Spring is (Almost) Here in Northern Illinois… Your Pets Have Questions

After a long winter in Northern Illinois, the sun is finally making a few appearances, the
snow is retreating, and your dog is suddenly convinced every walk should last three
hours.

Early spring is exciting for pets and their people — but it also brings a few seasonal
surprises. Here are some things to keep on your radar as the weather starts to warm

Mud Season: The Unofficial Fifth Season

Let’s be honest — before we get flowers, we get mud.

Dogs, in particular, seem biologically programmed to locate the largest, deepest mud
patch within a 3-mile radius. If you have light-colored carpets, they will find it even
faster.

A few tips to survive mud season:

• Keep towels by the door (you’ll use them daily).
•  Paw wipes or a quick rinse can save your floors.
•  Shave long hair between paw pads to prevent mud clumps.

Cats may be judging the mud from the window, but indoor-outdoor cats often track it
inside too.

Fleas, Ticks, and the Return of Tiny Freeloaders

As temperatures climb above freezing, ticks start waking up. In Northern Illinois, we
often see them become active once daytime temps reach the 40s.

Ticks can transmit diseases such as:

• Lyme disease
• Anaplasmosis
• Ehrlichiosis

Even if your pet stayed mostly indoors all winter, early spring is the time to restart or
continue flea and tick prevention.

Yes, we know your pet thinks the prevention chew is a suspicious snack.

Yes, we still recommend it.

The Great Backyard Buffet (Please Don’t Eat That)

As the snow melts, dogs discover all sorts of “treasures” in the yard:

• Old sticks
• Mysterious winter leftovers
• Something that used to be a squirrel… maybe
• Rabbit droppings (a seasonal delicacy in the canine world)

Eating random outdoor items can lead to GI upset, parasites, or worse.

If your dog suddenly develops:

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• lethargy
• loss of appetite

…please call us!.

Seasonal Allergies Are Real for Pets Too

Just like people, dogs and cats can react to pollen, mold, and environmental
allergens.

Common signs include:

• itching or licking paws
• ear infections
• red skin
• increased scratching
• scooting or chewing

Many pet owners think itching is “just normal for dogs (or cats)” but persistent itching
often means allergies that can be treated.

Your pet will thank you.

Your furniture will too.

Shedding: The Furpocalypse

If you feel like your pet is exploding fur, you’re not imagining it.

As daylight increases, pets start shedding their winter coats.

Helpful strategies:

• Regular brushing (outside, unless you enjoy fur tumbleweeds)
• Grooming appointments for heavy-coated breeds
• Good nutrition to support healthy skin and coat
• Omega Fatty Acids as a skin and coat supplement

Pro tip: The amount of fur removed during spring brushing will make you wonder how
your pet is not visibly smaller afterward.

Spring Energy Is Real

After months of shorter walks and indoor time, many pets suddenly have a lot of
opinions about exercise.

You might notice:

• zoomies
• increased barking or meowing
• mischievous behavior
• “creative” home decorating (usually involving pillows)

Gradually increasing exercise and mental stimulation can help burn off that extra winter
energy.

Puzzle toys, training games, longer walks and scheduled play times can make a big
difference.

One Last Thing: Schedule That Wellness Visit

Spring is a great time to check in on your pet’s health:

• wellness exams
• parasite prevention
• vaccines
• dental health
• weight management

Preventive care keeps small issues from becoming bigger ones later.

And yes — we will still give your pet a treat after ( and even during) the exam!

We know that’s the real reason they came.

Welcome Back, Spring

Northern Illinois spring might start with mud, melting snow, and the occasional surprise
tick — but it also means longer walks, sunshine, and fresh air for you and your pets.

If you have questions about parasites, allergies, or seasonal health concerns, our team
is always happy to help.

And remember:

If your dog runs straight into the mud puddle…

they are not sorry.