Spring is finally here—longer walks, brighter evenings, and the joy of seeing your dog bouncing through fresh grass and blooming flowers. But do you know the hidden dangers of springtime for dogs?
Here are some simple ways you can help keep your dog safe, healthy, and tail-waggingly happy in the months ahead.
1. Toxic Plants and Flowers to Watch Out For This Spring
Tulips, daffodils, azaleas, lilies… they may be beautiful, but they can be dangerous for dogs. In fact, many common spring blooms are toxic and can cause anything from upset stomachs to, in severe cases, organ failure.
Quick rundown of some to watch out for:
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Tulips: Especially the bulbs—contain toxic lactones.
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Daffodils: Again, the bulbs are the worst culprits.
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Azaleas: Even a few leaves can cause serious symptoms.
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Lilies: Less severe for dogs than cats, but still risky.
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Other toxic plants: Snowdrops, bluebells, foxglove, hyacinths, and oleander.
Symptoms of poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy—and in more serious cases, seizures or even coma.
If you suspect your dog’s eaten something they shouldn’t—contact your vet straight away.
Dog-safe alternatives? Try roses or sunflowers—they’re beautiful and non-toxic!
2. Spring Allergies and Insect Bites in Dogs
Yep, just like us, dogs can get hay fever too! Pollen, grass, and mould can trigger sniffles, itchy skin, and watery eyes.
And with warmer weather comes the return of fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. These little critters can carry some nasty stuff like Lyme disease and heartworm—so stay on top of your dog’s preventative treatments.
3. Chemical Hazards & Spring Cleaning Safety for Dogs
Spring cleaning? Gardening prep? We get it! Just keep in mind that fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, and cleaning products can all be harmful to dogs.
Dogs might step on freshly treated grass, lick their paws, or get curious about brightly coloured bottles. To stay safe:
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Store chemicals out of reach.
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Keep dogs off treated lawns.
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Avoid walking them in newly sprayed areas.
4. Lungworm Risks During Spring
With all the spring rain, slugs and snails come out to play—and unfortunately, they can carry lungworm, a potentially fatal parasite for dogs.
Dogs may accidentally ingest or lick slugs/snails while sniffing around. Watch out for:
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Coughing or breathing difficulties
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Fatigue
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Slow healing from cuts
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Odd changes in behaviour
If in doubt, always contact your vet.
5. Watch Out for Slug Bait in the Garden
Slug pellets can look oddly tempting to dogs—some even smell sweet. But many contain metaldehyde, which is extremely toxic.
Symptoms include twitching, tremors, and seizures. If your dog may have eaten any, act fast and bring the packaging with you to the vet—it can help guide treatment.
6. Easter Food Hazards for Dogs
Easter = chocolate. But remember, chocolate is toxic to dogs, no matter the type. It contains theobromine, which can affect the heart and nervous system.
Also steer clear of:
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Hot cross buns (contain raisins/sultanas)
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Simnel cake
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Anything with grapes, currants, or raisins
Tip: Store your treats out of reach (and sight!). If you’re doing an Easter egg hunt with the kids, make sure your pup is supervised—and teach little ones not to share.
Final Thoughts on Spring Safety Tips for Dogs
Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy life with your dog—more sunshine, longer adventures, and lots of wagging tails. With just a little awareness and a few precautions, you can make this season as safe as it is joyful.
💛 And remember, every time you take steps to care for your own dog, you’re part of a bigger mission. At DoggyWarriors, we’re working every day to raise funds for rescue dogs still waiting for their forever homes. If you’d like to support that mission (and maybe win a prize or two!), check out DoggyLottery—where 60% of each ticket goes straight to dog charities in need.
Here’s to a happy, healthy spring—for you and your best friend. 🐾
