Last Updated: 01/09/2026
Spring Pet Care Tips
Tips for keeping your pet fit, healthy, itch and parasite free, all Spring long!
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
Wouldn't you know it - the frost has thawed and sunny Spring is here! All across Australia we see flowers a-blooming, birds a-chirpin', and days a-warming. It's the perfect season for frolicking outdoors with your four-legged friends.
That same burst of grass, flowers and pollen is also what sets a lot of pets off scratching, sneezing and chewing at their paws. Spring is also peak breeding season for ticks and fleas, and brings its own crop of outdoor hazards. Read our tips for keeping your pet healthy, happy and safe this Spring!
What causes springtime allergies in pets?
Spring brings a lot of new plant growth - flowering and non-flowering plants, grasses, pollens and weeds can all cause your pet to itch, scratch, and develop a range of skin conditions as they spend more time exploring outdoors.
Common signs of Springtime allergies:
- Excessive scratching
- Red and irritated skin
- Licking and chewing paws
- Ear infections
'Atopy' describes an allergy to things in the environment - pollen, dustmites, grasses and more. Some dogs are only allergic to one or two things; others react to dozens.
In clinic, we see a real jump in itchy-skin consults in the first few weeks of Spring - often before owners have connected the dots to the season.
Unfortunately, unlike changing your pet's diet or keeping flea control up to date, avoiding pollen and grass is not a feasible task. Unless your pet is kept in a quarantine zone, pollen and dust exposure is inevitable.
A veterinary dermatologist can run intradermal skin testing to pinpoint the cause, usually followed by desensitising immunisations. Other medications can help minimise symptoms if that's not effective or available.
Read more about managing itchy skin in dogs and cats or the specifics of atopic dermatitis in dogs.
Top recommended skin care products
Which springtime parasites pose a risk to your pet?
Ticks: Very high risk
There are 3 species of ticks in Australia: The Paralysis Tick, The Brown Dog Tick, and the Bush Tick.
Only the Paralysis Tick is venomous. Paralysis Ticks are one of the most important Australian parasites due to their abundancy along the heavily populated Eastern coastline, and the deadly paralysis condition they create.
Ticks are at their worst during Spring and Summer due to their breeding season. This seasonal 'tick explosion' can vary each year, and can begin as early as late July. To check whether ticks are presenting a risk early this year in your area, ask your local vet clinic.
Learn how to identify a paralysis tick and read our full tick guide for dogs.
Fleas: High risk
Fleas breed fastest as the weather warms, with numbers already climbing towards their Summer peak. For the full detail on spotting flea dirt and treating an infestation, see our guides to fleas on dogs and fleas on cats.
Heartworm: Moderate-high risk
Heartworm transmission is at its worst in Summer due to its mosquito-borne spread, but mozzies can ramp up in Spring too - so it's vital to stay on top of prevention. With such a slow life cycle, pets need consistent treatment year round, with no breaks to stay heartworm-free.
Learn more about heartworm and the best prevention for dogs.
Mites: Low risk in Spring
Mites are mostly a Winter or year-round issue rather than a Spring-specific one - see our Summer Ready guide for the full seasonal run-down.
Which preventatives are best for spring?
If your pet lives in a tick area, prevention year round is recommended, especially during Spring. In many parts of Western Australia and South Australia, though, tick prevention may not be necessary, since ticks are mostly distributed along the Eastern side of the country.
All-in-One or Combination products are a great option as they protect your pet against most of the common Australian parasites in one easy product. Recommended brands include Nexgard Spectra and Simparica Trio for dogs, and Nexgard Spectra, Revolution Plus and Bravecto Plus for cats.
Want to know more? Read our articles Flea, Tick and Worming Guide For Dogs or the Flea, Tick and Worming Guide For Cats.
Vet recommended preventatives for dogs and cats
What spring hazards should pet owners watch out for?
Warmer Spring days bring pets and people outdoors more - and a few hazards that peak specifically now.
Snake bites
Snakes come out of brumation (winter dormancy) as the weather warms, with activity ramping up roughly August to November - right through Spring. Signs include sudden weakness, vomiting, dilated pupils or wobbly back legs, though a bite isn't always visible. Keep your pet calm and still and get to a vet immediately - always an emergency.
See our guides on snake bite in dogs and snake bite in cats.
Bee and wasp stings
Curious noses and paws mean bee and wasp stings are common as Spring flowers draw insects into the garden. Stings usually causes mild swelling, which can be treated at home by removing the stinger and applying a cold compress. However, stings can cause an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency, so call your vet straight away if you notice severe swelling, changed or difficult breathing, hives or intense itching.
For other types of bites and stings, read through our guide to Insect Bites and Stings on Dogs.
Toxic spring bulbs
Tulips and daffodils are toxic to dogs and cats, the bulb being the most toxic part - signs range from drooling and vomiting to more serious heart and nervous system effects in larger amounts.
Keep bulbs and cut flowers out of reach; see our full toxic plants guide for the complete list.
Why is my pet shedding so much this Spring?
If your dog or cat is losing fur by the handful, you're not imagining it - many pets 'blow' their winter coat in Spring, shedding the dense undercoat they no longer need. It's most noticeable in double-coated breeds like German Shepherds, Labradors and Huskies, but cats shed their winter fluff too.
Daily brushing with a de-shedding tool such as a Furminator removes loose undercoat, reduces matting, and keeps your pet comfortable. It's usually just a normal coat blow - get the skin checked if it looks irritated underneath.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 25 Aug 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
