Spring has sprung! Flowers are blooming, days are warming, and your pets are probably itching to get outside. Pun intended. But while spring brings some sunshine back into our lives, it can also come with dangers for your furry family. Allergies, ticks, toxic plants… Spring can be ruff on our pets. So, we’ve put together a spring pet safety guide with hazards and health issues to look out for so that you can enjoy the warmer days, worry-free.   

With SA’s #1 pet insurance, every season can be worry-free when your pet is protected with wholehearted cover. Just saying. 

 

Toxic Plants and Environmental Dangers 

Spring Blooms That Can Harm Your Pets 

Many common spring flowers such as lilies, tulips, azaleas, and daffodils are toxic to cats and dogs. Cats in spring are especially curious and might nibble on plants, leading to upset stomachs or worse.  

RELATED: COMMON HOUSEPLANTS THAT ARE TOXIC TO DOGS AND CATS 

 

Spring Cleaning Chemicals 

Time for a good spring clean? Just remember, harsh cleaning products such as bleach, ammonia, and phenols can cause burns or poisoning if pets walk across wet floors and lick their paws. Choose pet-safe cleaning solutions and always store chemicals out of reach. 

 

Standing Water & Shared Bowls: Hidden Health Risks 

Spring rains leave puddles, which can carry parasites such as Giardia or bacteria such as Leptospirosis. Avoid letting your dogs or cats drink from standing water, and wash their bowls often.

 

Outdoor Hazards and Hidden Threats 

Foxtails and Dog's Ears 

These grass seeds can burrow into paws, noses, or ears, causing pain and infections. Always check your dog after a walk; foxtails can cause ear infections and inflammation if not removed ASAP. 

Snake Season: Signs of an Adder Bite in Pets 

Snakes start slithering out of hiding as the weather warms, basking in the sun like office employees escaping the air-conditioning. In South Africa, puff adders are a huge spring risk. If your pet is bitten, you may notice sudden swelling, limping, or extreme lethargy. Please don’t wait. A vet visit is urgent in this situation. 

 

Parasites, Stings, and Prevention 

Pet Skin Allergies in Spring 

More pollen in the air means itchy skin is on the rise. Dogs and cats may lick, scratch, or bite themselves raw. If your pet struggles with spring allergies, ask your vet about treatments or even consider hypoallergenic diets such as Hill’s Pet Nutrition. 

RELATED:  VET ADVICE: TOP TIPS TO BEAT THE SNIFFS; THE HYPOALLERGENIC DOG FOOD REACTION 

 

Parasite Season: Fleas, Ticks, Heartworm & More 

Regular flea and tick preventatives are a must in spring and all year round. Heartworm prevention is also crucial, especially if you’re travelling to areas with many mosquitoes. 

RELATED:  HOW TO REMOVE A TICK FROM A DOG: EXPERT STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ; A GUIDE FOR TRAVELLING WITH YOUR PET 

 

Bee and Wasp Stings: Symptoms and What to Do 

If your pet is stung, mild swelling is common, but it's an emergency if they struggle to breathe. Ice the sting, keep calm, and head to your vet if symptoms worsen.

 

Emergency Response for Your Pets 

If your pet ingests something toxic, here’s what you do: 

  • Remain calm 
  • Identify what they have eaten 
  • Phone your vet immediately 
  • Ensure you take the label, plant or chemical with you to the vet 
  • Don’t wait. Time is everything. 

 

Spring Pet Safety Starts with You 

Spring pets are happy pets if we keep them safe! And with dotsure.co.za pet insurance, you can rest easy knowing that unexpected vet bills from allergies, stings, or illnesses are covered. 

Do you need a quick quote in minutes? Fetch a quote online or contact us for more information about protecting your pet with wholehearted cover.