Spring Must-Haves for Dog Owners

After a long, chilly winter, many pets and pet parents are eagerly welcoming spring and warm weather. Now that the snow has melted, there’s lots to do outdoors—and that means more work for you. But, fear not! We’ve got five helpful pet products to help you save time this spring. We’ll get that yard of yours looking fresh, and your pup smelling sweet!

1. Dog Rocks

Springtime… when there’s a warm breeze, blooming flowers, and the lawn is carpeted endlessly in green. Unless, you have a dog, that is. Then, your lawn probably looks a bit spotty.

Urine burn marks can be a source of frustration for pet parents who take pride in their beautifully groomed lawns. These “burn” patches result from high levels of nitrogen in your dog’s urine, along with high urine acidity or alkalinity. While commonly associated as a problem with female dogs only, these patches can actually be caused by both males and females.

Forget what you’ve been told about training your dog to pee in one spot, hosing down the lawn after each pee break, and giving your dog supplements… We’ve got the real solution, and it’s incredibly easy!

“Dog Rocks” are naturally occurring rocks found only in Australia. When submerged in your dog’s water bowl, they filter out the excess nitrates- because what goes in must, inevitably, come out! When your dog drinks the water, their urine’s nitrogen is naturally neutralized without changing the PH balance or taste of the water. After 2 months –Dog Rocks’ natural saturation time- simply switch out the old rocks for new, and that’s it! No more burnt lawn! (www.dogrocks.org )

2. Dog Waste Clean Up Services

Speaking of beautiful lawns…the spring thaw often leaves more than mud puddles. If you’ve been neglecting poop pick up over the winter, the spring cleaning may seem like a daunting task. Never fear! There are a number of companies out there that will come clean up for you, such as Poop Fighters.

For as low as $65, Poop Fighters will come and pick up all of the waste from your yard, rain or shine. They also offer year-round clean up services (including pick up and removal) for as little as $15 a week. Now, that’s a price worth fighting for! (www.poopfighters.com)

3. Cool Pet Pads

On those hot summer days, what could be better than taking a nap on a pressure-activated Cool Pet Pad? This self-cooling mat by The Green Pet Shop actually gets colder when there is pressure on it, and that coolness lasts for up to 3 hours. After 3 hours, it automatically recharges itself during a 15-20 minute period of non-use. The non-toxic gel pad is covered with a durable fabric layer to keep it safe from puppy nails and every-day use . The pads come in small all the way up to extra-large sizes, and range in price from $25 to $85. Perfect for use in the car, in a crate, or just on the floor.

I’ve personally tried these Cool Pet Pads out, and I’m thinking of getting one for myself, never mind the dog! (www.thegreenpetshop.com)

4.OUT! Spray Shampoos & Body Mists

When it’s bath time for our pups, we often end up just as soaked as they do. Trying to hold them down, keep them from shaking or jumping out of the tub, all while trying to get the shampoo where it needs to be are challenges we face with regularity. OUT!’s new spray shampoos for dogs aim to make bath time a little less chaotic by introducing an Easy Spray Shampoo with 360 degree continuous spray and an easy-grip bottle. What does that mean for pet owners? It means you can now spray your dog’s shampoo on, at any angle, and get to those hard to reach areas like their underbellies.

Just released in March of this year, Easy Spray Shampoo comes in a light, Brown Sugar scent (with soothing oatmeal to moisturize the skin and coat), and Sweet Berry Shed Stop Shampoo (with B5 vitamins to help reduce excess shedding). The shampoos also include a conditioner, with vitamins A and E. Shampoos are available at Walmart. (www.outpetcare.com)

5.Natural Flea & Tick Products

I’m so happy—and I’m sure you are, too—that “all natural” products are the new trend in the pet industry. Any dog that’s going to be enjoying the great outdoors this spring and summer, should be prepared to face the fleas and ticks that lurk in the underbrush, and scour for their next furry victim. You can prepare your pup, naturally, with products from Vet’s Best. Carrying every sort of anti-flea and tick product imaginable (Spot-On treatments, Home & Go Sprays, and even wipes and outdoor foggers) Vet’s Best tackles the pesky critters with a natural solution of clove extract and peppermint oil. It even claims to kill fleas, flea eggs, ticks and mosquitos on contact! This line of products would be great for use at the home or cottage, and for dog-friendly families with children. Available for purchase online from Petco and other retailers. (www.vetsbest.com)

Well, there you have it! Five helpful products to help you prepare for spring. You’ve got your lawn looking lush and free of urine burns and dog waste, your dog is smelling sweet with Easy Spray Shampoo, relaxing on a Cool Pet Pad, and free of ticks and fleas! Sounds like you just found a way to save yourself a few hours of work. Congratulations, Pet Parent, you’re ready for spring!

(All photos courtesy of their respective websites)

Emily Phillips

Give a Dog a Bone Blog

www.giveadogaboneblog.com

@give_adoga_bone

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