Mud, Ticks & Skunks... oh my 🦨
Your Ultimate Guide to Navigating Spring with Your Dog
Spring is finally here—which means longer walks, fresh air, and sunshine-filled playtime. But let’s be real—it also means mud, ticks, and the not-so-lovely possibility of a skunk encounter.
Whether you're heading to the trails, cleaning muddy paws for the tenth time today, or searching “how to get rid of skunk smell off dog” at 2 AM—this post is for you. Here are our top spring essentials every dog parent needs this season, plus the #1 rated solution for skunk spray emergencies.
1. Ticks: Protecting Naturally
Spring is prime tick season, and with more pet parents seeking chemical-free options, we’re thrilled to carry two of the best natural tick prevention products on the market:
A small but mighty device that clips onto your dog’s collar and uses ultrasonic pulses to disorient ticks and fleas—making it difficult for them to latch on.
- 94% effective in tick prevention
- Safe for dogs, cats, kids—even babies!
- No chemicals, no odours, and no maintenance
- Rechargeable & lasts all season
✔️ We carry Tickless for both pets AND humans—perfect for your next hike or backyard BBQ.
🌿 Atlantick Botanical Insect Repellent Spray
Crafted in Canada and powered by natural ingredients like lemon eucalyptus, this DEET-free spray is Health Canada-approved and safe for the whole family (dogs, too!).
- Offers up to 5 hours of tick protection
- 6 hours of mosquito protection
- 100% natural and non-toxic
- Safe for use on dogs, humans, and even gear (won’t damage plastics or fabrics)
💡 Pro Tip: Layering natural methods like Tickless + Atlantick Spray gives you a powerful, chemical-free tick defense! We always recommend having 2-4 options on board when using Natural Flea and Tick Remedies.
2. Mud: The Springtime Struggle is Real
We see you, dog parents. Spring is a poopsicle minefield and every walk ends with a full wipe-down. The good news? We’ve got some game-changing cleanup tools for you.
Dirty Dog Shammy
Made with ultra-absorbent microfiber that soaks up 20x more water and mud than a regular towel.
- Dries quickly
- Machine washable- Perfect for post-walk wipe downs or after a romp in the backyard
- Pairs perfectly with the Dirty Dog Doormat or Runner, which traps dirt and moisture at the door
(Note: Mats & runners are available by order—we restock weekly!)
FouFou Dog Bodyguard Suit
Think of this as a raincoat-meets-splash-guard for your pup.
- Covers your dog's underbelly and legs
- Reduces how much muck ends up in your home (and on your furniture)
- Water-resistant, easy to clean, and available in multiple sizes
- Great for rainy walks or muddy trails
(Note: We can special order these weekly—just ask us in-store!)
3. Skunks: Prevention is Wishful Thinking, Prep is Everything
We hate to break it to you, but if your dog gets sprayed by a skunk—it’s probably going to happen in the middle of the night. That’s why we always recommend keeping a skunk solution on hand before you need it.
Skunk Odour Neutralizer Kit
Our go-to emergency solution that actually works. Here’s what you need to know:
- DO NOT wet your dog first (this activates the oils and makes it worse!)
- Apply the skunk solution dry, let it sit, then rinse
- Safe for your dog’s coat and skin
- Fast-acting and vet-recommended
Trust us—this is one of those “better to have and not need” kind of products.
4. Snuffle Mats: Spring Enrichment Must-Have
Rainy day? Muddy yard? Hyper pup? Snuffle mats are a sanity saver.
These enrichment toys mimic your dog’s natural foraging instincts by hiding food or treats among soft fabric layers.
- Slows down fast eaters
- Reduces boredom and anxiety
- Comes in 4 levels of difficulty
- Machine washable and built to last
🎉 Bonus: They’re a great way to burn mental energy when physical activity is limited (like when your dog’s recovering from a skunk spray).
Spring might be messy—but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you're gearing up for tick season, wiping muddy paws, or prepping for a potential skunk surprise, we’ve got everything you need to make this your dog's best spring yet.
Stop by the shop to check out these spring essentials in person—we’re always happy to help you find the perfect fit for your pup!
Until next time,
🐾 Woofs & Wags
- Melissa & Oaklee 🐾
@unleashthepawsitive
