Spring into Good Health: Essential Pet Care Tips from Tanilba Bay Vet Clinic

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to shake off the winter blues and give your pet’s health routine a seasonal refresh. But while spring brings sunshine, flowers, and more time outdoors, it also comes with a few health challenges for our furry companions.

Here are our top spring pet health tips to keep your best mate happy and healthy this season.

Spot the Signs of Seasonal Allergies

Yes—pets can have spring allergies too! Pollen, grasses, and even mould spores can trigger allergic reactions in dogs and cats, especially during the spring months.

Common signs of allergies include:

• Constant scratching or biting at the skin

• Hair loss, hot spots or scabs

• Red, watery eyes or sneezing

• Licking or chewing at paws

If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, don’t wait—book a visit with us. We can help pinpoint the cause and recommend safe, effective treatments to get them feeling better fast.

Stay One Step Ahead of Fleas & Ticks

Warmer temperatures mean more time outside—and unfortunately, that also means more fleas and ticks. These little pests aren’t just annoying—they can spread disease, cause allergic reactions, and lead to more serious health problems if left untreated.

Our top tips for parasite protection:

• Stay up to date with flea, tick, and worming treatments

• Check your pet’s coat after outdoor adventures

• Treat your home and yard if infestations occur

• Chat with us about the best parasite prevention for your pet’s lifestyle.

Reassess Diet & Weight

Spring is a great time to re-evaluate your pet’s nutrition and activity levels. With more opportunities for walks and play, it's easier to keep your pet fit and healthy—but it all starts with the right diet.

Keep your pet in top shape by:

• Feeding an age- and activity-appropriate diet

• Measuring food portions accurately (no free-feeding!)

• Incorporating daily exercise, games, or food puzzles

• Booking a weight check or nutrition consult with our team

Extra weight can lead to joint issues, diabetes, and other health concerns, so a little prevention now can go a long way.

Schedule a Spring Grooming Session

After a long winter, many pets could use a bit of a tidy-up. Regular grooming not only helps your pet look and feel great—it also gives you a chance to spot any skin issues, lumps, or parasites early.

Spring grooming checklist:

• Brush out shedding winter coats

• Trim nails to prevent discomfort

• Clean ears to reduce the risk of infection

• Tidy up fur around paws and hygiene areas

For longer-haired breeds or double coats, a professional groom can make a world of difference. Give us a call to book a grooming appointment or ask for local groomer recommendations.

Keep Vaccinations & Preventative Care Current

More outdoor playtime means more exposure to other pets, wildlife, and potential diseases. Spring is a great reminder to double-check that your pet is up to date on their vaccinations and routine health checks.

We recommend:

• Core and lifestyle vaccines (like kennel cough or leptospirosis for dogs)

• Heartworm testing and prevention

• 6-monthly wellness checks

• Senior health screens or bloodwork for older pets

Regular check-ups help us catch issues early—and keep your pet feeling their best all year round.

Ready to Spring Into Action?

At Tanilba Bay Vet Clinic, we’re here to help you give your pet a healthy, happy start to the season. Whether it's a check-up, grooming advice, parasite prevention, or a chat about nutrition, our friendly team is just a phone call away.

Book your pet’s spring health check today—we’d love to see you!