It's time to get ready for spring! To help you and your dog get ready for the new season, the American Kennel Club offers the following spring cleaning tips:

[naviga:li]Brush your dog's coat: As dogs lose their winter coats in the spring, shedding can increase drastically. Regular brushing will help control the shedding. Brushing all the way down to the skin will loosen and remove dead hair and dander and help keep your dog neat and clean for the new season.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Give your dog a bath: Matted hair holds water which can irritate your dog's skin, so be sure to brush your dog before bathing. Use lukewarm water and dog shampoo and wash his coat thoroughly. Make sure to rinse his coat well as to not leave any soapy residue on him.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Keep his paws clean: Springtime is often called “mud season” by dog owners, as outdoor playtime in the dirt and grass can lead to muddy paw prints all over the floor. To keep your dog and house clean, gently clean each paw with a damp cloth when your dog comes in from playing outside; be sure to get in between his toes to remove mud and debris.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Wash your dog's bed: Use a fabric cover on your dog's bed that can be easily removed for washing. Vacuum the excess hair and dirt and then wash the cover in a non-scented detergent. Also, it is recommended that you do not use any fabric softeners because they can irritate your dog's skin.[/naviga:li]