As the blossoms bloom and the days get longer, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors with your pet. But while spring brings sunshine and adventure, it also brings a few hidden dangers. From toxic treats to garden surprises, here’s what to watch out for—and how to stay one step ahead.
If you’re ever in doubt, Vetsy’s online vets are just a click away. Same-day appointments, expert advice, and no stressy waiting rooms.
Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant that pets can’t metabolise well. Dogs are especially vulnerable, but it’s toxic to cats and rabbits too. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. Eating even small amounts can lead to vomiting, restlessness, tremors or seizures, depending on the type and how much was consumed.
Vetsy Tip: If your pet has eaten chocolate, keep the packaging and use this useful tool to see what you should do https://www.myvetsy.co.uk/#chocolate
If you're concerned book a consult—our vets can calculate the risk and guide you on whether a clinic visit is needed.
Both are highly toxic to dogs—even a small amount can cause kidney failure. They may be eaten directly or sneakily nabbed from hot cross buns or Easter cakes left within reach.
Vetsy Tip: Symptoms may not appear straight away, so always speak to a vet immediately if your dog’s eaten even one.
These vibrant spring favourites are common in gardens, bouquets and parks—but they’re not pet-friendly.
Ivy might look innocent climbing up walls or fences, but it contains compounds that can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed. It may also irritate the skin on contact, especially around the mouth and paws.
Vetsy Tip: Dogs are often tempted to chew ivy when bored or exploring—keep them distracted with safe chews or puzzle feeders if they’re garden explorers.
Long or dry grass can become stuck in your pet’s throat or nose, particularly in curious cats. They might gag, retch or suddenly sneeze repeatedly after grazing or sniffing in the garden.
Vetsy Tip: If your cat seems to be sneezing or pawing at their face after being outdoors, it could be a lodged grass seed or blade—something our vets can help assess quickly on a video consult.
Adders—the UK’s only native venomous snake—emerge in spring and are often found basking in sunny spots. Dogs tend to get bitten on the face or legs after accidentally disturbing one. Bites cause swelling, pain, and in some cases can lead to shock.
Vetsy Tip: A Vetsy consult can help triage the urgency and get you pointed in the right direction fast—but if in doubt, head to your nearest vet clinic immediately.
Bees and wasps are more active in spring, and curious noses or paws can end up getting stung. Most stings cause mild irritation, but some pets have allergic reactions that lead to swelling, hives, or breathing difficulties—especially in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds.
Vetsy Tip: Swelling around the face or mouth should always be checked quickly—book a same-day consult if you're unsure.
Often used in gardens to protect plants, these pellets are extremely toxic if licked or ingested. Metaldehyde poisoning can cause severe tremors, seizures and dangerously high body temperatures—especially in dogs who may find the pellets palatable.
Vetsy Tip: If you use slug pellets, switch to pet-safe alternatives. And if your pet’s acting oddly after being in the garden, consult us straight away.
With spring comes grilling—and risks. Kebab skewers and cooked bones can cause dangerous internal injuries if swallowed. Greasy meats and fatty scraps may trigger pancreatitis, especially in dogs.
Vetsy Tip: Even if they "just" stole a sausage, signs like vomiting, lethargy or a painful tummy can escalate—book a quick check-in if you’re unsure.
Pollen, grass, dust—and even spring cleaning products—can cause allergic reactions in pets. Look out for red, itchy skin, licking or chewing paws, frequent head shaking or tummy upset.
Vetsy Tip: Our vets can help identify whether it’s seasonal or food-related, and suggest treatments or lifestyle adjustments to keep your pet comfortable.
At Vetsy, we know how quickly a minor issue can turn into a panic. That’s why we offer fast, expert care—without the faff of travelling to a clinic.
Whether it’s chocolate ingestion, garden mischief or mystery sneezing, we’re here to help you figure out what’s serious—and what’s not.
Book your £39 video consultation today → myvetsy.co.uk
