Caring for your dog in spring: seasonal risks and safety tips

Spring brings warmer weather and some seasonal risks for dogs. Longer days are a great time to get out with your dog, but it's worth knowing what to watch out for.

Cold water

On a warm spring day, a swim in a river, lake or the sea can look tempting. But the water stays very cold for months after the air warms up, especially below the surface.

Jumping suddenly into cold water can shock your dog's body. They may struggle to swim or to get back out, which puts them at risk of drowning. Keep your dog out of cold or fast-flowing water, and choose places where they can get in and out easily.

Thorns, twigs and paws

As plants grow, sharp twigs and thorns stick out into paths. These can cut your dog's skin or the pads of their paws.

After each walk, check your dog's paws and coat for cuts, punctures or anything stuck in them. Contact your vet if a wound is deep, bleeding heavily, or your dog is limping.

Fleas and ticks

Fleas can live all year round in warm homes, but numbers rise outdoors in spring. Ask your vet about a suitable flea and tick prevention plan.

Ticks become more active as the weather warms. They can cause skin irritation where they bite, and ticks can pass on infections such as Lyme disease to both dogs and people.

• Check your dog over for ticks after walks, especially around the head, ears, legs and tummy.
• If you find a tick, remove it promptly with a proper tick remover. Ask your vet or vet nurse to show you how if you're not sure.
• Contact your vet if your dog seems unwell after a tick bite.

Spring hazards

• Daffodil and tulip bulbs. Bulbs are the most poisonous part, and dogs may dig them up or chew them. Keep bulbs out of reach, and don't let your dog drink water from a vase of daffodils.
• Chocolate and raisins at Easter. Chocolate eggs and hot cross buns are common at Easter. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, and so are raisins, currants and sultanas. Keep Easter treats well out of reach.
• Adders on heathland. Adders are more active in spring and can be found on heathland, moors and woodland edges. Keep your dog close on paths in these areas. See a vet urgently if your dog is bitten.

If you think your dog has eaten something poisonous, contact your vet straight away. Don't wait for signs to appear, and don't make your dog sick unless your vet tells you to.

Spring cleaning

A spring clean often means using more household chemicals. Keep your dog away from cleaning products while you use them and until surfaces are dry, and store products where your dog can't reach them. If your dog has allergies, ask your vet whether particular products are best avoided.