Start tick prevention before you think you need it.

Yes. Ticks don’t care about the calendar—they come out as soon as it’s above 4°C (40°F), even if there’s still snow on the ground. By the time you’re thinking “spring hike,” they’re already active.

For exercise, ease into it. Your dog or cat likely got less movement in winter—don’t suddenly do a 10k run or a long off-leash adventure. Start with shorter walks, build up over a week or two. Watch for mud, ice patches, and early spring allergies (sneezing, itchy paws).

For tick prevention, talk to your vet about what works best for your pet’s lifestyle—oral meds, collars, or spot-on treatments. Don’t rely on DIY remedies; they usually don’t work. Always check your pet after walks, especially around the head, ears, and armpits.

Gradual increase and consistent prevention are the whole game. Future you will thank you when you’re not pulling off a tick in May.