With the arrival of spring, the days get longer, temperatures rise and walks become more pleasant. However, this season also brings several spring hazards for pets that often go unnoticed: allergies, parasites, insect bites, toxic plants and even heatstroke. If your dog or cat enjoys spending time outdoors, it is essential to understand how to prevent these issues before they appear.
Stay tuned until the end, because you will discover the most common mistakes pet owners make in spring — and how to avoid them to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
Spring hazards for pets
Below, we explain the most important ones:
1. Spring allergies: an invisible enemy
Just like humans, dogs and cats can develop seasonal allergies due to pollen, dust, or even certain cleaning products.
Most common symptoms:
- Frequent sneezing
- Itchy skin or ears
- Watery or red eyes
- Excessive licking of paws or abdomen
Tip: Keep windows closed during peak pollen hours and wipe your pet’s coat with a damp cloth after walks. If symptoms persist, your vet may recommend antihistamine treatment or dietary changes.
2. Ticks, fleas and other parasites
Heat and humidity favour the appearance of ticks, fleas and mosquitoes, some of which transmit serious diseases such as leishmaniasis or ehrlichiosis.
How to prevent them:
- Use anti-parasite treatments throughout the year (pipettes, collars or tablets).
- Check your pet’s coat after every walk in areas with tall grass.
- Vacuum and wash your pet’s blankets or beds regularly.
Important: Don’t forget that indoor cats can also become infected if parasites enter the house on clothing or footwear.
3. Toxic plants and flowers
Spring fills parks and gardens with colour, but many common plants can be dangerous to pets.
| Plant | Toxic effect | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Lily | High toxicity in cats | Vomiting, lethargy, kidney failure |
| Oleander | Dangerous for dogs and cats | Diarrhoea, arrhythmias, weakness |
| Narcissus | Ingestion of the bulb | Vomiting, convulsions |
| Tulip | Oral irritation | Drooling, general discomfort |
Consejo: evita que tu mascota mastique plantas desconocidas durante los paseos o el tiempo al aire libre.
4. Insect and reptile bites
Bees, wasps and processionary caterpillars are some of the most common dangers in spring. The pine processionary caterpillar, in particular, can cause severe reactions in dogs that touch or lick it.
What to do:
- Avoid pine tree areas during the months of March to May.
- If your dog shows facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or excessive drooling, take them to the emergency vet immediately.
5. Early heatstroke
Although we associate extreme heat with summer, April and May can already see dangerous temperatures, especially at midday.
Symptoms of heatstroke:
- Intense panting
- Very red tongue or gums
- Weakness or tremors
- Loss of consciousness
How to prevent it:
- Avoid walking during the hottest hours of the day.
- Ensures constant access to fresh water.
- Never leave your pet in the car, even for a short time.
6. Hair change and coat care
In spring, cats and dogs shed their winter coats. This process can lead to hairballs, allergies and more hair around the house.
Recomendaciones:
- Brush your pet frequently to remove dead hair.
- Feed them a diet rich in essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and 6) to maintain healthy hair.
- At Summit 10, our recipes help improve coat health from within.
Extra care during spring
In addition to preventing the most common hazards, there are habits that make a difference:
- Seasonal veterinary check-up: ideal for checking for parasites, skin conditions and weight.
- Adequate hydration: increase the amount of water available, especially if your pet spends more time outdoors.
- Controlled exercise: more activity means more heat; avoid overexertion.
- Hygiene: keep utensils, drinking troughs and beds clean to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Summary table: hazards and prevention
| Danger | Recommended prevention |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Frequent brushing and cleaning of the environment |
| Parasites | Antiparasitics and coat check-up |
| Toxic plants | Avoid unfamiliar gardens |
| Bites | Stay away from areas with processionary caterpillars or beehives |
| Heatstroke | Early morning or evening walks, cool water |
| Moulting | Brushing and a balanced diet |
FAQs about spring hazards for pets
1. Should I only apply pesticides in spring?
No. Although incidence increases in spring, parasites can appear throughout the year. Continuous prevention is the best protection.
2. What should I do if my dog scratches a lot at this time of year?
It could be an allergy or parasites. Check their skin and consult your vet if the itching persists or there are wounds.
3. Do cats also suffer from spring allergies?
Yes. Cats may experience sneezing, itching, or watery eyes due to exposure to pollen. A clean environment and a balanced diet help reduce symptoms.
Conclusion
Spring is a wonderful season to enjoy with your pet, but it is also one of the most demanding in terms of care. Allergies, parasites, toxic plants and heat can put their well-being at risk if precautions are not taken.
At Summit 10, we believe that prevention starts with a balanced, high-quality diet that strengthens the immune system and keeps skin and coat in optimal condition. With a few simple habits and a proper diet, your furry friend can enjoy spring with energy, health, and safety.
Because protecting him is also a way of loving him.
