Spring has arrived, and with it comes a season of renewal, growth, and a few challenges for those of us who spend time outdoors. 

The daffodils are blooming in Central Park in Ashland, a beautiful reminder of a project I spearheaded in 1999 as part of the Master Gardener program. 

We planted 12,000 daffodils that year, and every spring since, their bright yellow faces signal the changing season.

In my own backyard, I’m preparing for the busy months ahead. 

I’ve ordered two more packages of bees—one to replace a hive lost when a tree came down and another to expand my colonies. Mike, my practice manager, used to help with the bees, but his new job keeps him too busy, so I’ll be taking on more of the work myself this season. 

He’s already advised me that I need to stay on top of hive maintenance this spring.

Beyond the bees, I’m also considering hatching some chicks for extra layers. 

I’ve had trouble with raccoons in the past, but I think an escape-proof dog pen might offer a good solution. With luck, I’ll also get at least one of my three gardens planted with something other than the catmint that has taken over.

Spring is also a season of travel for me, and soon I’ll be heading to Saipan for a couple of weeks. 

The idea of being on an island where you have to fly two hours for veterinary care—or where there’s no vet at all between January and June—is hard to imagine. 

I hope to be able to help while I’m there, and of course, I plan to get in some diving as well. 

Saipan is where my diving journey began.

Wildlife is also responding to the season. My pet turtles have started moving out for the summer, and I’m hopeful that our falconry Harris hawks will successfully raise chicks this year. 

Our wildlife rehab center are busy this time of year. There is no daycare in the wild—many baby animals that appear abandoned still have a mother nearby. 

Before bringing in young wildlife, always make sure the mother is truly gone.

For pet owners, spring brings some seasonal hazards to keep in mind. 

Dogs and cats that go outside may come into contact with stinging insects, which can cause allergic reactions or digestive issues if swallowed. 

Certain beetles can be toxic if ingested, and of course, snakes become more active as the weather warms. 

I’ll be working shifts at the ER, where I’ll undoubtedly see cases related to these seasonal dangers.

My least favorite spring animal is mosquitoes.  They kill more humans than any other animal.  

While I don’t have to worry about malaria, I get a large whelp and it itches for 3 weeks.  Those same mosquitoes bring heartworms to our dogs, cats and ferrets. Make sure your pet is on preventative.

Spring is a time of beauty and change, but it also requires preparation and awareness. 

Whether it’s tending to the bees, planting a garden, watching wildlife, or keeping pets safe, there’s always something to do. 

Here’s to a productive and enjoyable season!

MJ Wixsom, DVM MS is a best-selling Amazon author who practices at Guardian Animal Medical Center in Flatwoods, Ky. GuardianAnimal.com 606-928-6566