5 Ways To Keep Your Pup Safe This Spring

There’s no need to worry, if you know what to look out for

28 March 2024

As winter gives way to the warmth of spring, pet parents eagerly anticipate the joys of longer days and blooming landscapes. But along with these seasonal perks, spring brings its own set of hazards for our canine friends. From toxic plants to pesky pests, being aware of the potential dangers is crucial for enjoying the season without worry. To ensure your pup stays safe and healthy this spring, here are five essential tips every pet parent should consider.

Daffodils and other spring flowers toxic to dogs

One of the most uplifting aspects of spring (apart from longer evenings) is the flowering of an array of vibrant blooms. However, not all flowers are safe for our canine companions. In fact, some of the most common spring flowers can be toxic to dogs if ingested.

Among the major offenders are the popular spring flower, daffodils, as well as tulips, lilies and azaleas, all of which are highly poisonous to dogs according to the Blue Cross.

Daffodils contain toxic alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and even seizures in dogs. Tulips and lilies, particularly popular during Easter celebrations, can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in severe cases, kidney failure, and azaleas contain toxins that can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and drooling.

While the bulbs pose the greatest risk as this is where the toxin concentration is highest, pup parents are strongly advised against allowing the consumption of any part of the flower, even drinking the water from a vase that contained them, Dr Bartley Harrison told The Wildest. If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.

To keep your pup safe, be mindful of the flowers you plant in your garden, bring into your home and watch out for any growing out in the wild on walks. Opt for pet-friendly alternatives such as roses, marigolds and snapdragons instead.

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Allergies

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies. Spring brings with it pollen from trees, grass and flowers, triggering allergic reactions in sensitive pups. Common symptoms of allergies in dogs include itching, scratching, sneezing, watery eyes and skin irritation.

To alleviate your dog’s discomfort, keep them away from areas with high pollen counts, such as freshly mowed grass or fields of blooming flowers. Regularly grooming and bathing your pup with a hypoallergenic shampoo to remove pollen from their fur, and wiping down your dog’s paws after outdoor excursions can help reduce their exposure to allergens.

Always consult your vet for allergy management options if you are struggling to keep symptoms at bay, where they may be able to help with antihistamines or other medication.

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Daylight Saving Time

The arrival of spring also means the clocks go forward, marking the start of Daylight Saving Time. While longer days mean more time for outdoor adventures with your pup, the sudden change in schedule can also disrupt your dog’s internal clock, which can lead to confusion and stress.

To help your dog adjust to the time change, don’t immediately get them up an hour earlier, or suddenly change their mealtimes. Behaviourist Karen B London suggests gradually shifting their feeding and walking schedule by 10–15 minutes each day leading up to Daylight Saving Time.

Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation during the transition period to prevent boredom and anxiety. And don’t forget to update your dog’s ID tags and microchip information with your current contact details in case they wander off during those late evening walks.

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Fleas and ticks

Warmer temperatures bring out not only flowers but also unwelcome pests such as fleas and ticks. These tiny parasites thrive in spring and can pose serious health risks to your dog, including transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease.

Common clinical signs associated with Lyme disease infection include mild fever, lethargy and discomfort. “If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause heart complications, joint disease and permanent nervous system damage in dogs,” says Dr Kristopher S Sharpe. If you suspect your pup has been bitten by a tick or could have Lyme disease, contact your vet immediately.

Preventative measures are key to keeping your pup protected. Invest in a quality flea and tick prevention product recommended by your veterinarian, and keep your pup’s areas such as bedding and blankets clean.

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Regularly check your dog for any signs of infestation, such as excessive scratching or visible parasites, especially after outdoor excursions. You could also consider landscaping your garden to minimise ticks at home, and avoid walking your dog in areas with tall grasses or dense vegetation where ticks thrive.

Outdoor hazards

As the weather warms up, dogs are eager to spend more time outdoors exploring and playing. However, the great outdoors can harbour various hazards, from poisonous plants to bacterial infections.

If you have one, give your garden a thorough inspection for anything that may have cropped up over the winter, such as toxic plants, debris or openings in fences. Be sure to keep hazardous chemicals such as fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides securely locked away from your pup’s reach, but also be mindful that these substances might be used in public areas such as parks, too.

When venturing to parks or outdoor trails, be aware of what the use of these chemicals might look like (you see someone using them, smell it, see a notice, perhaps) and keep your dog on a lead if you notice anything.

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With warmer temperatures, your pup might be veering towards any leftover puddles from winter, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria that just love pup tummies, such as Giardia, Leptospirosis and Pseudomonas. “Leptospira bacteria can survive and thrive for up to 180 days given the right conditions; namely, warm, damp environments and stagnant water,” says Dr Shea Cox, so that in between period of spring is the perfect breeding ground. Steer them away from drinking any puddle water, and always supervise your pup when they’re in deeper water, beware of the deadly (but uncommon) symptoms of water intoxication in dogs.

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Orla Pentelow

Orla Pentelow is a freelance journalist and copywriter based in London. When not at her desk she’s out and about with her rescue dog, Luna, who works primarily as chief distractor.

5 Ways To Keep Your Pup Safe This Spring

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