Judging from the change in dog park population here in Warrenville (2 other dogs yesterday afternoon, more like 2-3 dozen today), I’m not the only one thinking spring returned today. Assuming it stays around this time, what does spring mean for pet health?

Let’s start our discussion with the lawn. After months of dormancy under the snow (and lots of it in Chicago this past winter), the recent above-freezing (yeah, raw and rainy, but above freezing) weather let the grass green up in near-record time. Even in the yards not visited by lawn-care trucks and their spray-fertilizer/weed/pest treatments. Which would be my yard.

“What does this have to do with pet health?” you might be asking.

If your pet is a reptile, spring might mean the chance to bask outside in natural sun for a change. Grazers such as cavies (guinea pigs) and rabbits might get the chance to nibble fresh new grass—or dandelions—from a pen on the lawn. And dogs can look forward to more outside time in general, whether longer walks in nicer weather or just more yard time. And all of these need herbicide- and pesticide-free grass on which to frolic or graze.

By the way, did you know that even dogs and cats eat grass come spring? The indigestible fiber helps keep hairballs from forming as they groom their shedding coats. Extra grooming on your part will help as well.

By fortunate chance, the migrating songbirds looking to nest in DuPage County forest preserves (or my back yard) take delight in retrieving puffs of dog-fluff for their nests. And a tip for gardeners looking to discourage vermin: I also spread fur under mulch in the gardens, where the dog-smell discourages small furry critters ... and when it decomposes, adds nitrogen to the soil.

But back to pet health: Warm weather also means insects, so make sure your outside pets have suitable protection against insects—and insect-borne diseases. For cats and dogs, heartworm is the biggie.

Last but by no means least, the advent of spring means we could have hot weather at any time—as we did two weeks ago, before the latest chilly rain weather sequence began. Reptiles delight in warmth, but most pets will need more water and a cool (or at least shady) place to retreat to when really hot weather arrives.