Spring hazards for pets
Today I want to talk about spring hazards for pets – and I’m not referring to your humans getting confused on the time change and forgetting your breakfast. The lovely people at Petplan have sent us some very interesting information on the sorts of claims we dogs and cats make in springtime. I’m going to let them tell you in their own words.
Petplan Predicts the Top 5 Spring Hazards For Our Pets
As the days grow longer and the blossoms begin to bloom, Petplan, the UK’s No.1 pet insurer, have revealed their top five Spring hazards all pet owners should be aware of. With insights and expert advice, Petplan are arming pet owners with the resources and knowledge they need to keep their furry friends safe and healthy.
Recent data from Petplan revealed the Top 3 Health Concerns for Cats and Dogs at the start of 2025, but what about seasonal hazards?
- Allergies
In the UK, tree pollen season is generally late March to mid-May; with grass pollen season peaking from mid-May to July; and weed pollen season kicking in from the end of June to September. So, if your pet is only suffering allergy symptoms such as excessive itching, reddened skin and loss of hair at these times of year, it’s possible that they’re reacting to an external environmental allergen.
In 2024, Petplan paid out a substantial £20m in claims related to allergies, with 25% of these occurring in the Spring. The seasonal surge in allergens can cause distress and discomfort for pets, making it crucial for pet owners to remain knowledgeable on what allergies could affect our pets.
- Grass Seeds
As seasonal nasties, grass seeds can inflict misery on our canine friends in particular. Accounting for £2.4M worth of claims last year, these tiny seeds can cause significant harm if they become lodged in our pet’s skin or ears. It’s a good idea to check your dog all over for any lurking grass seeds after every walk, as they can become stuck in a number of places, including eyelids and lip folds, as well as the paws and ears.
The telltale warning signs to watch out for are sudden onset of head shaking, paw licking or pawing at their head/ear. With a whopping 75% of grass seed claims occurring in Summer, and with breeds with floppy ears such as, Cockapoos, Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels being the most commonly affected breeds, it’s a great time to start practicing good habits such as avoiding long-grassed areas and keeping the fur around your dogs’ ears and feet trimmed short.
- Chocolate and Raisin Poisoning
With springtime bringing the long-awaited Easter, some well-known sweet treats remain a risk to our pets’ health. As most pet parents know, the dangers of chocolate are very real. Petplan data shows 1 in 7 poison related claims are a result of ingesting chocolate – with 24% of these claims occurring during Spring, only second to 28% during the festive period.
Surprisingly, Petplan saw over £2.2m worth of claims relating to grape, raisin, sultana and currant poisoning in 2024 – that’s 53% more claims than for chocolate poisoning! Other common household items that are poisonous to our pups, such as caffeine, onions, fruit seeds, avocado and mushrooms to name a few resulted in the average claim for poisoning being £2,223.78 in 2024, highlighting the hidden dangers lurking in our kitchen cupboards that all pet owners need to be aware of.
- Toxic Plants
Unfortunately, it’s not just our pooches we need to look out for. We all love to bring a touch of spring into our homes, but with this comes potentially toxic plants for our feline explorers. In 2024, Petplan paid out over £1.5m in claims for lily poisoning, accounting for a staggering 45% of all cat poisoning claims.
So, when you’re sprucing up for Spring, make sure you brush up on your plant knowledge before introducing new plants into your home and you know the signs of plant poisoning such as scratching, red or watery eyes, vomiting and excessive drinking to name a few.
If you have any concerns your pet may have eaten something they shouldn’t, please contact your vet for advice.
- Insect Stings
As the flowers start to appear, so do wasps and bee. Insect-related injuries often begin around Easter time as our pets enjoy chasing after them and can be stung in the process. In most cases, wasp and bee stings are not emergencies and if the sting is not too serious, you can treat it yourself.
However, in 2024, Petplan paid out £181k in claims for insect stings, with 77% of these occurring in Spring, so it’s important to know what signs to expect if your pet does get stung.
Like humans, some cats and dogs can be allergic to stings, leading to swellings, distress and breathing difficulties and if your pet is stung near the mouth or neck, then you may need to contact your vet for advice.
Petplan’s Director of Trading Jo Maclennan added: “As the vibrant season of Spring unfolds, it brings with it opportunities for pets and their owners to enjoy the outdoors. However, it’s crucial to be aware of these seasonal hazards that require a bit of extra vigilance and to make sure you have the right pet insurance in place to help you cover the cost of any unexpected vet bills that arise. By taking proactive measures, such as regular vet check-ups and safe outdoor practices, we can ensure our pets remain happy and healthy, allowing everyone to fully enjoy this beautiful time of year.”
For more information on Spring hazards, visit https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/blog/easter-and-spring-hazards-for-pets/
Stay safe and make sure your humans understand the risks.
Love and woofs
Wilma
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