Spring hazards for dogs: what every owner needs to watch for

Spring is brilliant. The days stretch out, the garden starts looking less like a mud pit, and your dog suddenly remembers that outdoor zoomies are a thing. But along with the daffodils and birdsong comes a surprisingly long list of seasonal hazards. Poppy once decided that a clump of bluebells was the most fascinating thing she had ever encountered, and we spent a panicked ten minutes googling whether they were toxic (they are, mildly, but she only sniffed them). It was a wake-up call that can catch dog owners off guard.

We’re not trying to scare you into keeping your dog wrapped in bubble wrap until July. Most of these risks are easy to manage once you know about them. The problem is that many owners don’t find out until something goes wrong. So here’s what to watch for as the weather warms up, and how to keep your dog safe without sucking all the joy out of spring walks.

Toxic spring flowers and plants

Daffodils are the poster flower of British spring, but they’re genuinely toxic to dogs. Every part of the plant is dangerous, with the bulb being the worst offender. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, and in serious cases, heart problems and breathing difficulties. The Kennel Club lists daffodils among their top toxic plants for dogs.

Tulips, bluebells, and crocuses are also on the naughty list. If your dog is the type to dig up bulbs or chew on anything green (and let’s be honest, most of them are), keep a close eye during garden time. If you suspect your dog has eaten any part of a toxic plant, contact your vet immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.

Lily of the valley deserves a special mention because it’s extremely toxic and commonly found in British gardens. Even small amounts can cause serious heart problems. If you’ve got it growing in your garden and you’ve got a curious dog, it’s worth considering whether to remove it entirely.

Slug and snail pellets

As gardeners gear up for the growing season, slug pellets start appearing everywhere. Many contain metaldehyde, which is highly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause tremors, seizures, and can be fatal. The blue or green pellets are unfortunately quite appealing to dogs, who seem to view them as some sort of forbidden treat.

If you use slug control in your own garden, switch to pet-safe alternatives based on ferric phosphate. They’re just as effective and won’t poison your dog. On walks, be aware that allotments, parks, and neighbouring gardens may still use the dangerous stuff. If your dog has a habit of hoovering up anything they find on the ground, keep them on a lead near cultivated areas.

Adder bites

The UK’s only venomous snake, the adder, comes out of hibernation in spring and is most active between March and October. They’re found across much of Britain, particularly on heaths, moorlands, woodland edges, and coastal paths. Dogs are most commonly bitten on the face or legs when they investigate with their nose or step on a basking snake.

Symptoms include rapid swelling around the bite, pain, lethargy, and sometimes collapse. If you think your dog has been bitten by an adder, keep them as calm and still as possible and get to a vet urgently. Don’t try to suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet. Most dogs recover fully with prompt veterinary treatment, but delays can make things significantly worse.

Seasonal allergies and pollen

Dogs get hayfever too, though it tends to show up differently than in humans. Rather than sneezing and watery eyes, dogs with pollen allergies typically get itchy skin, particularly around the paws, belly, ears, and face. You might notice excessive scratching, licking their paws after walks, or red and irritated skin.

Small breeds like the Lhasa Apso can be particularly prone to skin allergies, and their long coats can trap pollen close to the skin. Wiping your dog’s paws and belly with a damp cloth after walks can help reduce the irritation. If symptoms are persistent or severe, your vet can recommend antihistamines or other treatments.

Ticks

Ticks become active in spring and peak through summer. These blood-sucking parasites lurk in long grass, woodland, and areas with deer or livestock. They latch onto your dog during walks and can transmit Lyme disease, which causes joint pain, lethargy, fever, and kidney problems.

Check your dog for ticks after every walk, paying special attention to the ears, neck, groin, and between the toes. If you find one, remove it with a tick removal tool by twisting it out rather than pulling, which can leave the mouthparts embedded. Your vet can advise on preventative treatments like spot-on solutions or tick collars that reduce the risk significantly.

Fertilisers and weed killers

Spring is when lawns and gardens get their first dose of fertiliser, weed killer, and moss treatment. Many of these products are toxic to dogs, particularly those containing iron, organophosphates, or herbicides like glyphosate. Even if the packaging says “pet safe,” it’s usually only safe once it’s completely dry or has been watered in.

Keep your dog off recently treated lawns, including in public parks where you might not know what’s been applied. If your dog walks across a treated area, wash their paws when you get home. If they eat grass that’s been sprayed, watch for vomiting or diarrhoea and contact your vet if symptoms develop.

Alabama rot

Alabama rot (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy, or CRGV) is a rare but serious disease that tends to spike in cases during the wetter months of late winter and spring. It causes skin lesions, usually on the legs, paws, or face, and can progress to kidney failure. The exact cause is still unknown, which makes it particularly unsettling.

Cases have been reported across the UK, with clusters in certain woodland areas. While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent it, washing your dog’s legs and belly after muddy walks may reduce the risk. If you notice unexplained sores or lesions on your dog, particularly on the lower legs, see your vet promptly. Early treatment gives the best chance of recovery.

Chocolate and Easter eggs

Easter falls in spring, and with it comes a tsunami of chocolate. Dogs and chocolate are a notoriously bad combination. Theobromine, found in chocolate, is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, seizures, and in severe cases, death. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous, but even milk chocolate in sufficient quantities can cause serious problems.

If you’re doing an Easter egg hunt in the garden, keep a count of how many eggs you’ve hidden and make sure they’re all found. A forgotten chocolate egg in the flower bed is a ticking time bomb for any dog with a nose, which is all of them. The RSPCA reports a spike in chocolate poisoning cases every Easter, so it’s a real and recurring problem.

Keeping spring safe and enjoyable

None of this means you need to dread spring. Most hazards are avoidable with basic awareness and a few simple precautions. Check your garden for toxic plants, keep your dog away from treated lawns, stay tick-aware on walks, and keep chocolate out of reach. Your dog will still get to enjoy all the good bits of spring: the smells, the longer walks, the warmth, and the irresistible urge to roll in whatever the fox left behind.

Has your dog had a run-in with any spring hazards? Share your experiences in the comments so other owners can learn from them!