Spring Trail Safety for Dogs in Burnaby: Ticks, Wildlife, and More

Spring in Burnaby opens up some of the best urban trail networks in Metro Vancouver. From the forested paths around Burnaby Lake Regional Park to the scenic loops at Deer Lake and the wooded trails climbing Burnaby Mountain, dog owners across the city head outdoors as the weather warms. But with longer days and rising temperatures come seasonal hazards that every dog owner should be aware of before clipping on the leash.

At Brentwood Animal Hospital, we encourage outdoor activity for dogs -it supports physical health, mental stimulation, and the bond between pets and their people. This guide covers the key risks that emerge on Burnaby trails in spring and the steps you can take to support strong dog preventive care in Burnaby families depend on.

Tick Season in the Lower Mainland

Ticks become active in British Columbia as soon as temperatures consistently reach 4°C or above, which in the Lower Mainland often happens by late March. By mid-April, tick populations are well established in the tall grass, leaf litter, and shrubby areas that line trails throughout Burnaby Lake Regional Park, Central Park, and the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area.

The most common species in the Burnaby area is the western blacklegged tick, which can transmit Lyme disease, and the Rocky Mountain wood tick. After every walk, check your dog thoroughly -run your hands slowly through the coat, paying close attention to the ears, armpits, groin, and the spaces between toes. If you find a tick, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible, and save it for identification.

Year-round tick and parasite prevention is the most effective strategy. Our veterinary team can recommend a preventive product suited to your dog’s size, breed, and outdoor activity level.

Leptospirosis Risk Near Water

Burnaby’s parks include several waterways and wetland areas -Still Creek, the Burnaby Lake shoreline, and the seasonal puddles that form along forest trails after spring rain. These environments create exposure points for leptospirosis, a bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected wildlife including raccoons, rats, and skunks.

Dogs that drink from standing water, wade through muddy creek beds, or sniff along the edges of ponds are at elevated risk. Leptospirosis can cause fever, vomiting, muscle pain, and in severe cases, liver or kidney failure. It is also zoonotic, meaning it can pass from dogs to humans. Vaccination is available and recommended for dogs that spend time outdoors in the Lower Mainland. If your dog is not currently vaccinated, our team can discuss whether it is appropriate at your next visit.

Coyote Encounters in Burnaby Parks

Burnaby has a well-documented coyote population, and spring is denning season. From April through June, coyotes are more territorial and more likely to approach dogs that wander near their dens. Sightings are common around Burnaby Lake, the open areas near Confederation Park, and the trails bordering residential neighbourhoods in Capitol Hill and Burnaby Heights.

Keep your dog on a leash in areas where coyotes have been reported. Off-leash dogs can inadvertently provoke a coyote or pursue one into a confrontation. If you encounter a coyote, make yourself appear large, make noise, and back away slowly without turning around. Carrying a whistle, walking stick, or air horn adds an extra layer of deterrence. Report aggressive coyote behaviour to the BC Conservation Officer Service.

Slug Bait and Garden Chemicals

As gardens across Burnaby come to life in spring, slug bait containing metaldehyde becomes a hidden danger on trails that border residential properties and community gardens. Dogs are attracted to the pellet form of many commercial slug baits because of their grain-based composition. Even a small amount of metaldehyde can cause tremors, seizures, and potentially fatal toxicity.

Stay on marked trails, keep your dog from snacking on unfamiliar items along the path, and be especially cautious near garden edges and compost areas. If your dog ingests something suspicious, bring a sample if possible and contact Brentwood Animal Hospital or your nearest urgent care veterinary clinic immediately.

Staying Comfortable on the Trail

Burnaby’s spring weather can shift quickly, with cool, damp mornings giving way to mild, sunny afternoons. Dogs with thick coats may overheat faster than expected on sun-exposed sections of trail, while brachycephalic breeds and senior dogs are especially vulnerable. Bring fresh water and a collapsible bowl, take breaks in shaded areas, and avoid midday hikes when the sun is strongest.

Inspect your dog’s paw pads after each outing for cuts, debris, or irritation from wet gravel. Maintaining your dog’s overall fitness with regular preventive care exams in Burnaby helps our team identify any underlying conditions that could affect trail readiness, from joint stiffness to heart murmurs, before they become emergencies.

Q: How often should I check my dog for ticks in spring?

A: After every outdoor walk or hike, perform a full-body tick check. Run your hands through your dog’s coat slowly, feeling for small bumps. Pay extra attention to warm, hidden areas such as the ears, belly, groin, and between the toes. Daily checks are recommended during peak tick season in the Lower Mainland.

Q: Is the leptospirosis vaccine necessary for dogs in Burnaby?

A: The leptospirosis vaccine is strongly recommended for dogs that spend time outdoors near water, trails, or wildlife habitats in the Lower Mainland. Dogs that walk near creeks, ponds, or standing water are considered at elevated risk. Our team can provide a personalized recommendation.

Q: What should I do if my dog eats something unknown on a trail?

A: Try to identify or collect a sample of what your dog ate. Contact Brentwood Animal Hospital at (604) 900-8383 during clinic hours or Canada West Veterinary Specialists at (604) 473-4882 after hours. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian.

Q: Are there off-leash areas in Burnaby that are safer in spring?

A: Burnaby Lake Regional Park and Central Park have designated off-leash areas. However, tick prevention, wildlife awareness, and supervision remain important in any outdoor setting. Check park advisories from the City of Burnaby for seasonal closures or coyote warnings.

Published by the team at Brentwood Animal Hospital.