A Year of Dog Care on a Missouri Farm: Seasonal Health, Parasites and Vaccination Calendar

This article is part of our Farm Life & Wisdom guide. For the full story behind these routines, start with the pillar guide: 30 Years on 5 Acres in Monett: What Decades of Canine Care Taught Me.

In southwest Missouri the seasons shape everything on our five acres, and they shape dog care too. Ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, heat, ice and fireworks all have their moment. After thirty years with Bullmastiffs and more than six with French Bulldogs, Maltese and Bernedoodles, I have settled into a yearly rhythm. This is how I think through the calendar. It is my routine, not a prescription: your veterinarian decides which vaccines and preventives your dog needs and when.

Why a Calendar Helps

Dogs thrive on predictable days, and so do the people caring for them. Writing the year down means I do not forget the quiet tasks, such as a weight check or refilling preventives. It fits what I wrote in my stewardship article: caring well is mostly small, steady faithfulness.

Winter (December to February)

• Cold and ice. Short-coated dogs and small dogs such as Maltese get cold quickly. Limit time outside, dry paws after walks, and wipe off any de-icer or antifreeze, which can be dangerous if licked.
• Weight check. Cold weather means less activity. Feel the ribs and adjust meals with your vet's guidance.
• Dental month. Winter is a good time to schedule a cleaning exam. See Maltese Grooming and Companion Care for small-breed upkeep.
• Parasite preventives. Many vets recommend year-round heartworm prevention. The Companion Animal Parasite Council publishes regional parasite information, and your vet can tell you what applies in Missouri.
• Annual wellness exam. Many families book this now, including senior bloodwork when your vet advises.

Spring (March to May)

• Ticks wake up. Walk the field edges with care and check your dog after time in tall grass, around ears, armpits and between toes. The CDC's tick pages describe tick-borne disease in people, and your vet can discuss it for dogs.
• Fleas and mosquitoes. Confirm preventives are current. Ask your vet about a heartworm test; they typically recommend testing on a regular schedule.
• Vaccination review. Talk with your veterinarian about core vaccines and any lifestyle vaccines based on your dog's exposure. Rabies vaccination is a legal requirement in many places, so keep records handy.
• Spring storms. Missouri storms frighten many dogs. Make a quiet den indoors and have a plan, including identification and microchip details kept up to date.
• Shedding and coat care. Brush more often. Bernedoodle owners, see our Bernedoodle guide.

Summer (June to August)

• Heat. Walk at dawn or dusk, provide shade and fresh water, and never leave a dog in a parked car. Flat-faced dogs are especially at risk. See Breathing Easy: Understanding BOAS and the Frenchie heat safety guide.
• Hot pavement and ponds. Test pavement with the back of your hand. Be cautious with standing water, as some ponds can grow harmful algae; keep dogs out of water that looks scummy or green.
• Bloat awareness. Large, deep-chested dogs need calm feeding routines year-round. Read Preventing Bloat (GDV) and Joint Care.
• Peak insects. Keep tick, flea and mosquito protection consistent as your vet directs.
• Fireworks. Around the Fourth of July, keep dogs inside, with a safe room and background noise.

Fall (September to November)

• Ticks and fleas stay active into fall in our region, so I do not drop preventives when the first cool day arrives.
• Hunting season. Rural dogs should stay in view and wear visible collars or vests.
• Seasonal hazards. Mushrooms, acorns and rodent poisons are common concerns. If you suspect ingestion, call your vet or an animal poison control service right away.
• Prepare for winter. Check bedding, fencing, and heated spaces. The American Veterinary Medical Association has general pet-owner resources.
• Thanksgiving. Rich leftovers, bones and fatty scraps can cause trouble. Keep the table to people.

All-Year Habits

• Weigh or body-check monthly.
• Brush teeth often and groom regularly.
• Keep vaccination and preventive records in one place.
• Keep microchip and ID information current.
• Choose a vet you trust before you need one. If you are still looking for a puppy, read How to Choose an Ethical Breeder.

Making the Calendar Your Own

Every dog is different. A young, healthy Bernedoodle who spends hours outdoors has different needs than a senior Maltese who prefers the sofa, and a giant-breed puppy is different again. Print a blank twelve-month calendar, mark your dog's wellness exam, preventive refill dates and grooming appointments, and set phone reminders. I keep ours on the kitchen wall beside the farm schedule, and each dog has a small folder with records.

Take the calendar to your veterinarian and ask them to adjust it. Ask which preventives they recommend for our region, how often to test, and what signs mean a same-day visit. A good vet appreciates an engaged owner. If you are bringing home a new puppy, our guide on feeding a Bullmastiff puppy and the Maltese dental care guide are good companions to this one.

Keeping watch, rather than reacting, is the heart of it. Most problems whisper before they shout: a skipped meal, a dull coat, a dog who lingers away from the family. When you know what normal looks like because you checked it every month, you notice quickly, and that is often the most valuable thing a caretaker can do.

Lessons From Thirty Years of Seasons

Early on I treated each season as a separate problem and was often caught off guard. Over time I learned that the best seasonal care is really consistency: the same feeding times, the same grooming days, the same walk of the yard each evening. Consistency helps me notice a tick, a limp or a hot spot while it is still small.

I have also learned humility. Some years a mild winter brought ticks out early; some summers were drier than usual. Missouri weather does not follow a script, so I adjust and lean on my veterinarian's advice rather than my own memory. If a plan in this article ever conflicts with what your vet tells you, follow your vet. They know your dog.

Last, give grace to yourself. Everyone misses a refill or forgets a date at some point. Call your vet, ask what to do, and get back on track. Dogs are forgiving, and what they want most is a person who keeps showing up.

A Note on Vaccines and Parasites

Vaccine schedules, preventive products and testing intervals vary with age, health, lifestyle and local risk. Resources such as the Merck Veterinary Manual and VCA Animal Hospitals explain diseases in general terms, but only your own veterinarian can build a plan for your dog. I follow mine every time.

When to Call Your Vet

Call promptly for heavy panting that does not settle, collapse, a swollen or tight belly with unproductive retching, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, suspected poisoning, or limping that persists. Emergencies do not wait for the calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do indoor dogs still need parasite prevention?

Often yes. Fleas, mosquitoes and ticks can come inside on people and other pets. Ask your vet what fits your dog.

When should I start the calendar with a new puppy?

Right away. Puppies have their own vaccination and deworming schedule, so see a vet within the first few days after coming home.

Is winter safe for my Maltese outside?

Only briefly. Small, fine-coated dogs chill quickly, so short potty trips and a sweater are wise on cold days.

How do I check for ticks?

Run your hands slowly over the whole body after outdoor time, paying attention to ears, neck, armpits, groin and between toes. If you find one, ask your vet for the safest removal method and follow-up.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not veterinary advice; please consult your veterinarian about your dog's individual needs.