Spring can be a tough time for Angelenos: one day, it’s 62 and cloudy, while the next day’s near-blistering. This is the time of year for toting around a tube of sunscreen and a spare sweater, just in case. That same flexibility holds true for dog care during these in-between months: you and your canine companion have to be equally prepared for a rainshower as for a heat-fest. Here are some springtime dog tips to cover the warm and cool days alike!

A Word on Wet-weather Walks

Though springtime doesn’t necessarily guarantee rain for LA, it’s a good idea to be prepared for any showers on the horizon. Our rainy season officially ended on April 15th, but Mother Nature is known for her drizzly May Gray and June Gloom surprises! Perhaps you keep an emergency umbrella or balled-up slicker in your car or backpack. You can bring this same forethought to your dog walks by ensuring that you always have some dog waste bags clipped to your leash (or otherwise handy). 

Because our city’s dog walkers may not be as used to factoring in potential rain before hitting the pavement, be sure to keep the following in mind:

  • Stick to the sidewalk: Avoid ‘off-roading’ through medians, lawns, and other grassy areas. Though we love a good traipse, sticking to sidewalks will mean fewer muddy paws, which will in turn reduce the need for extra bathtimes. But sometimes mud is unavoidable – in those cases, be sure to give your pup’s paws a quick wipe with a reusable towel before going inside. 
  • Scoop it STAT: Though it’s always important to scoop up dog poop to prevent stormwater pollution, it is particularly important to be prompt with your baggies during a rainy stretch. A strong rainfall can send dog waste on a one-way path toward our waterways. 

Wait, is it Summer Now? 

Okay, it was rainy yesterday, and now it’s sweltering – and your muddy-pawed bestie really needs a bath, as much for the cooling effect as for the cleanliness aspect. 

  • Make the most of what comes out of your faucet: We’ve all been there: you turned the faucet to ‘hot,’ hoping to achieve that perfect lukewarm temperature to give your dog the ideal spa day, and then you let the water run for a couple minutes to ‘heat up’ while perfectly usable cool water slipped down the drain. You may not be able to get your water to heat up faster, but you can make use of that first rush of cold water. Consider turning ‘pre-bath time’ into ‘refill the dog (and cat!) water dishes’ time. You can even keep a spare bowl near the sink just for these purposes.
  • Fewer, shorter baths will make everyone arf with delight: Just as shower timers make a great water conservation reminder for the humans among us, setting your phone or oven timer while you get to scrubbin’ your pup can encourage you to take just as much time as is truly necessary. Your dog probably won’t complain about a little less time in the tub!
  • Low-flow’s the way to go: If possible, do your best to scrub for a few minutes using a low-flow showerhead or hose nozzle. Also, depending on the shampoo or soap you use, outdoor baths offer a great alternative, have the added bonus of watering the lawn and can save towels from extra trips through the spin cycle. But remember: many shampoos and soaps aren’t stormwater-safe, so for an outdoor bath, it’s important to select a biodegradable option.

Eco-Friendly Topical Flea Treatments: Avoid a Toxic Circus

“Flea season” is year-round in California, though warm weather can give these pests an extra lease on life. Since flea prevention is always in style, here are some thoughts on how to keep the Earth in mind while you’re working to keep fleas out of your home:

  • Choosing eco-friendly products ripples into positive effects for our waterways. When searching for the right flea and tick treatments, look for those labeled as environmentally friendly or less harmful to aquatic life. Seek out products with natural ingredients or those approved by organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It’s also worth asking next time you’re at the vet. Also, the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) offers many great resources for protecting our pets, water, and world.
  • When you make a treatment choice, use it only as directed. Make sure you read the instructions on the bottle before you overdo it. Going overboard with the application of flea treatments does not make it any more effective, but instead increases the risk of runoff into stormwater systems and may even harm your pet.

Maintain the mane. Regular brushing, bathing, and other grooming techniques can help reduce the need for chemical flea treatments. Don’t give the fleas time to set up shop. You’ll be saving yourself time in the long run, which means more opportunities for cuddles, walks, and other fun activities.