Keeping Pets Healthy this Spring

Clocks Change The shift to British Summer Time in late March can unsettle your pet's routine more than you might expect. A little gentle preparation beforehand like gradually adjusting feeding and walk times in the days leading up to the change will help them settle in comfortably.

Amphibians

• Pet amphibians such as frogs and axolotls become noticeably more active as temperatures begin to rise. Please adjust their environment gradually to reflect the seasonal change, and avoid any sudden fluctuations in temperature, which can be quite stressful for them.
• Spring is a lovely opportunity to give the vivarium a thorough clean and to check UVB lighting. These bulbs should be replaced at least once a year — even if they still appear to be producing light, their effectiveness diminishes over time.
• If you are lucky enough to have a garden pond, please do keep all garden chemicals well away from it during amphibian spawning season, and take care not to disturb any frog or toad spawn you find.

• Female cats cycle into season approximately every two to three weeks from February through to October. Neutering is warmly recommended — it not only prevents unwanted pregnancies but also protects your cat from viruses spread through mating and fighting, and from serious conditions such as pyometra, which can be life-threatening.
• As your cat begins to venture further afield in the warmer months, it's a good idea to check that their microchip details are up to date and that their collar ID tag is secure and legible.
• Ticks become active from early spring — do check your cat gently but thoroughly after time outdoors, particularly around the ears, neck and between the toes.
• Many cats shed quite heavily in spring. Regular, gentle brushing will help manage loose fur and reduce the risk of uncomfortable hairballs.
• Please do make sure your cat cannot access spring bulbs such as daffodils and tulips in the garden or home — they can cause serious harm if eaten, even in small amounts.

• Like parrots, these much-loved birds experience heightened hormonal activity in spring. Increased vocalisation, nesting behaviour and, in females, the possibility of egg-laying without a mate are all quite normal at this time of year — understanding this can help you respond calmly and appropriately.
• If your bird does lay eggs, please ensure calcium is readily available — cuttlefish bone is a wonderfully natural and simple way to provide this, and is something we'd encourage you to offer year-round as a matter of course.
• The longer, brighter days bring more energy and curiosity, so it's a lovely time to review cage size and enrichment. A stimulated, active bird is a happy and healthy one.
• Do keep cages away from open windows or draughts — even on mild spring days, sudden temperature changes can cause chills in these smaller birds.

• Longer days naturally encourage longer walks, which is such a lovely thing for you and your dog to enjoy together. Do keep your dog on a short lead when passing farm animals, particularly those with young offspring nearby. As temperatures begin to rise, please be mindful of heatstroke — early morning or evening walks are much kinder on warmer days, and always make sure your dog has access to fresh, cool water.
• After walks, it's worth checking your dog's paws gently for grass seeds, which begin to appear in spring and can burrow into the skin, causing painful infections that sometimes go unnoticed until they become quite serious.
• Alabama Rot has been linked to muddy woodland walks in wetter months. Rinsing mud from your dog's paws and legs after rural walks is a simple precaution, and please do speak to your vet promptly if you notice any unexplained skin lesions — early attention really does make a difference.

• Female ferrets that come into season without being mated face a very serious risk of aplastic anaemia, caused by prolonged oestrogen exposure — this can sadly be fatal. Please do speak to your vet about neutering or a hormonal implant well in advance of the breeding season, so your jill is fully protected.
• A dramatic spring coat shed can look quite alarming if you haven't seen it before, but please be reassured that it is entirely normal. Regular, gentle grooming will help keep your ferret comfortable during this time.
• Do make sure annual vaccinations are up to date as the warmer, more active months approach, and take a moment to check harnesses and enclosures for any signs of wear or weakness.

• Guinea pigs can begin to enjoy time in outdoor runs on warmer spring days, which they tend to love. Do make sure they always have access to shade and a sheltered area — they can be vulnerable to both overheating and the sudden cold snaps that are so characteristic of British spring weather.
• Fresh spring grass is a real treat for guinea pigs, but please introduce it gradually to give their digestive system time to adjust after the winter months.
• Spring can bring an increase in mite and lice activity — signs include excessive scratching, restlessness and patchy hair loss. If you have any concerns at all, please do have a chat with your vet sooner rather than later.
• Please do take the time to check that outdoor runs are thoroughly predator-proofed, particularly with foxes in mind — they are especially active during the spring cubbing season.

• Some hamsters experience periods of torpor during colder months. As the warmth returns, do keep a gentle eye on them to make sure they are eating, drinking and moving about as normal.
• Please do avoid placing cages in direct spring sunlight — small animals can overheat very quickly and have little ability to regulate their temperature in warm conditions.
• Spring is a wonderful time to give enclosures a thorough clean and to review bedding depth. Providing plenty of deep bedding supports the natural burrowing behaviours that are so important to the wellbeing of both species.
• If you keep gerbils in pairs or groups, do watch for any signs of increased territorial behaviour as spring arrives — a little extra vigilance can help you spot and address any issues early.
• Fresh herbs such as parsley and coriander make a delightful and enriching seasonal treat for both hamsters and gerbils, and are generally very enthusiastically received!

• Spring brings longer days, and with them, significant hormonal changes for parrots. You may notice increased aggression, feather plucking or egg-laying in females during this time — please don't be alarmed, as this is entirely natural. Maintaining calm, consistent routines and avoiding overstimulation will go a long way towards helping your bird feel settled and secure.
• As the evenings grow lighter, do make sure your parrot still receives 10 to 12 hours of darkness each night — a good quality cage cover makes this very easy to manage.
• When spring cleaning, please do bear in mind that a parrot's respiratory system is extraordinarily sensitive. Use only bird-safe, fragrance-free products in any room they occupy, and please avoid aerosol sprays entirely in their vicinity.
• Always ensure windows and doors are securely screened before allowing free flight indoors, and do check that any spring flowers or houseplants you bring inside are safe for birds — many common varieties, including hyacinths, are harmful.

• Spring is peak breeding season, and a little preparation goes a long way. If you keep racing or fancy pigeons, please ensure the loft is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before the season begins — a fresh, hygienic environment gives your birds the very best start.
• Do keep a caring eye on breeding pairs and watch for any signs of respiratory illness. Warmer, more humid conditions can allow infections to spread more quickly, so early attention is always beneficial.
• A high-quality, protein-rich breeding feed will support your birds through egg production and the growth of squabs, which can be a surprisingly demanding time for parent birds.
• Fresh, clean water should always be available for drinking and bathing, and drinkers should be cleaned regularly to keep them safe and fresh.

• As water temperatures rise above 10°C, your koi and carp will begin to emerge from their winter torpor and their appetite will gradually return. Please reintroduce feeding gently and gradually, beginning with easily digestible wheatgerm-based foods before moving on to higher-protein summer feeds as the water continues to warm.
• Please do resist the temptation to feed too much too soon in early spring — fish digestive systems need time to fully reawaken, and overfeeding in cold water can sadly cause very serious health problems.
• Spring is a common time for parasitic outbreaks such as white spot, flukes and ulcers, as fish immunity tends to be at its lowest after winter. A careful health check and a preventative pond treatment are well worth considering as part of your spring routine.
• Do take a look at your filtration system — biological filters will need time to re-establish themselves, as the beneficial bacteria within them reduce considerably during the cold winter months.
• Netting your pond will help protect your fish from herons, which are particularly bold and active in spring as they work hard to feed their growing young.
• Please ensure your pond is well aerated as the season progresses — oxygen levels can fluctuate quite significantly as spring algae blooms develop, and this can place your fish under considerable stress.

• Flystrike is one of the most serious risks rabbits face in spring and summer. Flies are attracted to soiled fur around the rear end, and the condition can deteriorate very rapidly. Please do check your rabbit at least twice daily and keep their living space scrupulously clean — it truly can be a life-saving habit. Flies will also hover in the litter tray and lay eggs, so clean daily and spot-clean if you have more than one rabbit.
• Do check with your vet that vaccinations for Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD1 and RHD2), Yurvac and Myxomatosis are up to date. Spring is typically when these fall due, and they offer vital protection for the year.
• Fresh spring grass is something most rabbits absolutely love, but please do introduce it gently and gradually after a winter without it, to give their digestive system time to adjust.
• Before your rabbit spends time outdoors, take a moment to inspect their enclosure carefully for any gaps or weaknesses — rabbits are remarkably talented escape artists, and spring brings increased predator activity, particularly from foxes. Always supervise rabbits when they're outside to deter birds of prey, who do not respect fences!

• As daylight increases and your reptile becomes more lively and alert, do review their heating and lighting arrangements to make sure they reflect the changing season — their metabolism will be increasing in response to the longer days.
• Spring is an excellent time for a gentle but thorough health check — weigh your reptile, look carefully at their skin and eyes, and make sure any winter shedding has been completed fully and without any retained patches.
• If your reptile has been quieter than usual over winter, please reintroduce feeding slowly and monitor their appetite with care and patience.
• UVB bulbs play a vital role in calcium metabolism and must be replaced on a regular basis — please do not rely on whether the bulb appears lit as an indication of whether it remains effective.

• Pet snails such as Giant African Land Snails become wonderfully active as spring warmth and humidity increase. Maintaining the right level of humidity in their enclosure is really quite important — too dry and they will retreat uncomfortably into their shells; too damp and bacterial problems can develop.
• Calcium is essential for strong, healthy shell growth. Cuttlefish bone or crushed eggshell are both excellent, easily provided sources and should always be available.
• Spring is a good time to refresh the substrate and give the enclosure a thorough, careful clean.
• Fresh spring greens such as lettuce, courgette and cucumber make nutritious and very much appreciated seasonal additions to their diet.

• Spring is nesting season for waterfowl, and providing a quiet, sheltered and predator-proof nesting space will give your birds the security and peace they need during this important time.
• Nutritional needs increase considerably during egg production, so please ensure your birds have access to a good quality waterfowl feed and plenty of fresh greens to support them through this demanding period.
• As temperatures rise and algae growth increases, water quality becomes especially important. Regular cleaning of ponds and water features will help keep your birds healthy and comfortable.
• Please do avoid offering bread to waterfowl — it provides very little in the way of nutrition and can contribute to a painful developmental condition known as angel wing. A specialist waterfowl mix is so much better for them.
• If you are near nesting wild swans or geese, please keep dogs at a respectful distance — nesting birds can become quite protective and may react unpredictably if they feel threatened.