Spring is one of the best times of year to refresh your pet’s preventive care plan. Warmer weather, longer daylight, and increased outdoor activity all bring new exposures and new opportunities. At University Veterinary Clinic in Point Grey, our team supports families with a practical, step-by-step approach to spring preventive care. Whether you are new to the clinic (we are under new ownership and accepting new patients) or a long-standing client, this checklist can help you walk into the season prepared.
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Refresh Parasite Prevention
Parasite activity rises sharply as the weather warms. Parasite prevention should cover fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworm. In coastal British Columbia, flea populations are year-round, and ticks have been expanding through West Side forest parks including Pacific Spirit Regional Park and the University Endowment Lands. Speak with our team about a product appropriate for your dog or cat’s lifestyle and health status. Indoor cats are not fully protected from fleas either, since fleas can hitch a ride on clothing, other pets, or shoes.
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Review Vaccination Status
Spring is a natural checkpoint to review your pet’s vaccination records. Core vaccines protect against rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus for dogs, and rabies, panleukopenia, herpesvirus, and calicivirus for cats. Depending on lifestyle, additional non-core vaccines may be recommended – for example, leptospirosis for dogs who visit forest parks, or bordetella for dogs attending boarding or daycare. Our veterinarians can review your pet’s record and suggest what is appropriate. Do not assume everything is up to date – it takes only a minute to confirm.
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Schedule a Wellness Examination
Annual or biannual wellness examinations are the foundation of preventive care. A comprehensive exam covers body condition, weight, eye and ear health, oral health, heart and lung sounds, abdominal palpation, joints and mobility, skin and coat, and a conversation about behavioural changes at home. Many conditions that become serious later are first detected at routine exams. For senior pets, more frequent exams allow earlier intervention when it can make the most difference.
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Update Microchip and ID Information
Spring means open windows, backyard gatherings, and more outdoor activity – all of which increase the chance a pet could slip away from home. If your pet is not microchipped, spring is a great time to have it done. If your pet is already microchipped, confirm that the registration is current with your phone number and address. Check collars and ID tags for wear and make sure the information is legible. Microchipping remains one of the most effective ways to reunite lost pets with their families.
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Assess Dental Health
Dental disease is one of the most common and underrecognized conditions in dogs and cats. Signs include bad breath, reluctance to chew hard food, pawing at the mouth, drooling, and visible tartar. Spring is a good time to schedule a dental assessment if one has not been done recently. University Veterinary Clinic provides dental care as part of a full wellness plan, and our team can recommend home care products such as brushing, dental chews, and dental diets.
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Review Nutrition and Body Condition
Winter inactivity can lead to weight gain, while other pets may lose condition. Use the spring visit to ask about body condition scoring and whether your pet’s current diet is appropriate for their life stage, activity level, and health status. Our nutrition counseling can help adjust portions, change foods, or address specific concerns such as joint support, kidney support, or food sensitivities.
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Refresh the Home Environment
Spring cleaning and gardening introduce new household exposures. Check your home and yard for toxic plants (the earlier post on spring plant safety for cats is worth revisiting), store garden and lawn products in pet-proof locations, and check fences and gates before the first backyard play sessions. A safe home environment is one of the quietest but most effective parts of preventive care.
Book Your Spring Wellness Visit
University Veterinary Clinic is open 7 days a week from 9 AM to 8 PM, making it easy to find a time that works. We are accepting new patients and walk-in appointments during business hours. Whether your pet needs a quick parasite prevention refresh or a full wellness workup, our team is here to help. Call (604) 224-7743 or book online to schedule.
| Refresh your pet’s spring preventive care plan.
Call University Veterinary Clinic at (604) 224-7743. Open 7 days a week | 9 AM to 8 PM | 4416 W 10th Avenue, Point Grey. |
| FAQ – SPRING PREVENTIVE CARE |
Q: When should I start flea and tick prevention for my pet?
A: In coastal British Columbia, year-round flea prevention is generally recommended because fleas can survive indoors through the winter. Tick prevention is most important from spring through fall, though year-round options are also available. Talk with our team about the right product and schedule for your pet.
Q: How often does my pet need a wellness exam?
A: Most adult dogs and cats benefit from an annual wellness exam. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets often benefit from more frequent visits. During the exam, our team assesses overall health, reviews vaccinations and parasite prevention, and discusses any changes you have noticed at home.
Q: Is University Veterinary Clinic accepting new patients?
A: Yes. University Veterinary Clinic is under new ownership and is accepting new patients and walk-in appointments. We are open 7 days a week from 9 AM to 8 PM. Call (604) 224-7743 or visit our website to schedule your first visit.
| 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 University Veterinary Clinic at (604) 224-7743. |