Spring Care Guide for Dogs: Shedding, Ticks, Allergies & Diet

Spring shedding is completely natural, but it’s not just about the mess on your floors.

When loose fur isn’t removed regularly, it can trap moisture and debris against your pup’s skin. Over time, this can lead to irritation and that slightly dull, uneven coat that makes your dog look a bit less “thriving” and whole lot more "disheveled".

For thicker coated breeds - like your huskies, german shepherd dogs, even poodles and doodles - this matters even more. A clogged coat can restrict airflow, making it harder for your dog to stay comfortable as temperatures climb.

Regular brushing and grooming during this period isn’t just helpful, it’s essential for keeping the skin healthy underneath all that fluff.

Spring allergies in dogs tend to show up through the skin rather than like us humans where our noses run and eyes become fifty shades of red.

You see, as your dog happily frolics about in all that lush long grass and flower packed outdoors, pollen and environmental allergens settle on their coat. 

For many dogs, this doesn’t cause any issues whatsoever, but for others… Well, it can trigger a mild inflammatory response that builds over time.

That’s when you start seeing:

• More scratching after walks

• Paw licking or chewing

• Subtle redness or irritation

Interestingly, this isn’t just about exposure. A dog with strong internal balance, particularly good gut health, is often better equipped to handle these triggers without reacting. That’s why a nutritious diet is so important, but more on that later…

As soon as the weather warms up, all those pesky parasites become active again. Last year (2025), ticks were exceptionally high here in the UK thanks to a snazzy combination of humidity, warmth and an unseasonably mild winter.

This year, it’s expected to be even worse. So if you don’t want to spend your time pulling these critters off your pup, here’s what you need to know…

Ticks are especially common in:

• Long grass

• Woodland edges

• Overgrown parks

They’re stealthy, sneaky and downright frustrating! They latch on quietly and can go unnoticed for days increasing your pup’s chances of developing tick bite fever (a serious and potentially life threatening condition) or Lyme disease.

That’s why spring is the time to be proactive rather than reactive.

Tick checks are one of those small tasks that quickly become second nature and arguably a vital habit to get into certainly as the weather improves.

After walks, especially in grassy or wooded areas, simply run your hands over your dog and check common tick hiding spots like around the ears, under the collar, between the toes, and under the legs.

(That said, ticks were so brazen last year, I ended up removing 2 from between my dog’s eyes. So uncommon spots are also worth a glance.)

Ticks can be tiny, so you’re often feeling for small bumps rather than spotting them straight away. When they’ve first latched on, they’re kinda small and squishy. In fact, they almost feel like a skin tag. 

When they begin to feed, they grow and grow and grow, eventually going from small and squishy to large and solid - like a pebble.

If you find one, remove it using a proper tick removal tool. The goal is to take it out cleanly without leaving any of the head behind. You also don’t want to squish them as doing so can increase the chance of them regurgitating pathogens into your pup’s bloodstream, which could lead to illnesses.

Furthermore, crushing or squashing them can increase your chance of catching Lyme Disease as infected fluids may find their way onto you too.

It takes less than a minute once you’re used to it - and it’s one of the simplest ways to protect your dog during spring.

Early spring walks often mean damp grass, puddles, and muddy paths.

While that’s all part of the fun, constant moisture sitting on the skin - particularly around paws, underarms, and the belly - can lead to irritation if it isn’t properly cleaned and dried.

It’s one of the most overlooked causes of mild skin issues during this time of year.

To make sure your pup is as comfortable as possible, be sure to clean and dry these areas after each walk.

Does that mean you should avoid these areas entirely? Absolutely not! It’s more about awareness.

If your dog tends to dig, chew, or investigate everything with their mouth, keep a closer eye in areas where these plants are common. A bit of supervision goes a long way in preventing problems before they start.

And, if you do notice your pup snaffling a little something they really ought not to, always contact your vet if you’ve any worries or concerns.

Along with pesky parasites, pollen and pretty flowers, spring is also the time when wildlife is raising its young, which can change the dynamic of your usual walking routes.

Ground-nesting birds, deer, and small mammals are more active - and more protective. Areas that seem quiet can actually be full of hidden nests or young animals.

For your dog, this is incredibly exciting. New smells, movement, things to chase… it’s basically a highlight reel.

For you, it’s a moment to be a bit more cautious.

Using a lead in woodland areas, nature reserves, or long grass helps prevent your dog from accidentally disturbing wildlife or getting into risky encounters.

Even dogs with excellent recall can get carried away when instincts kick in.

Spring is one of the best times to take a closer look at what’s going into your dog’s bowl.

When you’ve got shedding, itching, and environmental stress all happening at once, nutrition stops being a background detail and becomes mega important. This is where you can support your dog from the inside out - rather than constantly reacting to symptoms on the surface.

A well-balanced diet during spring should be doing a few key things in the background:

• Supporting skin hydration

• Helping regulate inflammation

• Strengthening the skin barrier

• Keeping the gut - and by proxy the immune system - in tip top shape

This is exactly where a formula like Years Fresh Dog Food comes into its own.

All our fresh recipes are designed to support your pup’s whole-body health, which is particularly useful during seasonal changes. You’ve got Omega-3 fatty acids helping to keep skin comfortable and coats looking sleek, alongside nutrients like zinc and vitamin E to support repair and protection.

But the real standout for spring is the inclusion of prebiotics and probiotics.

These help maintain a healthy gut environment - and that matters more than most people realise. A balanced gut plays a huge role in how your dog responds to allergens like pollen and grass. When things are working well internally, your dog is far less likely to overreact externally.

In other words, fewer itch cycles, better coat condition, and a dog that just seems generally more comfortable in themselves.

Most spring issues are mild and settle with the right care.

But if your dog’s symptoms persist - ongoing itching, inflamed skin, unusual behaviour, or any reaction after chowing down something questionable - it’s worth checking in with your vet.

It’s simply about getting the right support at the right time.

Spring with a dog will never be spotless or predictable.

There will be mud. There will be fur. There will probably be at least one moment where you question your life choices.

But with the right approach, better nutrition *cough… years… cough*, consistent grooming, regular checks, and a bit of seasonal awareness, you can keep your dog comfortable, healthy, and ready to enjoy every walk.

Now go and enjoy those sunnier days!