Spring brings longer days and warmer weather, but it also introduces seasonal hazards that can harm your pets. Here's what to watch out for this season.

Flowers

Some popular spring plants can be toxic to your furry friends. Here are a few to keep out of reach:

• Daffodils – All parts of a daffodil are toxic to pets, but bulbs are the most poisonous part!
• Tulips – Especially the bulbs, which are harmful if ingested.
• Azaleas & Rhododendrons – These contain a highly toxic substance called grayanotoxin, which can cause nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing and coma.
• Tulips, amaryllis & hyacinth - While not as toxic as daffodils, the bulbs of these flowers are dangerous if eaten in large quantities.
• Lilies - All parts of a lily are toxic to cats and can cause convulsions, which can be fatal when eaten.

The toxicity of plants and flowers varies, as does the severity of symptoms based on the type and the amount ingested. When in doubt, keep plants out of paw’s reach.  If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, contact us right away!

Spring cleaning

With spring comes spring cleaning - but some household products can be dangerous for our pets. Here are a few tips to keep them safe:

• Choose pet-safe cleaners and always check the ingredients.
• Follow the instructions - Dilute products like bleach as directed and wipe surfaces with clean water afterwards to remove residue.
• Keep pets out of the room while cleaning and until surfaces are completely dry.
• Watch out for fumes and open windows - Cleaning products, paints, and solvents can be toxic if ingested, and open windows can pose a fall risk - especially for curious cats.

If you think your pet has been exposed to or ingested a cleaning product, contact us as soon as possible for advice.

Gardening

Spring cleaning isn’t just for indoors - gardens need care too! But beware - fertilisers, mulches, and pesticides can pose risks to pets. Common dangers include:

Cocoa mulch is toxic to dogs due to its theobromine content.

Fertilisers may cause gastrointestinal upset or worse.

Pesticides can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.

To make sure your garden is pet-friendly, choose non-toxic plants like sunflowers, petunias, and marigolds. Create shaded areas for pets to rest. Avoid sharp-edged tools or garden décor. Provide fresh water outdoors to keep pets hydrated, store garden products in pet-proof containers, and keep your pets indoors while applying treatments.

Fleas & Ticks

Don’t let fleas, ticks, and worms ruin your pet’s spring adventures!

While new life is all around us during Spring, sadly, this bloom also extends to some of our more unwelcome species. Fleas, ticks and worms all start to grow in number around Spring as the weather warms up. This increases the chances of your pet coming into contact with them.

Nosey dogs can eat snails and slugs, which can carry lungworm - a potentially fatal disease, so it’s important to keep up to date with your dog's parasite treatment.  

Parasites become more active as the weather warms up. Protect your pet by:

• Using vet-approved parasite prevention products.
• Checking your pet for ticks after walks.
• Regularly deworming.

Call us to order your pet’s parasite prevention!

Wildlife & Stings

As the weather warms up, dogs are more likely to encounter seasonal hazards while out exploring.

Adders

Adders are the UK’s only venomous snake and are most active in spring after hibernation (April–July). Bites are rare but serious and can cause swelling, pain, and illness. If your dog is bitten, contact us immediately.

Bees & Wasps

Stings are common in curious dogs. Most cause mild pain and swelling, but stings to the mouth or neck, multiple stings, or allergic reactions can be life-threatening. Call us immediately if you notice facial swelling, breathing difficulties, collapse, or severe lethargy.

Top tips

• Keep dogs away from long grass and wildlife

• Supervise dogs around bees and wasps

• Act quickly if a bite or sting occurs

If you’re ever unsure, contact us for advice or urgent care.

Easter

Easter treats and decorations can pose serious risks to pets. Please keep an eye out for these common hazards:

Chocolate – Toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts

Hot cross buns – Raisins, currants, sultanas and nutmeg can cause serious illness and kidney failure

Signs of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, abdominal pain, or changes in drinking and urination.

If your pet eats something they shouldn’t, contact us immediately - early treatment is vital.