Here we go again! It seems people just can’t leave anything alone. Having changed the time on our clocks last November when we were all supposed to “Fall back” an hour, they are about to do it again!   Even before the spring sunshine and singing birds arrive to wake us up, people are going to “spring forward.” All it really means is that all of us – dogs and people – will lose one whole hour’s sleep on Sunday. Well, I’m sure you really won’t lose any sleep over it, being the sensible dog that you are.  You’ll just take a longer nap whenever you feel like it.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:            

Daylight Savings Time used to begin in April, but this year we will “spring” forward on Sunday, March 8. Perhaps it’s a promise of spring to help us get over last weekend’s snow. It is true that losing an hour’s sleep will have a greater impact on the high school students than on the dogs. Rufus can wait.  The school bus won’t. Some dogs pick up on the chime of a clock to tell them when members of the family are coming home, or when it’s dinnertime. (They’re not too savvy with reading digital clocks.) But for the most part dogs rely on their own inner sense of time that ticks off a perfectly sensible schedule of daily events in their lives, and also of how the seasons rotate. If possible, depending on your routine, let Rufus adjust to the new family routine on his own. (It is, however, perfectly okay to envy him his extra naptimes!)         

 Maybe the powers-that-be created DST in an attempt to get us over the winter blues, a great idea!   So let’s start by thinking about springtime for Rufus. If his heavy coat kept him warm all winter, it will soon need to be thinned out, trimmed and perhaps shampooed so he’s ready for the Easter Parade. (This is essential timing if your Rufus is a Fifi.) Nails that were left a bit longer so he wouldn’t slip on the ice can now be cut back to their normal length. While you’re at it, don’t forget to brush his teeth for a sparkling spring smile. If you can’t cope with all or any of this, make a date with a local groomer.

There are loads of things to consider for Rufus with spring on the way. Now is a good time for a yearly check-up with his veterinarian. Write down (so you don’t forget) the questions you will want to ask the vet. For example, is a change of diet in order due to the dog’s age? What about a change in any medication (including heartworm, flea & tick, etc)? And be sure to bring up any health issues you may have noticed during the winter. The vet will ask you many questions, but it is so easy to forget to ask the ones that are important – or just plain puzzling – to you.            

There is one other springtime chore to tackle after all the previous grooming, and that is to thoroughly and completely clean out the dog’s sleeping area, bedding, towels, grooming tools – everything!  Take a hard look at your dog’s possessions and toss out and replace worn out essentials. Have a spring fling for Rufus! While you’re at it, consider donations to our local shelter.   

The flower catalogues have started to arrive and you will be tempted to fill your garden with flowers in an effort to forget winter. Sounds good to me! Just one reminder: some plants are poisonous and even a dog that “never” chews anything growing outdoors, just might try it. It’s the old “never, ever, say never” warning. Florists can help identify the culprits, and you can go online for help.        

Ah, Spring! Long may it last!

                                                               

Until next time – BE GOOD!

-  Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me! which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award last year.