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May in South Surrey is one of the most rewarding months for dog owners. Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and the lush trail networks at Campbell Valley Regional Park and along the Nicomekl River make it easy to spend more time outdoors with your dog. The growing neighbourhoods of Grandview Heights and Campbell Heights are home to many young families with active dogs, and the green spaces along 192 Street provide convenient access to nature throughout the week. However, the same conditions that make May so enjoyable also introduce seasonal hazards that every dog owner should be aware of. From ticks along wooded trails to the risks of Victoria Day long weekend barbecues, understanding what to watch for helps you keep your dog safe while making the most of the season. Veterinary care in South Surrey includes seasonal guidance on outdoor safety, preventive products, and wellness planning to support your dog through the busiest months of the year.
Tick and Flea Awareness at Campbell Valley and South Surrey Parks
Ticks become increasingly active across the Lower Mainland as spring progresses, and the wooded trails and grassy meadows at Campbell Valley Regional Park are among the most common exposure areas in South Surrey. Ticks favour tall grass, leaf litter, and shaded trail edges, particularly along the Little River Loop and Deer Trail sections of the park. Dogs walking off-leash through these environments are at heightened risk, but even on-leash dogs can pick up ticks from vegetation brushing against their legs and underbelly. The semi-rural corridors south of 16 Avenue and the farmland edges near the Nicomekl River are additional areas where tick populations thrive. Fleas are also more active in May and can be picked up from shared green spaces, dog parks, and even backyard gardens in the Grandview Heights developments. Puppy vaccinations in South Surrey are an important part of protecting young dogs before they begin exploring trails and parks, as puppies are particularly vulnerable to parasites and infectious diseases carried by wildlife. Your veterinarian can recommend age-appropriate preventive products for fleas and ticks, as well as vaccinations such as leptospirosis, which is relevant for dogs that access waterways in the South Surrey area. Starting prevention before peak season gives your dog consistent protection throughout the spring and summer months.
Victoria Day Weekend Hazards and BBQ Safety for Dogs
Victoria Day weekend on May 18, 2026, is one of the busiest outdoor weekends of the year for South Surrey families. Backyard barbecues, neighbourhood gatherings, and visits to parks bring dogs into contact with a range of hazards that are not part of their everyday routine. Cooked bones, particularly chicken and rib bones, can splinter and cause serious internal injuries if swallowed. Corn cobs are a common choking and obstruction hazard. Onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, and foods sweetened with xylitol are all toxic to dogs and are frequently present at holiday gatherings. Fatty meats and rich side dishes can trigger painful episodes of pancreatitis, especially in smaller breeds or dogs with sensitive stomachs. Keep all food at a height your dog cannot reach, secure rubbish bins with lids, and remind guests not to share table scraps with your dog. Fireworks and firecrackers, while less common in South Surrey than in some areas, can still cause extreme anxiety and bolting behaviour. Keep your dog indoors during any fireworks activity, ensure your dog is wearing current identification tags, and confirm that your microchip registration is up to date. Campbell Heights Animal Hospital is open on Victoria Day and all statutory holidays, so families across South Surrey, Grandview Heights, and Campbell Heights can access veterinary care seven days a week without interruption.
Post-Walk Checks and Year-Round Preventive Care
A thorough post-walk check after every outing is one of the simplest and most effective habits a dog owner can develop. After returning from Campbell Valley, the 192 Street green spaces, or any trail in the South Surrey area, run your hands over your dog’s entire body, paying close attention to the ears, between the toes, under the collar, around the tail base, and along the groin area. Ticks often attach in warm, hidden areas where they are difficult to spot visually. Remove any ticks promptly using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool, grasping as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight upward without twisting. Check your dog’s paw pads for cuts, embedded foxtails, or debris. Foxtails are barbed grass seed heads found along dry trail edges and undeveloped lots throughout South Surrey and Grandview Heights. They can burrow into tissue and cause infection if not removed quickly. Rinse your dog’s paws and underbelly after walks near the Nicomekl River or through muddy areas to reduce exposure to bacteria and environmental irritants. Year-round preventive care, including regular wellness visits, up-to-date parasite prevention, and seasonal adjustments to your dog’s routine, provides the strongest foundation for a healthy, active life. Pet care services in South Surrey at Campbell Heights Animal Hospital are available seven days a week, including statutory holidays, with hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Whether you need a wellness visit before the Victoria Day long weekend or a seasonal check-up to review your dog’s preventive care plan, our team is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are ticks common at Campbell Valley Regional Park in May?
A: Ticks are active throughout spring and summer in Campbell Valley Regional Park, particularly along wooded and grassy trail edges. Dogs walking through tall grass, leaf litter, or shaded areas near the Nicomekl River are at increased risk. Year-round preventive products and post-walk tick checks are recommended for all dogs using the park.
Q: Is it safe for my dog to swim in the Nicomekl River?
A: The Nicomekl River can carry bacteria such as leptospirosis, particularly in standing or slow-moving sections. Avoid letting your dog drink from the river or swim in stagnant areas. Rinse your dog thoroughly after any water contact and consult your veterinarian about leptospirosis vaccination if your dog frequently accesses waterways in South Surrey.
Q: What BBQ foods are dangerous for dogs during Victoria Day weekend?
A: Cooked bones, corn cobs, onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, xylitol-sweetened foods, and fatty meats can all cause serious harm to dogs. Keep all BBQ scraps secured in a closed bin and remind guests not to share table food with your dog during Victoria Day gatherings.
Q: What are foxtails and where do they grow in South Surrey?
A: Foxtails are barbed grass seed heads that can embed in a dog’s paws, ears, nose, or eyes and migrate into tissue, causing infection and pain. They are found along dry grassy edges of trails, roadsides, and undeveloped lots throughout South Surrey and Grandview Heights, particularly from late spring through summer.
Q: Should I be concerned about coyotes in semi-rural South Surrey?
A: Coyotes are present in the semi-rural areas of South Surrey, including near Campbell Valley Regional Park and the agricultural corridors south of 16 Avenue. Keep your dog on leash during dawn and dusk walks, avoid leaving food outdoors, and supervise smaller dogs closely in areas where coyotes have been spotted.
Keep your dog safe on every spring adventure. Book a wellness visit at Campbell Heights Animal Hospital. Call (236) 500-9000 or book an appointment online.
Published by the team at Campbell Heights Animal Hospital.
This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet’s health. If you have concerns, contact Campbell Heights Animal Hospital at (236) 500-9000.