Is your dog suddenly full of energy the moment the weather warms up? As the seasons shift, so can your pup’s behavior and it can show up as zoomies, restlessness, and great curiosity to explore the world around them, often referred to as spring fever.
In this post, we’ll help answer:
WHAT IS SPRING FEVER IN DOGS?
When spring arrives, your dog’s environment naturally shifts, and their energy levels and behavior often follow. Longer days mean more exposure to natural light, which can influence your pup’s internal clock and increase their overall alertness. As a result, you may notice your dog waking up earlier and showing a stronger desire to explore.
This change can be partly linked to melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep. During the darker winter months, higher melatonin levels can make dogs feel more sleepy and less active. In spring, increased daylight reduces melatonin production, which can leave your dog feeling more awake and energized.
Additionally, if you live in a colder, snowy climate during the winter, your pup may get especially excited to go outside and burn off energy when the weather improves. After spending more time indoors at home during the winter, the transition to spring can often mean a bigger burst of energy as routines change and there are more opportunities for outdoor fun.
Spring also brings new sights and smells, like blooming flowers and freshly exposed grass, which can make dogs even more curious. Since dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell, these changes can be especially exciting for them.
HOW TO MANAGE YOUR DOG’S EXTRA ENERGY
Your dog’s energy needs an outlet, and if left unmanaged, it can lead to behavioral issues or outbursts. That’s why having a plan for when the weather gets nicer is important, as channeling that energy in a productive way can benefit their physical and mental health.
ADD MENTAL & PHYSICAL ENRICHMENT TO THEIR ROUTINE
Making sure your pup is mentally stimulated and physically active can be an excellent way for them to burn some energy and keep them engaged.
Mental enrichment can reduce boredom and anxiety and boost confidence, especially as they strengthen their problem-solving skills. Types of mental enrichment you can try include:
- Interactive toys
- Snuffle mats
- Puzzle feeders
- Scent games (such as to find hidden treats)
- Training sessions (a great outdoor activity)
Physical activity is also an important part of a healthy lifestyle for dogs, as it can help them maintain a healthy weight and strengthen muscles. Some activities you can try with your pup this spring include:
- Basic agility courses
- Playing frisbee
- Swimming
- Going on a hike
- Having your dog join you on a bike ride with them jogging beside you
READ MORE: Ways to Keep Your Pup Active This Spring
CREATE A CALMING SPACE TO MANAGE OVERSTIMULATION
Experiencing too much excitement can leave your dog feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated, which can show up as difficulty settling down or symptoms of anxiety. Keep an eye on when you think your pup needs a break and is showing signs of overstimulation, such as pacing, restlessness, excessive panting, barking, whining, or drooling.
Creating a calming space in your home can be a great way to reset. It can include their crate, cozy bedding and blankets, their favorite toys, and some treats that feel familiar and that they love. Certain types of music, like classical, have also been shown to have calming effects. Knowing they have a dedicated space to calm down can be a great practice to get into, regardless of the time of year, as it reduces uncertainty and pups know they will feel a sense of safety. Being around their favorite things can also trigger their brain to enter relaxation mode.
REINFORCE TRAINING DURING WALKS
With even more distractions outdoors during spring, you may find your dog is more eager to explore, which could interfere with some of the training you’ve implemented. During your daily walks, it can be a good idea to revisit the training basics by rewarding calm behavior and responsiveness. It also helps to practice commands in a stimulating environment.
BRING YOUR DOG TO DAYCARE
Dog daycare can be a great way for your dog to expend energy in a safe, structured environment while spending time with other pups. At Dogtopia, dogs are grouped by size, temperament, and play style, so each of our indoor playrooms matches how they naturally like to interact, helping them feel more comfortable and confident engaging with others.
Throughout the day, our trained Canine Coaches guide the group with exercises, brain games, safe socialization opportunities, and basic training activities, keeping pups mentally and physically engaged and providing a healthy outlet for their energy. We also hold occasional playroom bubbles parties with flavored bubbles, adorable doggie photoshoots with themed props, treat days, and arts-and-crafts days to channel their inner artist.
READ MORE: The Benefits of Regularly Attending Dogtopia Daycare
Reach out to your local Dogtopia to add daycare to your dog’s routine today and channel their spring fever into spring fun!
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