Spring is finally on the way. Longer days, more walks, open windows, muddy paws and a lot more time spent outside. After a long winter indoors, this is usually when pets become more active again, and when a few seasonal risks start creeping back in too.
So before spring properly gets going, here’s a quick checklist to make sure your pet is ready for the season ahead.
1. Check parasite protection is up to date
Spring is when fleas and ticks start becoming more active again. Warmer temperatures, longer grass, more wildlife and more time outdoors all increase the risk of your pet picking up parasites.
Even if you kept up treatments over winter, now is a good time to double check everything is up to date and on schedule. Prevention is always easier than dealing with an infestation later.
2. Time for a grooming reset
Many pets start shedding their winter coats as the weather warms up. You might notice more fur on the sofa, your clothes and somehow in your morning coffee.
Regular brushing helps remove loose fur, keeps the coat healthy and gives you a chance to check for any lumps, bumps, ticks or skin irritation. It also helps reduce matting, especially for longer haired breeds.
3. Watch out for muddy paws and sore pads
Spring walks often mean mud, puddles and softer ground. While most dogs love this, muddy paws can lead to irritated skin or sore paw pads if they are constantly wet or dirty.
Rinse paws after very muddy walks and dry them properly, especially between the toes. This can help prevent irritation and infections.
4. More time outdoors means more risks
As the weather improves, pets tend to spend more time outside in gardens, parks and fields. This also means more contact with other animals, wildlife and shared outdoor spaces, which can increase the risk of worms, fleas and ticks.
If you have a garden, it is also worth checking for any new plants, fertilisers or garden products that could be harmful to pets.
5. Ease back into exercise
If winter meant shorter walks and more sofa time, do not suddenly jump into very long walks or intense exercise. Build activity levels back up gradually to avoid strains or injuries, especially for older dogs.
Cats may also become more active again in spring, spending more time outdoors or exploring, so make sure they are up to date with parasite protection too.
A quick spring checklist
Before spring fully arrives, it is worth asking yourself:
- Is parasite protection up to date?
- Does my pet need brushing or grooming?
- Are they ready for more exercise again?
- Is the garden safe and secure?
- Do I have everything I need for the next few months?
A few small checks now can make spring much easier, healthier and more enjoyable for both you and your pet.
