There’s finally hope for spring around the corner, and after a long winter, it’s a better time than ever to start your spring cleaning. You are your dog have probably spent most of your time inside over the colder months, but now that things are warming up, it’s time to prepare!

The American Kennel Club offers the following spring cleaning tips to help dog owners start the season off right.

— Control shedding. When dogs begin to lose their winter coats in the spring, they also shed more, so make sure you’re cleaning up after your pup. Regularly brush your dog’s coat and brush all the way down to the skin to remove any and all hair and dandruff. You might have to vacuum a bit more during this time as well!

— Clean the paws. There’s more rain around the corner, which also means more mud. “Mud season,” as some dog owners call springtime, can lead to paw tracks throughout the house when your dog comes back inside. Make sure to wipe your dog’s paws at the door to avoid mud and water tracks. When they return from outside, take a damp cloth and gently clean between the toes to remove any mud, dirt or debris; this will keep the house – and your dog – clean.

— Regularly wash your dog’s bed. Washable beds are a major plus during this time of year for your dog. You can use a fabric cover on your dog’s bed so that you can easily wash it. Make sure you are using a non-scented detergent and no fabric softener – this can irritate your dog’s skin. Vacuum out any excess dirt or hair from their space and you’re good to go!

For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit the AKC at www.akc.org.