Cat and dog's health in spring: your pet care checklist

Spring is the ideal time to schedule a regular wellness check-up for your pet. It will help you stay on top of the necessary vaccinations, as diseases like rabies, distemper, and different viral infections are still threats. So, plan a timely visit to the vet to ensure your pet is happy, healthy, and ready for all the spring fun ahead.

And is your furry friend microchipped? In most Estonian municipalities, cat and dog owners are already required to microchip and register their pets. However, starting from 2027, it is planned to make the microchipping and registration of all dogs, cats as well as ferrets mandatory in the national registry. Spring is a great time to get all the formalities in order. Before you do that, make sure your beloved pet has an ID – without up-to-date documentation, microchipping won’t be possible.

Allergies can also flare up in spring, just as they do for humans. Pollen, grass, and salt from the streets can cause sneezing, itching, and skin irritation in pets. Regularly wash your furry friend’s paws, clean their bedding, toys, and mop the floors to minimize allergic reactions. Consult your vet if you notice excessive scratching, watery eyes, or redness.

Finally, consider sterilization if you haven’t done that—not only will it give you a peace of mind when your pet is out and about, but spaying and neutering can also reduce the risk of various health issues.

With the return of warm weather and green grass, pests like fleas, ticks, and worms become more active. These parasites can cause serious health issues, so ensure your cats and dogs are protected while enjoying their outdoor activities. Talk to your vet to find the best solution whether it’s a shampoo, topical treatment, collar, or special medication.

You can also limit the parasite exposure by consistently mowing the lawn or avoiding strolls through long grass or dense forests. When coming back from walks, inspect your pet’s fur and paws. If you do find a thick, take a moment to double-check your clothes, skin, and hair too – you can never be too cautious when it comes to infectious insects.

Spring often makes pets go a little wild, and who can blame them? When the sunshine is hitting their noses and the fresh spring air kicks in, their instincts take over, triggering them to sniff, explore, and sometimes even eat whatever they find on the ground. To prevent your dogs from swallowing something poisonous or wandering off, consider using a sturdy leash and a GPS-enabled collar.

If you have a yard, make sure your fences are secure and there are no gaps where your pet could escape. Additionally, inspect your outdoor space for potential hazards. Remove any sharp objects or chemical pesticides that could harm your pet and make sure you don’t have any toxic plants.

Cats can also become more active in spring and crave socializing with other felines, so don’t leave the windows or doors open when you’re not around. If your furry friend is an outdoor lover, consider attaching a GPS for extra safety.

Spring is all about cleaning your house and letting in that fresh air—but when you have a furry friend at home, be extra careful with open windows. The urge to lie in the sun and explore the outdoors can sometimes lead to accidents — your cat may get stuck in a tilted window or even fall out and get seriously hurt.

To keep your pet safe, never leave them unattended near open windows. You may also consider metal safety wires or window tilt protection to prevent any risky adventures. Extra caution goes a long way in keeping your furry friend happy and out of trouble.

Pets anticipate the change of seasons way before we switch to lighter jackets by getting rid of their thick fur coat. At first, shedding might be light and barely noticeable, but as spring progresses, you may see more and more fur all around the house.

To help your furry friends feel more comfortable in warm temperatures and prevent overheating, try to brush them regularly. Bathing may also wash away excess fur, allergens, and dirt. Just make sure to use a pet-friendly shampoo. For breeds with longer hair, consider scheduling a professional grooming session to trim their coat and keep them cool. Finally, don’t forget to cut your pet’s nails as they can cause discomfort and affect their gait when left uncared-for.

After a long and lazy winter indoors, your pet may need time to adjust to longer outdoor activities. Instead of jumping straight into a full-day hike whenever it’s +10 again, start with shorter walks and gradually increase the time outside, allowing your pet to build endurance and prevent exhaustion.

Spring also brings more opportunities to bond with your dog by playing fetch or other games, which can help strengthen their physical and mental well-being. You can likewise foster it by letting your pet socialize with other furry companions at dog parks or arranged playdates. Just remember to always bring water on outings to keep your pets hydrated, especially as temperatures rise.

Spring is all about spending time outdoors and getting back to a more active routine together with your pet. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll help your furry friend go smoothly through the seasonal transition and stay healthy and comfortable while making the most of your springtime activities.

Keep in mind that even if you take all the precautions, life can bring unexpected twists and turns and put your pet’s well-being at risk. Sudden injuries, illness, or escape — whatever it is, you’ll feel a lot less anxious and concerned about your cat’s or dog’s health in spring if you get If Pet insurance ahead of the season. Also, don’t forget about your own safety and consider adding accident insurance to your portfolio.

You can choose the insurance package that best fits your furry companion’s and your own lifestyle. And if something does go wrong, you can easily submit a claim within the If self-service or mobile app If Mobile Baltics.