Did you know that 68% of UK pet owners admit their cat or dog hasn’t had a full health check in over 12 months? With spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to refresh your pet’s wellness routine. A 2025 study by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) found that early spring is when preventable health issues spike in both dogs and cats—from parasitic infections to dental disease. In this article, you’ll discover the seven essential health checks every UK pet owner should tick off before April, including one often-overlooked task that vets say could prevent serious illness. Let’s dive in.
📊 Key Figures 2025
- 68% of UK pet owners skip annual health checks, according to BVA annual survey data.
- 73% of dogs over 7 years old show early signs of dental disease that owners don’t spot, reveals RSPCA research 2025.
- Spring parasitic infections increase by 45% compared to winter months in UK pets (PDSA Parasite Guide, 2025).
Sources: British Veterinary Association, RSPCA, PDSA, 2025
1. Schedule Your Vet’s Annual Health Check
This is non-negotiable. Your vet should examine your pet’s weight, heart, lungs, eyes, and ears. Spring is an ideal time because you’ll catch any winter-related issues before they worsen in warmer months.
Don’t assume a healthy-looking pet is a healthy pet. Cats, especially, hide illness brilliantly. Even if your pet seems fine, ask your vet specifically about age-related changes—this matters far more than you might think.
✅ Expert Tip
Book your appointment now (not in late April when vets are rammed). Ask your vet to check thyroid function in older cats and joint flexibility in senior dogs—these are easy to miss but crucial for quality of life.
2. Review and Update Parasite Prevention
Spring means fleas, ticks, and worms wake up hungry. Your pet’s current treatment might not be strong enough for the season ahead, especially if they spend time outdoors or with other animals.
Talk to your vet about prescription-strength options. Over-the-counter flea treatments are often less effective than veterinary alternatives like Simparica, NexGard, or Advantage II. Don’t assume last year’s treatment plan still works—parasites evolve, and so should your defence.
⚠️ Warning
If your pet scratches excessively, has patchy fur, or you spot tiny black specks (flea dirt), see your vet immediately. Secondary skin infections can develop fast in spring when humidity rises. Never wait—parasite infestations escalate quickly once the weather warms.
3. Dental Check and Professional Cleaning
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: 73% of dogs over 7 have undetected dental disease. Your pet won’t tell you their teeth hurt. Bad breath isn’t normal—it’s a warning sign.
Spring is the best time for a professional clean because recovery is quick and warmer months mean easier post-procedure care. Dental disease doesn’t just cause pain; it can affect the heart and kidneys if left untreated. A simple scale and polish now prevents expensive extractions later.
4. Update Vaccinations and Immunity
Check your pet’s vaccination record. Boosters depend on age, lifestyle, and which diseases are circulating in your area. Spring often brings cats into contact with other cats (through open windows and garden encounters), so feline respiratory vaccines matter more now.
If your pet is overdue, book a vaccination appointment this week. It’s one of the cheapest preventative measures you can take and protects both your pet and the wider community.
5. Assess Weight and Nutrition
Winter weight gain is real. Extra padding looks cute but strains joints, heart, and organs. Spring is the season to gently reset diet habits before summer holidays.
Ask your vet if your pet’s current food is optimised for their age and activity level. Some pets thrive on fresh, complete diets; others need prescription food for specific conditions. Don’t guess—ask the expert.
✅ Expert Tip
Measure your pet’s food by weight, not eyeballing portions. Lucy, a 5-year-old Labrador from Bristol, lost 8 kg and became pain-free when her owner switched to measured portions and added daily 20-minute walks—simple, but it only worked because it was consistent and started with vet guidance.
6. Check Skin and Coat Health
Spring shedding is heavy, but excessive fur loss, bald patches, or flaky skin signal allergies or dermatitis. Spring pollen and grass can trigger itching in sensitive pets, often worse than you’d expect.
If your pet is scratching more than usual, mention it at the vet check. Early treatment stops secondary infections and keeps your pet comfortable through summer when outdoor time increases.
7. Discuss Lifestyle Changes and Summer Planning
If you’re planning holiday travel, moving house, or changing your pet’s routine, spring is the time to prepare. Ask your vet about anxiety management, stress-related behaviours, or health precautions for hotter months.
Older pets struggle in heat. Pets on certain medications (like steroids) become more heat-sensitive. Talk these details through now, not in July when your pet is already suffering.
Spring isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about resetting your pet’s health baseline for the year ahead. That shocking stat about 68% of pets missing annual checks? Don’t let yours become part of that statistic. One simple phone call to your vet this week could catch a problem early, save money, and add years to your pet’s life. Have you noticed any changes in your pet’s behaviour or energy levels as the weather warms? That’s your cue—book that appointment today.