Warmer weather is bringing pets and their owners back outdoors but veterinarians and animal-welfare advocates are warning that spring also marks the return of ticks, snakes, grass seeds, heat stress and other potentially life-threatening hazards.
The warning is particularly relevant across the Hawkesbury, where dogs and cats frequently have access to bushland, paddocks, long grass and semi-rural properties.
Claims data released by RSPCA Pet Insurance shows treatment for common seasonal injuries and illnesses can run into thousands of dollars, although the insurer says early detection and preventative care may stop a minor problem becoming a medical emergency.
RSPCA Pet Insurance chief executive Brad Smith said spring and summer were among the most enjoyable times of the year for pets and their families, but greater time outdoors increased the likelihood of animals encountering hazards.
“The key is vigilance,” Mr Smith said.
“Knowing what to look for and acting early can make a significant difference to a pet’s wellbeing and potentially prevent a small problem from becoming a very expensive one.”
Paralysis ticks
Paralysis ticks are one of the most serious spring and summer threats for pets in eastern Australia.
RSPCA Pet Insurance says claims involving paralysis ticks have reached $4,411.
Owners should check their dogs and cats thoroughly after they have been outdoors, paying particular attention around the head, neck, ears and front legs.
Signs of tick paralysis can include weakness, unsteadiness in the hind legs, changes to an animal’s bark or meow, vomiting, gagging, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling and breathing difficulties.
Symptoms can worsen quickly, and any suspected case should be treated as a veterinary emergency.
Owners should discuss an appropriate year-round tick-prevention program with their veterinarian, as products and dosage requirements can differ between dogs and cats.
Snakes become more active
Rising temperatures also bring increased snake activity across bushland, river flats, paddocks and residential gardens.
Curious dogs are particularly vulnerable when investigating long grass, wood piles, sheds, dams and areas where rodents may be present.
Insurance claims for snakebite were around twice as common during spring and summer, according to data supplied by RSPCA Pet Insurance. Treatment claims ranged from $430 to $2,880, with some reaching as high as $9,268.
Possible signs include sudden weakness or collapse, trembling, vomiting, excessive salivation, dilated pupils, difficulty walking and breathing problems.
An animal may appear to recover briefly after collapsing, but this does not mean the danger has passed.
Owners who know or suspect their pet has been bitten should keep the animal as still and calm as possible and seek immediate veterinary treatment. They should not attempt to catch or kill the snake.
Grass seeds can require surgery
Grass seeds are another common spring hazard, particularly for dogs walking through long or seeding grass.
The sharp seeds can become embedded between toes, inside ears, under eyelids or beneath the skin. They may then migrate through tissue, causing pain, infection and potentially serious internal damage.
One insurance claim involving the surgical removal of a grass seed resulted in a payment of $8,142.
Owners should examine their pet’s paws, coat, ears and other vulnerable areas after walks.
Persistent licking, limping, head shaking, sneezing, redness or swelling may indicate a lodged grass seed and should be investigated by a veterinarian.
Heatstroke can be fatal
Although spring temperatures are generally milder, hot days can still pose a serious risk particularly for flat-faced, elderly, overweight or thick-coated animals.
Heatstroke can cause organ failure and death.
Warning signs include relentless panting, excessive drooling, breathing distress, agitation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, tremors or collapse.
Pets should be exercised during the coolest parts of the day and always have access to shade, ventilation and fresh water. Dogs should never be left unattended in a parked vehicle.
Hot concrete, asphalt and sand can also burn paw pads.
Gardens carry hidden dangers
Spring gardening can expose pets to toxic plants, fertilisers, pesticides and snail bait.
Lilies are particularly dangerous to cats, while some snail and slug baits are attractive to dogs and can cause tremors or seizures.
Chemicals and baits should be kept securely stored, label directions followed carefully and animals kept away from recently treated areas.
If poisoning is suspected, owners should immediately contact a veterinarian. Where it can be done safely, taking the packaging or a photograph of the suspected product may assist treatment.
Bees, wasps and allergies
Claims involving bee and wasp stings were about two-and-a-half times more common in spring than during winter, according to the insurer’s data.
Most stings cause local pain and swelling, but some animals suffer severe allergic reactions. Multiple stings can also result in more serious illness.
Urgent veterinary attention is required if a pet develops breathing difficulty, facial swelling, weakness, vomiting or collapse.
Pollen and grasses can also trigger seasonal allergies. Persistent scratching, paw licking, redness and recurring ear irritation should be discussed with a veterinarian.
Regular grooming and wiping down a pet after outdoor exercise may help remove pollen and other allergens from its coat.
The financial figures are drawn from aggregated Australian claims handled by Pacific International Insurance, RSPCA Pet Insurance’s underwriting partner, between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2026.
Pet owners should contact their regular veterinary clinic for advice about prevention and identify the nearest emergency veterinary service before an urgent situation occurs.
