Spring is finally beginning to show its beautiful face, and we could not be more excited! This time of year, many types of wildlife are emerging from a long winter slumber. Just like you and your canine companion, they’re ready to be out and about! Here’s a few tips to help keep you and your pal safe in the coming months.

Keep your dog on a leash while taking walks. You never know when you or your pup might spot a rabbit or a squirrel! If your dog was not on a leash, they might chase after the rabbit, and could injure themselves, someone else, or the rabbit. There are also plenty of wild animals that could potentially hurt your dog if they were to run after it, such as porcupines, coyotes, and raccoons.

Another way to help protect your pet is to arm yourself with knowledge. Research local wildlife and familiarize yourself with which animals are more likely to live in your area. This can be especially true when it comes to snakes. Although your dog should see a veterinarian as soon as possible if they are bitten by a snake, it can be very helpful to the veterinarian to know in advance what kind of snake bit your dog. Hopefully this never happens to you, but it’s always best to be prepared! Simply remaining attentive during a walk can often times be enough to spot and avoid a snake.

Sometimes, it is not the wildlife itself, but the diseases that it may carry that are dangerous to your pet. Some of the most common carriers of diseases and parasites are fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. Luckily, there are preventatives that help protect your pet. Make sure your pet stays up to date all year long on their flea & tick, and heartworm preventatives. Although these insects are more prominent in the warmer weather, they pose a threat to our animals even when it is cool outside, and even if you have an indoor-only pet.
        

When I first told my friends a few years ago why I took my dog to doggie daycare at Wag Atlanta, they asked me, "why would you take your dog to daycare?!" Without Wag Atlanta, owning my pup would much more difficult, and less rewarding.

My dog is VERY energetic, which I love! I chose him because I was looking for a high energy dog that I could hike, run, kayak with etc. And i do these things with often! His high energy means he can keep up with all the things I love to do.

Unfortunately, I don't get to do all those fun things all the time. When I'm at work, it's not fair to leave Rudy home in his kennel or bored around the house when he wants to use his energy to run and play. That's the main reason I used Doggie daycare! I own a breed that requires a lot of exercise, and i'm not always able to keep up with him!

I chose Wag Atlanta because their daycare hours are 6a-10p, which is longer than any daycare I could find in Atlanta. More often than not i and not able to get out of the office at 5pm sharp, and not having to worry about picking Rudy up, and knowing he's getting cared for lets me focus on my work.

Because it makes life so much more enjoyable and easy for both me and Rudy!