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Spring is one of the most important times of the year for your pet’s health. As the Fraser Valley transitions from winter to warmer months, seasonal risks change and new preventive measures come into play. At Abby Veterinary Hospital and Emergency, we recommend scheduling a spring wellness exam for your dog or cat to ensure they are protected and up to date heading into the active season.
Why Spring Is a Key Time for Preventive Care
Winter in the Fraser Valley means shorter days and less outdoor activity for most pets, but spring brings longer walks, more time in parks, and increased exposure to seasonal parasites. Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes (which carry heartworm) all become active as temperatures rise. A spring wellness visit allows your veterinarian to assess your pet’s overall health, update vaccinations, and start or renew parasite prevention programs before the risk window opens fully.
Vaccinations – Keeping Protection Current
Core vaccinations for dogs in BC include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. For cats, core vaccines include rabies, feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, and herpesvirus. Depending on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors – such as time spent outdoors, boarding, or contact with other animals – your veterinarian may also recommend non-core vaccines like leptospirosis, Bordetella (kennel cough), or feline leukaemia virus. A spring appointment is an excellent time to review your pet’s vaccination schedule and fill any gaps before summer activities begin.
Parasite Prevention – Ticks, Fleas, and Heartworm
The Fraser Valley’s mild, wet climate creates ideal conditions for ticks and fleas. Tick activity can begin as early as late February when temperatures reach around 4 degrees Celsius, and the western blacklegged tick (which can carry Lyme disease) is present in the region. Flea populations grow rapidly in spring warmth. For dogs, heartworm prevention is recommended during mosquito season, typically April through November. Cats can also benefit from parasite prevention products, even if they are indoor-only, as fleas and mosquitoes can enter the home. Dr. Singh and Dr. Chhina can recommend the right combination of products for your pet.
Dental Health Check
Dental disease is one of the most common conditions seen in adult dogs and cats, and it often goes unnoticed until it causes significant discomfort. A spring wellness exam includes an oral health assessment where your veterinarian can evaluate your pet’s teeth and gums for signs of tartar buildup, gingivitis, or tooth resorption. Early detection of dental problems allows for less invasive and less costly treatment. Abby Veterinary Hospital and Emergency offers professional dental cleaning services with individualized anaesthetic plans and full patient monitoring.
Weight and Nutrition Assessment
It is common for pets to gain extra weight over the winter when activity levels drop. Carrying excess weight puts additional stress on joints, the heart, and other organs. During a spring wellness visit, your veterinarian will assess your pet’s body condition score and discuss any dietary adjustments that may be helpful. We offer nutrition counselling tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and activity level to help set a plan for healthy weight management as the weather improves.
Diagnostics and Bloodwork
Spring is an ideal time for baseline or annual bloodwork, especially for pets over five years of age. Blood panels can assess kidney function, liver health, thyroid levels, and blood sugar – all of which help detect age-related or chronic conditions early when they are most manageable. Our in-house diagnostic laboratory provides rapid results so Dr. Singh and Dr. Chhina can discuss findings with you during the same visit, without the wait for external lab processing.
Your Spring Wellness Checklist
Before summer arrives, make sure your pet’s wellness plan includes a comprehensive physical exam, updated vaccinations, a current parasite prevention plan (ticks, fleas, heartworm), a dental health assessment, a weight and nutrition review, baseline bloodwork (especially for pets over five), and updated microchip contact information. Abby Veterinary Hospital and Emergency is open daily from 12 PM, making it easy to fit a spring check-up into your schedule.
| Ready to book your pet’s spring wellness visit? Call Abby Veterinary Hospital and Emergency at (604) 969-0911. Open daily from 12 PM in Abbotsford – serving Mission, Aldergrove, and the Fraser Valley. |
| FAQ – SPRING PREVENTIVE CARE |
Q: When should I start parasite prevention for my pet in the Fraser Valley?
A: Tick and flea prevention should ideally begin before spring activity starts, as ticks can become active when temperatures reach around 4 degrees Celsius. Heartworm prevention for dogs is recommended from April through November. Talk to your veterinarian about the right timing for your pet.
Q: Do indoor cats need parasite prevention in spring?
A: Yes. Fleas and mosquitoes can enter your home through open windows and doors, putting indoor cats at risk. A preventive product recommended by your veterinarian provides an additional layer of protection even for cats who do not go outside.
Q: How often should my pet have bloodwork done?
A: For healthy adult pets, annual bloodwork is a good baseline. For pets over seven years of age or those with chronic conditions, twice-yearly bloodwork is recommended. Spring is an ideal time for annual panels as it establishes a current baseline heading into the active season.
| This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet’s health. If you have concerns, contact Abby Veterinary Hospital and Emergency at (604) 969-0911. |