It's now Springtime and if your pet is anything like me, I would rather be outdoors than stuck inside. There is way much more to do outdoors like smell all those bushes, plants and trees. We may even like to scratch our backs in the grass. Or maybe if your master isn't looking, dig a little dirt up from time to time.

But then when it's time for us to come indoors, your master may start sneezing, their eyes may start to water, it's that good ole' allergen coming indoors. But what your master may not realize, it's actually you (or in my case, me) help bringing in those lovely little pollens. We then lay on the floor, or maybe you are allowed on the furniture, or like me, get to sleep with your master. Once again there they go sneezing, eyes watering, sinus draining-all those good stuff you humans suffer with allergies.

One of the things that my mom and dad do to me when I have been outdoors for a long periods of time, is wipe me down with a towel just before I come indoors. They keep the towel by the door, so that when I'm ready to come in, they can wipe me down. It actually feels good to have the towel rubbed over us, but when it comes to the feet; well lets just say that's a different story, but I still allow them to do it.

the towel will sometimes have a little smell that will make me sneeze, but really not harmful to me. Here is a helpful tip that may help reduce those nasty little pollens coming indoors and making your master not to sneeze so much. You really don't want them to think they are allergic to you, when all reality, it's just that great outdoors that you are bringing in.

Take about 1/2-3/4oz. of Febreze (no, it's not harmful to us, that is an old wives tale-don't believe it), put in 8oz spray bottle (most generally can buy at your local grocery store fairly cheap) and fill rest with water. Clearly mark the bottle so not to mix it up with anything else. Spray lightly onto towel just before your pet is ready to come in. This will help "knock" the pollen of your pet and also makes us smell like the great outdoors as well.

When wiping down, start at the head, and gently rub in a downward motion to the butt and hip; Leaving the feet's to last. Shake the towel out, let dry, and shake again (outdoors, naturally) away from your door.

I know this sounds like a bit of a hassle, but it really does work in helping taking the pollens and allergens out of our fur and help make you tolerate us indoors a little better. And if you really are hesitant on using the Febreze, you can just simply use plain ole' water, it will still do the trick on removing the pollen dust. We might still carry that great outdoor smell, though.

Oh and for you little furry kittens, it can be used on you guys too! So don't sit there and laugh, thinking it's just for us dogs!