Who let the dogs out?

As Milo and I took a walk in the park the other day it suddenly dawned on me that winter was finally in its last stages. There is something special about breathing in the smell of freshly cut grass seeing first carpet of spring flowers emerging from the ground - Signs that Spring has well and truly sprung!

After the long winter sleep spring is the season in which nature wakes up and everything blossoms and with that immense feeling returns one of the greatest joys of being a dog owner; walking with your favourite four pawed friend on a sunny spring day, there really is nothing better in my books.

At long last Spring is here and it really is the season to celebrate dogs! Last week The Kennel Club awarded its best in show at Crufts (which received more than 22,000 dogs) and the cinemas are going dog crazy with the release of the long awaited blockbuster Marley & Me as well as showing Hotel for Dogs, Beverley Hills Chihuahua and Disney’s Bolt. But if you want to step out of the cinema and take a breath of fresh air with your pooch we thought we would give you a few fresh tips on how to make the most out of Spring.

Warmer weather = more walkies - You and your dog can now begin to enjoy the outdoors much more. Wave goodbye to those dreaded winter walks and make the most of those blossoming parklands and fresh country air. Check out Enjoy England’s top dog walks for a selection of great routes.

A probiotic a day keeps the vets at bay – The arrival of springtime also means the arrival of pollen. Believe it or not, like us, many dogs suffer from grass and pollen related allergies. You can prevent these occurring by introducing a natural probiotic like Pooch & Mutt’s Bionic Biotic which includes an essential amino acid called Methionine. This powerful antioxidant helps promote healthy skin, glossy coat and healthy nails. It can help maintain a dog’s defences against agents such as lead and other heavy metals found in airborne pollutants. Methionine is essential for the absorption, transportation and bioavailability of selenium and zinc in the body. Amongst other things it controls histamine release, most relevant to dogs with allergies.

Springtime means playtime – now that you can play outside more why not treat your pooch to a new springtime teddy from the Animal Rescue Site, a percentage of the proceeds goes to a rescue charity.

Adopt a dog – Now that the weather is better are you feeling like bringing a new pet into your life? Dogsblog.com is the dog adoption portal for anyone interested in re-homing a cute rescue pooch.

E-walks – Find new walking buddies, join a local dog club or just make new friends. Online communities like Petstreet and Meetup are great for learning about local dog events and new clubs so you can get out and about this spring.

Who let the dogs out? – Get your leash and collar and head out for some fun. There are plenty of doggy events taking place in April. If you fancy some Easter fun, Dog Friendly Britain lists all the latest dog shows and events for 2009. If you are in London why not visit the Cabbages and Frocks Dog Day Afternoon which will be held on 25th April in Marylebone.

Huge thanks to everyone who visited the Pooch & Mutt stand at Crufts last week. If you are feeling lucky don’t forget our monthly prize draw to win a bag of Bionic Biotic.