At Feedem Pet Supermarket, we've been helping UK pet owners care for their animals for over 31 years. Whether you keep dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, poultry, or garden birds — this guide covers the essential care tips that make a real difference, whatever the season.
1. Flea & Tick Prevention — Don't Wait for Signs
Fleas are one of the most common problems we help customers with, and the pattern is always the same — by the time you spot the signs, the infestation has often already taken hold. Year-round preventative treatment is always smarter than reactive treatment.
Ticks are equally active and particularly common in long grass, woodland, parks, and farmland. Signs your pet may have fleas include:
- Excessive scratching or biting at skin
- Hair loss or bald patches
- Small black flea dirt visible in the coat
- Irritated, red skin
We stock trusted brands including Frontline, Bob Martin, Beaphar, and Johnson's across our full range of dog flea treatments. Not sure which product is right for your pet? Our team is always happy to advise in-store or online.
For a full breakdown of what to look for and what to do, read our dedicated guide: 7 Signs Your Dog Has Fleas (And What To Do About It).
2. Managing Seasonal Shedding
If your sofa is currently 40% dog hair, you're not alone. Shedding is one of the most common things our customers ask us about — and regular grooming makes a significant difference.
Brushing your dog or cat through coat changes helps to:
- Reduce loose hair around the home
- Prevent painful matting, especially in long-haired breeds
- Improve overall coat condition
- Keep skin healthy and well-ventilated
Working breeds — spaniels, collies, retrievers — tend to shed heavily and benefit from regular brushing. Nutrition plays a role too: foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and a noticeably shinier coat. Browse our dry dog food range for options that include quality fish oils and natural ingredients.
For breed-specific grooming advice and tool recommendations, read our Dog Grooming Guide: Breeds, Tools & Tips.
3. Dog Walking — Hazards to Watch For
More time outdoors means more adventures — but UK walking comes with its own hazards year-round.
Seasonal grass pollen allergies affect more dogs than most owners realise. If your dog is scratching their paws or rubbing their face after walks, pollen could be the culprit — a quick rinse of the paws after each walk can help significantly. A few other things to keep in mind:
- Keep dogs on leads near livestock — particularly during lambing season
- Check paws after every muddy walk for cuts, thorns, or embedded debris
- Audit your kit regularly — worn leads, fraying harnesses, and cracked water bowls are worth replacing
Browse our leads, harnesses, and walking accessories to keep your kit in good shape.
4. Rabbit & Guinea Pig Care
For small animal owners, seasonal transitions — particularly moving animals back outside after winter — require a little preparation.
Before moving them outdoors:
- Deep clean the hutch with a pet-safe disinfectant
- Check for drafts, leaks, or damaged wood
- Replace all old bedding with fresh material
- Inspect runs carefully and ensure they're fully predator-proof
One thing we always remind customers: introduce fresh grass gradually. Lush grass is rich, and a sudden change from hay-based feeding can cause digestive upset. Start with short supervised sessions and build up slowly. Stock up on small animal bedding and hutch accessories to keep their setup fresh.
5. Wild Bird Feeding — Year-Round & Nesting Season
Keeping garden feeders topped up year-round makes a real difference to local bird populations — but nesting season is arguably the most important time of all. Parent birds are working incredibly hard to feed growing chicks, and a reliable garden food source is invaluable.
The best wild bird foods include:
- Sunflower hearts — high energy, no mess, loved by a huge range of species
- Dried mealworms — excellent protein source, especially during nesting
- Suet pellets and fat balls — calorie-dense and easy for birds to feed quickly
- High-energy seed mixes — avoid loose whole peanuts during nesting season as these can be harmful to chicks
We stock a full range of wild bird food from popular brands including Winston Wilds, Johnston & Jeff, and Peckish. Don't forget fresh, clean water too — a simple bird bath makes your garden far more attractive to visiting species.
6. Poultry Care
Warmer weather is great for your flock — but it also means flies, bacteria, and the need for more frequent coop cleaning. We'd suggest a full coop clean and disinfect at least every two weeks through the warmer months.
Other poultry care priorities:
- Refresh bedding with clean wood shavings or straw regularly
- Check and repair fencing before hens start ranging further
- Introduce a quality poultry supplement to support health after the demands of winter
Browse our poultry feed and supplements range to support your flock's health through every season.
7. Horse Care — Grazing, Weight & Respiratory Health
Rich grazing brings real risks for horses — particularly laminitis, which spikes in cases as grass becomes lush. If your horse is prone to laminitis, restrict grazing time and consider a grazing muzzle. Other year-round priorities for horse owners:
- Monitor weight gain as grazing improves
- Start fly protection early, before flies become a serious problem
- Transition rugs carefully as temperatures change — don't be caught out by sudden cold snaps
Respiratory health is equally important — horses are obligate nasal breathers, meaning any compromise to the respiratory tract directly affects their ability to exercise and perform. For a full guide, read our Horse Respiratory Health guide.
Shop our horse feed range and NAF horse supplements for everything your horse needs.
8. Refresh Your Pet Supplies Regularly
It's worth going through your pet supplies a couple of times a year — binning anything worn or past its best and restocking before the seasons change. Worth checking and replacing:
- Dog beds — especially after a muddy winter or summer
- Leads and collars — check for fraying, rust on clips, or worn stitching
- Grooming brushes — bristles wear down and lose effectiveness over time
- Water bowls — replace cracked or scratched bowls that harbour bacteria
- Outdoor toys — UV and weather damage adds up
- Small animal bedding — a full refresh sets the right tone for any season
At Feedem Pet Supermarket, we stock everything you need — from premium pet food and grooming products to wild bird feed, poultry supplies, horse feed, and small animal essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start flea treatment for my dog?
Year-round preventative treatment is the most effective approach — fleas can survive indoors throughout winter thanks to central heating. In the UK, flea activity increases from late March as temperatures rise, but we recommend treating monthly regardless of season.
What food is best for active working dogs?
High-protein foods with quality named meat ingredients are ideal for active and working breeds. Look for foods that list a real meat source (chicken, salmon, lamb) as the first ingredient, and consider options with added omega oils to support joint health and coat condition.
Should I feed wild birds year-round?
Yes — wild birds benefit from supplementary feeding throughout the year, not just in winter. During nesting season, high-energy foods like sunflower hearts, mealworms, and suet are particularly valuable. Avoid loose whole peanuts during nesting season as these can be harmful to young chicks.
How do I prevent laminitis in horses during spring and summer?
Restrict grazing time when grass is particularly lush, consider a grazing muzzle for prone horses, and monitor weight carefully. Speak to your vet if you're concerned — early intervention makes a significant difference.
Visit Feedem Pet Supermarket in-store at Unit 3 Morgan Drive, Guisborough, TS14 7DH — or shop our full range online at www.feedem.co.uk. Free UK delivery available on qualifying orders.