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Spring in New Brunswick brings warmer days, longer daylight, and a renewed desire to get outside — for both people and pets. With that fresh season also comes pests like fleas and ticks, increased allergy triggers, and terrain that’s wetter and muddier than it looks. As apartment residents, pets need special care when it comes to outdoor play, seasonal health risks, and living comfortably indoors too. Let’s break down everything you need to know so you and your pet can enjoy spring safely and happily. Why Spring Pet Care Matters As the temperature climbs above freezing, parasites and allergens that were dormant during winter return with energy. Left unchecked, they can affect your pet’s comfort, health, and even your apartment environment. Greater Moncton, Riverview, and Dieppe — like most of southeastern New Brunswick — sit in a humid continental climate. This means: Warm, moist weather that fleas and ticks love Pollen from trees and grasses that trigger allergies Mud and lingering wet areas where parasites hide Understanding these seasonal shifts helps you keep your pet protected and your rental environment comfortable. Fleas: More Than an Itch Fleas are tiny, but their impact on pets is big. These parasites can: Cause intense itching Lead to skin irritations or infections Transmit tapeworms in rare cases Fleas thrive in warm, moist soils and grassy areas. Early spring, especially after rain or thaw, is prime flea activation time. Signs Your Pet Has Fleas: Excessive scratching or biting Hair loss around the rump or belly Tiny black “flea dirt” specks on skin Prevention Is Better Than Treatment Talk to your vet about year‑round flea prevention. Many pet health professionals recommend monthly topical treatments during spring and summer — and even continuing through fall in your region. Regular grooming and washing also helps catch fleas before they become a larger problem. Ticks: Beware the Tiny Threats Ticks are a serious concern in New Brunswick because they can carry Lyme disease and other illnesses. They often lurk in: Long grass Shrub edges Forest trails Leaf litter Your dog doesn’t even have to be off‑trail to encounter ticks — they can cling to low grasses near sidewalks and backyards. Signs of Tick Exposure: Visible ticks on skin or coat Red, irritated bite marks Lethargy, fever, or swelling (seek vet care) Prevention Tips for Ticks Use tick‑prevention medication recommended by your vet Check your pet’s coat after every outdoor walk Consider tick removal tools for safe home use Avoid long grassy areas on early spring walks A tick can attach in minutes. Quick checks after every adventure help reduce risk. Allergies: It’s Not Just You — Pets Get Them Too Spring brings blooms and pollen — beautiful for humans, itchy for pets. Pets can develop environmental allergies that cause: Scratching or licking paws Red, irritated skin Sneezing or watery eyes Ear infections from pollen buildup Even indoor cats can react when pollen sticks to fur and gets spread throughout the apartment. Managing Pet Allergies: Wipe your pet’s paws and belly with a damp cloth after outdoor time Groom regularly to remove pollen from fur Talk to your vet about antihistamines or diet changes Keep indoor air filtering clean Allergies are uncomfortable, but with the right routine, pets can still enjoy spring. Safe Outdoor Time for Apartment Dwellers Because many BPM tenants live in multi‑unit buildings without backyards, spring “outdoor time” usually means: Short walks Trail visits Courtyard play Balconies with supervision A few tips for safe spring outings: Bring water — fresh water keeps your pet hydrated. Use a leash — even gentle parks like Mill Creek can have wild undergrowth. Avoid stagnant water — puddles can harbour bacteria and parasites. Check paws before entering — mud and pollen track inside easily. Local Resources That Help Greater Moncton and surrounding regions have excellent pet health and support options: Veterinary Clinics Moncton Animal Hospital — preventive care and parasite protection Greater Moncton Veterinary Hospital — allergy and skin consultation Dieppe Veterinary Clinic — local pet health services Pet Guidance and Supplies Local groomers and pet stores often advise on seasonal needs Spring flea and tick clinics from vets help keep pets protected Always consult your vet before starting or changing preventative medications. Spring Cleaning With Pets in Mind Seasonal cleaning becomes more important in spring: Sweep or vacuum floors more often to catch pollen Wash pet bedding weekly Change HVAC or air filters regularly Keep litter boxes clean and odour‑free A little extra cleaning goes a long way toward keeping your apartment comfortable for you and your pet. Final Reminder Spring is magical in New Brunswick. Warm days, longer evenings, and outdoor adventures are waiting. Pets make all of that better — but they also need your help to navigate seasonal pest threats and allergy triggers. Be proactive. Be observant. And don’t hesitate to reach out to a vet if anything feels off. Brunswick Property Management Supporting pet‑friendly living with safety, comfort, and local know‑how — so you and your furry family can enjoy every season.