With the arrival of spring and pleasant weather, most dogs will be keen to spend more time outdoors. Enjoying nature and exercising more are both great for our pets, but accidents can happen, and there are a few dangers worth keeping in mind. Below we discuss the most significant risks that springtime brings to dogs.

Poisonous plants

There are a few common spring plants that can cause illness in dogs. Most only cause mild tummy upsets, but a few can be highly toxic. 

Daffodils are toxic to dogs. The bulb, plant and flower parts are all dangerous. Drinking water from a vase of daffodils can also cause illness. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning include vomiting and tummy pain. Speak to a vet as soon as possible if your dog has ingested daffodils.

• Rhododendrons can cause severe illness in dogs, even in small amounts. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, drooling, tremors and breathing problems.

• Lilies are not as dangerous for dogs as they are for cats, but they can still cause tummy upsets. All parts of the plant are toxic, including the pollen. Symptoms include vomiting, drooling and a reduced appetite. Avoid having lilies in the house, and try to prevent your dog from being around them when outside.

• Other spring plants that can cause mild reactions include spring crocus, tulips, hyacinths, iris, bluebells, and snowdrops. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and lethargy, but may be much more severe if a large quantity or the bulb has been eaten.

• With many plants, the bulb is the most dangerous part, as it contains the highest concentration of toxic substances. Many dogs like to dig these up and ingest or lick them.

If your pet has been exposed to a harmful plant, contact a vet immediately. Our Joii vets can provide advice, they are available 24 hours a day. You can read more about what plants are harmful to dogs in our poisonous plant article.

Easter foods to avoid

From Easter eggs to delicious Sunday roasts, where are the hazards lurking?

• Raisin poisonings in dogs are unfortunately common. Raisins (and other types of dried grapes) are found in popular treats like hot cross buns, scones and fruit cakes. Sultanas, grapes and currants cause the same problems; they can all lead to severe illness, including kidney disease, even if only a small amount is eaten.

• Chocolate poisoning is also very common around Easter. Depending on how much is eaten, symptoms can be very serious. Dark chocolate is much more dangerous than milk chocolate.

• Watch out for fatty foods, such as roast lamb, butter, and fat trimmings: these might lead to an upset tummy or, even worse, pancreatitis. This is especially true for dogs that have had bouts of this condition in the past, or that have chronic digestive issues. 

• Foods containing members of the Allium family (garlic/leek/onion) are poisonous to pets; they can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia. This may happen from a single ingestion of a very large amount, or from eating small amounts repeatedly over time.

• The artificial sweetener xylitol is very poisonous to dogs. It causes life-threatening low blood sugar. Xylitol (or birch sugar) is commonly be found in sugar-free items, like sweets, cakes, chewing gum and others.

Speak to a vet immediately if your pet has been in contact with any of these dangerous foods. Getting treatment quickly is essential for a positive outcome.

Spring cleaning hazards

Embarking on the annual tradition of a spring clean-out? Be cautious!

• Ingestion of cleaning products is not very common, as they tend to have a bad taste. But be aware that products like bleach, oven cleaners, and laundry detergents can all cause illness in dogs. Side effects from these products include damage to the tummy and severe irritation to the eyes, mouth and skin. Speak to a vet as soon as possible if your dog ingests any cleaning products.

• Be careful when clearing out toys, make-up, electronics, and any other objects in the house. Dogs may try to eat something, even if it’s not normally edible! We call these foreign bodies, and they are usually things that are not toxic but still dangerous, as they may lead to a blockage in the tummy. Call a vet straight away if your dog ingests any abnormal objects, so risks and next steps can be discussed.

Spring skin issues

• Dogs are prone to allergies in the spring. Pollen allergies are common, though not as common as flea or food allergies. Symptoms of allergies in pets include itching, ear infections, sneezing, and red skin.

• Fleas and worms are common at all times of the year, but they tend to be most active in the spring and summer. Ticks are commonly seen when the weather starts to get warmer too. Ticks can carry disease so it’s recommended to remove them as quickly as possible.

• Pets can be bitten or stung by ants, bees, mosquitoes, and even spiders. Insect bites and stings are more common as the weather starts to get warmer. Most times, these bites resolve on their own in a few days but watch out for excessive swelling, pain or discharge.

Speak with one of our online vets now if your pet is itching, scratching, or if you have any concerns about their skin health.

Garden and outdoors

When the weather is nice, dogs love spending time in the garden, chilling or exploring. Unfortunately, sometimes they will get themselves in trouble, and it’s worth knowing what to keep an eye on. 

• Garden products like fertilisers, weed or moss killers, and lawn feeds vary in toxicity level. Dogs may be at risk from eating sprayed plants, grass or drinking from containers. Symptoms can range from a mild tummy upset to more severe complications, such as heart and kidney problems, depending on the ingredients of the product and amount ingested. It's best to speak to a vet as soon as possible if your dog comes into contact with these products.

• Spring weather can be quite wet, leading to large populations of slugs and snails. Slugs and snails can carry lungworm, which spreads to dogs if they lick slime trails, drink from puddles or eat grass. Signs of lungworm in dogs include coughing, lethargy, and bruising easily. Lungworm needs urgent treatment with your vet.

• Slug bait pellets can contain metaldehyde, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Slug bait is unfortunately quite tasty to dogs. Ingestion can cause serious symptoms like twitching and seizures. Speak to a vet immediately if you think your dog has ingested slug bait, an immediate emergency trip to the vet is required.

• Many rodenticides (rat/mouse bait) are also toxic to dogs. Ingestion of these can lead to problems with blood clotting, and symptoms include pale gums and rapid or difficulty breathing. Eating rodents that had ingested rodenticide can also be dangerous, especially for small dogs, but intoxication in this way is rare with modern products.

• Adder bites are most common in the spring, as this is when the snake emerges from hibernation. Bites tend to occur around the face and paws, and signs include swelling, bruising, pain and vomiting. If your pet is bitten by a snake, take them to the vet immediately.

How to keep your dog safe this spring

If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, contact a vet straight away to discuss the next steps. Our online vets are available 24 hours a day for advice.

• Don’t leave your dog unsupervised when cleaning or cooking objects are lying around.

• Keep anything dangerous or poisonous to pets locked away (indoors and outdoors!) and make sure the rubbish bin is secure.

• When selecting garden products, choose a pet-safe one. The same goes for indoor plants or bouquets.

• Use regular parasite control (especially for fleas and worms) and check your pet for ticks when they come back from being outdoors.

• Keep your pet’s skin healthy and nourished with a balanced diet (and supplements when needed!)

• Keep your pet happy and engaged with plenty of mental and physical stimulation—lick mats are a fun and effective way to do this!

• Monitor your pet at all times on walks and in the garden; don’t allow them to roam unsupervised, especially if they tend to scavenge.

• The Pet Poison Helpline is a useful resource to have on hand for emergencies.

Embrace the beauty of spring with your four-legged-friend and make sure you can fully en-Joii it together.

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