Common Spring Pet Hazards

March 2025

With rising temperatures and spring just around the corner, you and your pet probably can’t wait to enjoy time outdoors. However, the season brings potential hazards that can pose serious risks to your pet. Before you head out to enjoy the nicer weather, brush up on these pet safety threats and the preventive measures you should take to ensure a safe and healthy transition into the warmer months.

Spring pet hazard #1: Overexertion after a sedentary winter

Similar to people, many pets are less active in the winter. If your four-legged friend spent most of the colder months lounging on the couch, they need time to rebuild their strength and stamina to avoid overexertion and injuries such as sprains or ligament tears. Here’s how to safely ease your pet back into an active routine:

• Start slow — Begin with short, frequent walks. A 10- to 15-minute walk a few times per day is a good starting point.

• Gradually increase activity — Gradually increase the length and intensity of your pet’s exercise sessions over several weeks to build their stamina and let their muscles and joints adapt.

• Monitor for fatigue — Watch your four-legged friend for excessive panting, lagging behind, limping, and reluctance to continue, which may indicate they are overexerted.

• Provide hydration — Always ensure your pet has access to fresh water before, during, and after exercise.

Spring pet hazard #2: Parasites

While parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, can be problematic year-round, their activity level increases as temperatures rise. This puts your pet at risk for issues such as flea-allergy dermatitis, Lyme disease, and heartworms. Protect your pet from these distasteful characters by:

• Providing year-round veterinary-approved parasite prevention

• Checking your pet for ticks after outings

• Removing attached ticks as soon as possible to prevent disease transmission

• Keeping your yard as parasite-free as possible by mowing the lawn frequently, trimming overgrown bushes, and removing standing water

• Avoiding tall grass and sticking to well-maintained paths when hiking

• Washing your pet’s bedding and soft toys frequently

Spring pet hazard #3: Increased outdoor activity

You and your pet aren’t the only ones who want to take advantage of the nicer weather. As temperatures rise, the city comes alive with increased traffic, cyclists, and off-leash dogs, which can potentially lead to accidents or stressful encounters for your four-legged friend. Tips to protect your pet from these dangers include:

• Leash your pet — When out and about, always keep your pet on a secure leash. Use a well-fitted harness or collar, and avoid retractable leashes in busy environments because they can extend too far and put your pet in danger.

• Train and reinforce commands — Teach essential commands, such as “sit,” “stay,” and “heel” to ensure your pet listens in distracting situations.

• Walk safely — Avoid high-traffic areas when possible, sticking to sidewalks and designated pet-friendly paths. In addition, cross streets only at designated crosswalks and always check for oncoming traffic before stepping off the curb.

• Use reflective gear — If walking your pet in the early morning or after sunset, use a reflective leash, collar, or LED clip-on light to improve visibility.

Spring pet hazard #4: Standing water and leptospirosis

Stagnant water in puddles and bowls left by well-meaning shop owners can harbor dangerous bacteria, such as Leptospira. Leptospirosis is a potentially serious disease that can affect pets and can also spread to humans. Ways to protect your four-legged friend include:

• Steering your pet away from puddles, standing water, and public water bowls when on walks

• Packing a portable water bowl and bottled water so your pet doesn’t have to drink from an unknown water source

• Having your dog vaccinated for leptospirosis

Spring pet hazard #5: Toxic plants

Flowers bloom and gardens come to life in the spring, but many common plants are toxic to pets. Whether in parks, yards, or your home, certain plants pose a risk if chewed on or even licked. Examples of toxic plants include tulips, daffodils, lilies (especially for cats), azaleas, autumn crocuses, and foxglove. Tips to protect your pet from toxic plants include:

• Educate yourself — Familiarize yourself with common toxic plants and how to recognize them.

• Supervise outdoor time — Keep your pet leashed in urban green spaces and prevent them from digging in unfamiliar areas where bulbs may be planted.

• Use caution when choosing decor — Avoid planting toxic plants in your yard and don’t bring them into your home.

• Seek help — If you know or suspect your pet was exposed to a toxic plant, seek immediate veterinary care.

Spring is an exciting time, but you must take precautions to ensure the season is safe for your four-legged friend. If your pet encounters a springtime hazard and needs emergency care, contact Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital of West Toronto. We are open 24 hours a day to ensure your pet receives the care they need, whenever they need it.