Trails, Trips & Tail Wags: May Pet Prep in the Natural State
Your Arkansas Pet Wellness Guide for a Safe and Happy Season
Hello from all of us at Timber Trails Animal Hospital! As spring sweeps across Arkansas in full bloom, May is the perfect time to refresh your pet’s health routines and embrace the season safely. With rising temps, buzzing bugs, and more time spent outdoors, your furry friends will need a little extra TLC.
Here are your must-know May pet tips—Arkansas-style!
1. Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Defense – It’s Go Time!
Arkansas is a hotspot for pests come spring, and they’re more than just annoying—they’re dangerous. Fleas and ticks can transmit serious diseases, and mosquitoes carry deadly heartworms.
Here’s what every Arkansas pet parent needs to know:
🦟 Mosquitoes
Mosquitos are the primary carriers of heartworm disease, which can be fatal if left untreated. Heartworm is a serious year-round threat in Arkansas due to our mild winters, but mosquito activity spikes in spring and summer. Even brief exposure outside can lead to infection.
Monthly heartworm prevention is essential for both dogs and cats (yes, cats can get heartworms too!).
Schedule annual heartworm testing to catch infections early, especially if you’ve missed any doses.
🐜 Fleas
Fleas can cause more than just itching. They can lead to flea allergy dermatitis, tapeworm infestations (if your pet swallows one while grooming), and even anemia in severe cases—especially in puppies and kittens.
Use vet-approved flea preventatives—many now come as chewables, topicals, or collars.
Treat all pets in the household, even if only one seems affected.
Vacuum frequently, wash bedding regularly, and treat outdoor areas where your pets play.
🕷️ Ticks
Ticks are a real concern in Arkansas, especially in wooded or grassy areas like the Ozarks, state parks, and rural backyards.
They carry multiple diseases, including:
Lyme disease
Ehrlichiosis
Anaplasmosis
Cytauxzoonosis, a life-threatening tick-borne disease in cats that's particularly common in our state
Perform daily tick checks after outdoor activities—especially under collars, between toes, and around ears.
Use preventative medications that specifically protect against ticks—some flea meds don’t do both.
If you find a tick, remove it with tweezers (not your fingers) and clean the area thoroughly.
Your action plan:
Use vet-approved preventatives monthly.
Keep your yard mowed and brush-free.
Consider a tick collar or topical in addition to oral preventatives.
Ask us about cytauxzoonosis, a deadly tick-borne illness in cats that’s common in Arkansas.
2. Heartworm Prevention: Small Step, Lifesaving Impact
Heartworm disease is one of the most devastating—but preventable—health threats to pets in Arkansas. It's caused by parasites transmitted through a single mosquito bite, and once mature, heartworms live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels—causing lasting damage and, in some cases, death.
What makes heartworm especially dangerous is that there are often no early symptoms. By the time you notice coughing, fatigue, or weight loss, the disease is usually advanced.
Reminder: Keep your pets on year-round preventatives and schedule their annual heartworm test with us this May.
Here’s what else you should know:
Treatment is Risky and Costly
Treating heartworm in dogs is painful, lengthy, and expensive—involving injections, restricted activity for months, and potential complications.
For cats, there is no approved treatment—only supportive care. That’s why prevention is critical.
Prevention Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
There are several options for heartworm prevention: monthly chewables, topicals, or 6- and 12-month injectable preventatives.
At Timber Trails, we’ll help you choose the best fit based on your pet’s lifestyle, risk level, and medical history.
Missed a Dose? Don’t Panic—But Act Fast
If your pet misses a dose, contact us immediately. A short lapse could leave them unprotected.
Your vet may recommend a heartworm test in 6 months, as it takes time for the parasite to become detectable in the bloodstream.
Indoor Pets Need Protection Too
Mosquitoes don’t stay outside—they easily enter homes through cracks, open doors, or even hitchhiking on you.
Indoor pets are still at risk and should remain on preventatives year-round.
Pair Prevention with Annual Testing
Even if your pet is on consistent preventatives, annual heartworm testing is a must.
Why? No medication is 100% fail-proof—testing ensures early detection and gives you peace of mind.
3. Vaccine Check: Are You Up to Date?
Arkansas law requires rabies vaccinations, and your pet may also need boosters for distemper, parvo, Bordetella, or feline leukemia—especially if you’re traveling or boarding.
Pro Tip: Spring is a busy season for boarding, so update vaccines in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
4. Beat the Heat (Before It Beats Your Pet)
As temps climb in Arkansas, heatstroke becomes a real threat.
Hot weather safety checklist:
Walk pets early or late—never in midday heat.
Always bring water on hikes or park visits.
Watch for signs of overheating: excessive panting, glazed eyes, or vomiting.
Never leave pets in a car, even for “just a minute.”
5. Plant & Garden Hazards
Many common ornamental plants are highly toxic to pets—and even small amounts can cause serious health issues.
Dangerous plants often found in Arkansas landscapes include:
Azaleas – Even a few leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially fatal heart arrhythmias.
Lantana – Toxic to dogs and cats; causes liver damage and digestive distress.
Oleander – Extremely poisonous to all species; can cause heart failure.
Sago Palm – All parts are toxic, but the seeds are the most dangerous—can cause liver failure.
Easter Lily, Tiger Lily, and Daylily – Deadly to cats; even a small nibble can cause kidney failure.
Foxglove and Daffodils – Heart and GI effects if ingested.
Spring is prime time for fertilizing and weed control—but many of these products are toxic when ingested or walked through.
Fertilizers may contain bone meal, blood meal, or iron—all of which can be harmful if eaten.
Weed killers and herbicides can cause gastrointestinal upset, neurological issues, or worse if licked off paws or fur.
Cocoa mulch, made from cocoa shells, contains theobromine—the same chemical that makes chocolate dangerous to dogs.
Tip: Create a “pet-safe zone” in your garden and supervise outdoor time.
Houseplants Count Too
Indoor greenery can be just as dangerous. Keep cats and dogs away from:
Pothos
Philodendrons
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Aloe vera (yes, it’s healing for you—but not for pets)
Peace lilies
Consider pet-safe alternatives like spider plants, areca palms, or calatheas.
5. Plant & Garden Hazards
Many common ornamental plants are highly toxic to pets—and even small amounts can cause serious health issues.
Dangerous plants often found in Arkansas landscapes include:
Azaleas – Even a few leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially fatal heart arrhythmias.
Lantana – Toxic to dogs and cats; causes liver damage and digestive distress.
Oleander – Extremely poisonous to all species; can cause heart failure.
Sago Palm – All parts are toxic, but the seeds are the most dangerous—can cause liver failure.
Easter Lily, Tiger Lily, and Daylily – Deadly to cats; even a small nibble can cause kidney failure.
Foxglove and Daffodils – Heart and GI effects if ingested.
Spring is prime time for fertilizing and weed control—but many of these products are toxic when ingested or walked through.
Fertilizers may contain bone meal, blood meal, or iron—all of which can be harmful if eaten.
Weed killers and herbicides can cause gastrointestinal upset, neurological issues, or worse if licked off paws or fur.
Cocoa mulch, made from cocoa shells, contains theobromine—the same chemical that makes chocolate dangerous to dogs.
Tip: Create a “pet-safe zone” in your garden and supervise outdoor time.
Houseplants Count Too
Indoor greenery can be just as dangerous. Keep cats and dogs away from:
Pothos
Philodendrons
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Aloe vera (yes, it’s healing for you—but not for pets)
Peace lilies
Consider pet-safe alternatives like spider plants, areca palms, or calatheas.
6. Yard Time = Parasite Time
Warmer weather means pets are itching to get outside—but they might be bringing home more than just muddy paws.
Check for ticks after outdoor play.
Rinse paws to avoid contact with lawn chemicals.
Consider monthly dewormers for pets who dig or hunt in the yard.
7. Mind Your Leash & License
With so many Arkansans exploring trails and parks, leash laws are being more strictly enforced. Fayetteville, Little Rock, and other cities have ordinances requiring dogs to be leashed in public.
Good manners = good neighbors.
Always carry waste bags.
Respect leash rules.
Update your pet’s ID tags and microchip info.
8. Training in Bloom
Spring is the perfect time to strengthen your bond with your pet and tackle some of those training goals you’ve been meaning to work on. With longer days and more opportunities to get outside, your pet is likely full of energy and ready to learn! Whether you’re training a new puppy or refining an older dog’s skills, here are some training tips and tricks to help your pet thrive this season:
Basic Commands with a Spring Twist
The foundation of great training starts with the basics, but we’re going to give them a little seasonal twist.
Sit, Stay, and Come – These are your must-know commands. Begin practicing in your living room or backyard, but gradually move to more distracting areas (like parks or trails) to reinforce their reliability. Use treats to encourage success and make it fun.
Leave It – A great command to practice as you explore new environments. Whether it’s a fallen stick, a discarded snack, or even a squirrel in the distance, teaching your dog to “leave it” can keep them out of trouble.
Heel – Springtime walks are more enjoyable when your dog walks beside you rather than pulling you. Start by using a short leash and rewarding them when they walk beside you. If they pull, stop and wait until the leash slackens before continuing.
Get Outdoors and Socialize!
With more people and pets out and about, socialization is key to your pet’s happiness and safety. Use the season’s beautiful weather to introduce your pet to new environments, sounds, and people.
New Environments – Take your dog on car rides to new places—parks, pet-friendly stores, or local pet events. Different sights, smells, and experiences help them learn to stay calm and focused in varied settings.
Meet New Friends – Socialization isn’t just about other dogs. Let your pet interact with new people and animals. Always keep an eye on body language to ensure these interactions stay positive.
Puppy Playdates – If you have a young dog, set up a playdate with other dogs of similar size and energy levels. Playtime is a great opportunity to work on socialization, bite inhibition, and leash manners.
Engage Their Minds: Mental Stimulation in the Spring
Spring means more outdoor time, but it also means a lot of new challenges to face—like distractions, squirrels to chase, and puddles to jump in. Help your pet focus and channel their energy positively with mental stimulation exercises.
Puzzle Toys – Toys that dispense treats or require problem-solving are great for keeping your pet’s mind sharp. Start slow and increase the difficulty to keep them engaged.
Hide-and-Seek – Hide a treat or toy in your home or yard and encourage your pet to search for it. This taps into their natural scenting abilities and provides an outlet for both mental and physical exercise.
Basic Agility – Set up a mini agility course in your yard with tunnels, ramps, or obstacles like cones or broomsticks. This not only helps with coordination but also provides great bonding time.
Common Training Troubles & Quick Fixes
With the new season comes new opportunities for training challenges. Here are some common pet behavior issues and how to address them:
Jumping on People – As your pet gets more excited with the warmer weather, they might start jumping on people. The trick? Ignore the behavior. When your pet jumps up, turn your back and withhold attention. Reward them only when all four paws are on the ground.
Leash Pulling – Your dog pulls on walks because they’re excited or eager to get to the next spot. Try practicing “stop and go”: when they pull, stop walking. Once the leash is slack, continue walking. Over time, they’ll learn that pulling doesn’t get them anywhere.
Barking at Passersby – If your dog barks at strangers or other dogs during walks, redirect their attention by asking for a simple command (like “sit” or “look at me”) and rewarding them for staying calm.
Consistency is Key
No matter what you’re working on, the most important part of training is consistency. Practice regularly, use positive reinforcement, and be patient. Your pet might not always get it right the first time, but as long as you remain consistent with commands and rewards, they’ll catch on.
9. Spring Photo Ops & Adventures
Celebrate the season with a spring photoshoot or a day trip! Explore pet-friendly parks like Devil’s Den, Petit Jean, or Pinnacle Mountain, and don’t forget:
Travel safely with a secured carrier or harness.
Pack a pet first-aid kit.
Check lodging for pet policies in advance.
10. Time for a Wellness Visit?
Annual checkups are vital, especially after a long winter indoors. Our veterinarians will assess:
Weight changes
Dental health
Skin and coat condition
Vaccines and preventatives
Book your spring wellness exam now to beat the summer rush!
Let’s Make May the Best Month Yet—for You and Your Pet!
Whether you’re planning backyard barbecues or weekend hikes, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your pets healthy and happy.
Give us a call at Timber Trails Animal Hospital to schedule a wellness exam, stock up on preventatives, or ask about anything pet-related—we’re here to help your furry family members thrive this season.
Happy Spring from your Timber Trails team!
