Spring Preventive Care for Pets in Burnaby, BC

Spring in the Lower Mainland marks a shift in the seasonal risk landscape for pets. As temperatures climb and outdoor activity increases, parasites become active, allergens fill the air, and the conditions that were dormant through winter begin to resurface. For dog and cat owners in Burnaby and surrounding communities, spring is one of the most important times to revisit your pet’s preventive care plan.

At Brentwood Animal Hospital, our team of three veterinarians provides preventive veterinary care in Burnaby pet owners trust, seven days a week (closed Thursdays). A spring preventive care visit gives us the opportunity to evaluate your pet’s current health, update protections that may have lapsed, and build a plan that carries your pet safely through the warmer months.

Why Spring Demands Attention

Many pet owners associate preventive care with an annual checkup, but spring introduces a cluster of risks that merit attention on their own timeline. Tick and flea populations surge as temperatures rise above 4°C. Leptospirosis risk increases as wildlife becomes more active near water sources throughout Burnaby’s parks and creeks. Slug bait, a common garden product in the Lower Mainland, poses a serious poisoning risk to curious dogs.

A spring preventive care visit allows our team to verify that your pet’s parasite prevention is current and appropriate for the season. If your dog or cat was on a seasonal prevention schedule and coverage lapsed over winter, there may be a gap that needs to be addressed before outdoor activity picks up.

Vaccinations and Boosters

Core vaccinations for dogs and cats follow established schedules, but timing matters. If your pet is due for annual boosters in the spring, scheduling them early ensures protection is in place before peak exposure months. For dogs, this may include rabies, distemper/parvovirus, and bordetella. For cats, core vaccines typically cover rabies, feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.

Lifestyle vaccines are equally important for pets with outdoor exposure. The leptospirosis vaccine for dogs is strongly recommended in the Burnaby area, particularly for dogs that walk near Burnaby Lake, Still Creek, or any natural water sources. Our team evaluates each pet’s lifestyle and exposure level to recommend the right combination of protections.

Parasite Prevention: Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworm

The Lower Mainland’s mild, wet climate supports tick and flea populations earlier and longer than many pet owners expect. Western blacklegged ticks are active by late March, and fleas thrive in the damp conditions typical of Burnaby’s spring. Heartworm, while less common in BC than in some other provinces, is present and cases are documented -particularly in dogs relocated or adopted from heartworm-endemic regions.

Year-round prevention is the gold standard. If your pet has been off preventives during winter, a spring restart should include a heartworm test for dogs before resuming medication. Brentwood Animal Hospital offers in-house diagnostic testing with same-day results, so you can restart your pet’s protection without delay.

Dental Health and Spring Cleanings

Dental disease affects the majority of dogs and cats by age three, and it is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of preventive care. Bacteria from untreated periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys -making dental health a whole-body concern.

Spring is an excellent time to schedule a professional dental cleaning if your pet is due. Our clinic offers full dental care for dogs and cats including scaling, polishing, digital dental imaging, and extractions when necessary. Addressing accumulated plaque and tartar from the winter months sets your pet up for a healthier year ahead.

Weight, Nutrition, and Seasonal Activity

Many pets gain a small amount of weight during the winter months due to reduced outdoor activity and the damp weather that keeps walks shorter. A spring preventive care exam includes a body condition assessment and, if needed, a conversation about adjusting your pet’s diet and exercise routine. Carrying extra weight increases the risk of joint problems, diabetes, and cardiovascular strain.

Our nutrition counselling services can help you identify the right food, portion sizes, and feeding schedule for your pet’s age, breed, and activity level. Whether your dog is gearing up for trail season at Burnaby Lake or your cat is enjoying more time on a supervised balcony, aligning nutrition with seasonal activity supports overall health.

Building a Year-Round Plan

A spring preventive care visit is not a standalone event -it is the foundation of a year-round preventive care strategy. At Brentwood Animal Hospital, Dr. Nahal, Dr. Brar, and Dr. Chahal work with each pet owner to build a plan that accounts for species, breed, age, lifestyle, and the specific risks of living in the Lower Mainland.

From comprehensive preventive care programs that bundle exams, vaccines, and diagnostics to individual consultations tailored to your pet’s needs, our privately owned practice is here to help you stay ahead of health concerns rather than reacting to them. Contact us to book your pet’s spring visit.

Q: When should I schedule my pet’s spring preventive care visit?

A: Ideally, schedule your pet’s spring preventive care visit in March or April, before peak parasite season begins. This ensures vaccinations and preventive medications are current before your pet’s outdoor exposure increases.

Q: Does my indoor cat need parasite prevention?

A: Yes. Indoor cats can still be exposed to fleas brought in on clothing or other pets, and mosquitoes can enter the home. Year-round prevention is recommended even for cats that do not go outside.

Q: How do I know if my dog needs the leptospirosis vaccine?

A: Dogs that walk near creeks, ponds, or areas frequented by wildlife are considered at elevated risk for leptospirosis. Most dogs in the Burnaby area with any outdoor exposure are good candidates. Our team can provide a personalized recommendation at your visit.

Q: What does a spring preventive care exam include at Brentwood Animal Hospital?

A: A typical spring preventive care exam includes a full physical examination, weight and body condition assessment, vaccination review, parasite screening, dental evaluation, and a discussion of any behavioural or lifestyle changes you have observed at home.

Published by the team at Brentwood Animal Hospital.