Spring in Port Coquitlam opens up one of the best urban trail networks in the Lower Mainland. The Traboulay PoCo Trail loops 26 kilometres through forests, wetlands, and riverside paths. Colony Farm Regional Park offers wide, flat trails along the Coquitlam River. Minnekhada Regional Park draws hikers with its marsh boardwalks and forested climbs. As the weather warms, dog owners across the Tri-Cities head outdoors, and so do the seasonal hazards.

At PoCo West Animal Hospital, we encourage outdoor activity for dogs. It supports physical health, mental stimulation, and the bond between pets and their people. With over 25 years in Port Coquitlam, our team knows the local trails and the risks that come with them. This guide covers the key spring hazards and the steps you can take to support strong dog wellness in Port Coquitlam families depend on.

Tick Season in the Tri-Cities

Ticks become active in British Columbia as soon as temperatures consistently reach 4°C or above. In the Tri-Cities, this often happens by late March. By mid-April, tick populations are established in the tall grass, leaf litter, and shrubby areas that line trails at Colony Farm, along the Coquitlam River dike, and through the wooded sections of the Traboulay PoCo Trail.

The most common species in the area is the western blacklegged tick, which can transmit Lyme disease, and the Rocky Mountain wood tick. After every walk, check your dog thoroughly. Run your hands slowly through the coat, paying close attention to the ears, armpits, groin, and the spaces between toes. If you find a tick, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible, and save it for identification.

Year-round tick and parasite prevention is the most effective strategy. Our veterinary team can recommend a preventive product suited to your dog’s size, breed, and outdoor activity level.

Leptospirosis Risk Near Water

Port Coquitlam’s parks include several waterways and wetland areas that create exposure points for leptospirosis. Colony Farm Regional Park borders the Coquitlam River and includes marshy lowlands. The Traboulay PoCo Trail passes alongside creeks and seasonal puddles that form after spring rain. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected wildlife, including raccoons, rats, and skunks.

Dogs that drink from standing water, wade through muddy creek beds, or sniff along the edges of ponds are at elevated risk. Leptospirosis can cause fever, vomiting, muscle pain, and in severe cases, liver or kidney failure. It is also zoonotic, meaning it can pass from dogs to humans. Vaccination is available and recommended for dogs that spend time outdoors in the Tri-Cities. If your dog is not currently vaccinated, our team can discuss whether it is appropriate at your next visit.

Coyote Encounters in PoCo Parks

The Tri-Cities has a well-documented coyote population, and spring is denning season. From April through June, coyotes are more territorial and more likely to approach dogs that wander near their dens. Sightings are common around Colony Farm, the open fields near Gates Park, and the trails bordering residential areas in the Riverwood and Oxford Heights neighbourhoods.

Keep your dog on a leash in areas where coyotes have been reported. Off-leash dogs can inadvertently provoke a coyote or pursue one into a confrontation. If you encounter a coyote, make yourself appear large, make noise, and back away slowly without turning around. Carrying a whistle, walking stick, or air horn adds an extra layer of deterrence. Report aggressive coyote behaviour to the BC Conservation Officer Service.

Slug Bait and Garden Chemicals

As gardens across Port Coquitlam come to life in spring, slug bait containing metaldehyde becomes a hidden danger on trails that border residential properties and community gardens. Dogs are attracted to the pellet form of many commercial slug baits because of their grain-based composition. Even a small amount of metaldehyde can cause tremors, seizures, and potentially fatal toxicity.

Stay on marked trails, keep your dog from snacking on unfamiliar items along the path, and be especially cautious near garden edges and compost areas. If your dog ingests something suspicious, bring a sample if possible and contact PoCo West Animal Hospital or your nearest urgent care veterinary clinic immediately.

Staying Comfortable on the Trail

Spring weather in Port Coquitlam can shift from cool, damp mornings to mild, sunny afternoons. Dogs with thick coats may overheat faster than expected on sun-exposed sections of the PoCo Trail, while brachycephalic breeds and senior dogs are especially vulnerable. Bring fresh water and a collapsible bowl, take breaks in shaded areas, and avoid midday hikes when the sun is strongest.

Inspect your dog’s paw pads after each outing for cuts, debris, or irritation from wet gravel. Maintaining your dog’s overall fitness with regular wellness exams in Port Coquitlam helps our team identify underlying conditions, from joint stiffness to heart murmurs, before they become emergencies. Our extended evening hours make it easier to fit a checkup into a busy schedule.

FAQ

Q: How often should I check my dog for ticks in spring?

A: After every outdoor walk or hike, perform a full-body tick check. Run your hands through your dog’s coat slowly, feeling for small bumps. Pay extra attention to warm, hidden areas such as the ears, belly, groin, and between the toes. Daily checks are recommended during peak tick season in the Lower Mainland.

Q: Is the leptospirosis vaccine necessary for dogs in Port Coquitlam?

A: The leptospirosis vaccine is strongly recommended for dogs that spend time outdoors near water, trails, or wildlife habitats in the Tri-Cities. Dogs that walk near the Coquitlam River, Colony Farm wetlands, or standing water are considered at elevated risk. Our team can provide a personalized recommendation.

Q: What should I do if my dog eats something unknown on a trail?

A: Try to identify or collect a sample of what your dog ate. Contact PoCo West Animal Hospital at (604) 554-1255 during clinic hours or Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital at (604) 514-8383 after hours. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian.

Q: Which trails in Port Coquitlam are best for dogs in spring?

A: The Traboulay PoCo Trail offers a 26-kilometre loop with varied terrain. Colony Farm Regional Park provides flat, accessible paths along the Coquitlam River. Both are popular with dog owners but require tick prevention and leash use in wildlife-active areas. Check City of Port Coquitlam advisories for seasonal trail updates.

Keep your dog trail-ready this spring. Book a wellness check at PoCo West Animal Hospital. Call (604) 554-1255 or visit pocowestvets.ca/make-an-appointment/ Open Mon-Fri 8 AM to 10 PM | Sat 8 AM to 8 PM | Sun 9 AM to 7 PM After hours: Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (604) 514-8383

Published by the team at PoCo West 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 PoCo West Animal Hospital at (604) 554-1255.