-walking before returning to full riding sessions. Pay attention to signs of fatigue, such as heavy breathing or reluctance to move forward.
Be Mindful of Mud & Slick Surfaces
Spring rains can create muddy, slippery conditions that increase the risk of slips, tendon injuries, and hoof issues. Avoid riding on saturated fields or deep mud—stick to drier, stable footing. Check your horse’s legs for cuts, swelling, or mud fever (pastern dermatitis) after turnout.
Watch for Spring Allergies & Respiratory Issues
Horses can develop seasonal allergies to pollen, dust, or mold in hay. If your horse shows signs of coughing, runny nose, or difficulty breathing, consult your vet for allergy management. Avoid riding in dusty arenas or on high-pollen days!
Trail Riding & Pasture Safety
Check trails and fields for fallen branches, hidden holes, or slick terrain before riding. Spring growth can hide toxic plants—identify and remove any harmful vegetation from your pasture. Watch for wildlife encounters, including snakes or insects that become active in spring.
For Dogs:
Increase Activity Gradually
If your dog was less active in winter, start with shorter walks or play sessions and gradually increase duration. Avoid sudden bursts of intense activity (e.g., long hikes or fast running) to prevent muscle strain. Senior dogs or those with arthritis may need joint supplements or shorter, more frequent walks.
Protect Against Mud & Rough Terrain
Muddy trails and wet grass can lead to paw irritation, infections, or slipping injuries. Rinse paws after outdoor walks to remove mud, allergens, and road salt residue. Consider using dog boots if your dog is walking on rough or wet terrain frequently.
Watch for Overheating & Hydration Needs
Dogs can’t sweat like humans, so overheating happens quickly in warm temperatures. Provide water breaks during long walks or playtime. Look for early signs of heat exhaustion, including:
Never leave your dog in a hot car, even if the temperature feels mild!
Prevent Fleas, Ticks & Parasites
Spring brings ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes, which can carry Lyme disease and heartworms. Use vet-recommended flea & tick preventatives and check for ticks after outdoor activities. Keep grass trimmed short in your yard to reduce tick exposure.
Keep an Eye on Seasonal Allergies
Dogs can develop itchy skin, watery eyes, or sneezing due to pollen and grass allergies. Wipe their paws and fur after walks to remove allergens. If your dog has severe symptoms, talk to your vet about antihistamines or allergy treatments.
Be Cautious Near Water & Wildlife
Ponds, lakes, and puddles can harbor bacteria or parasites like Leptospirosis, which can be dangerous for dogs. Monitor your dog around streams or lakes—some dogs love to swim, but cold water can cause shock or muscle cramps. Spring is snake season—avoid tall grass or rocky areas where snakes may be hiding.
By taking these steps, you will help ensure that your horses and dogs are healthy, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the beauty of spring! 🌸🐴🐶
Kamie Roth
Author