OUR BLOG - Pet Sitters Ireland
There’s a certain lift in everyone once spring properly arrives. The evenings get brighter, jackets get lighter, and suddenly those dark winter walks don’t feel quite so grim.
For dogs, spring is like the world has been switched back on. New smells, fresh grass, more dogs out and about, birds nesting, people in gardens — it’s all very exciting.
But while spring brings longer, lovelier walks, it also brings a few seasonal risks that are easy to miss if you’re not looking out for them.
Fresh Growth — And Curious Noses
After months of bare hedges and muddy fields, spring greenery bursts back almost overnight. Dogs love investigating it all. New shoots, fallen petals, and freshly turned soil are especially tempting.
The trouble is, not everything growing in spring is dog-friendly. Wild mushrooms can pop up in damp areas. Certain bulbs — like daffodils and tulips — may have been disturbed and exposed along verges or in public green spaces. Even chewed sticks from unknown trees can sometimes cause stomach upset.
Most dogs will sniff and move on. Some will sample first and think later. If your dog has a habit of picking things up, it’s worth keeping a closer eye during spring walks when everything is new again.
The Return of Parasites
Warmer weather means fleas and ticks begin to reappear. Ticks in particular become more active in spring, especially in grassy, wooded, or rural areas.
After a walk through long grass or along country lanes, it’s a good idea to give your dog a quick once-over at home. Around the ears, under the collar, between the toes — ticks like warm, hidden spots.
It doesn’t mean you need to panic every time you see a blade of grass. Just build a simple check into your routine once spring settles in.
More Dogs, More Distractions
As the weather improves, more people head outdoors. Parks feel busier. Beaches see more activity. That’s wonderful for social dogs — but it can be overwhelming for others.
A dog that seemed perfectly calm all winter might suddenly become more reactive. Not because they’ve forgotten their training, but because there’s simply more stimulation around them.
More movement. More smells. More noise.
Taking things slowly helps. Shorter, steady walks while they adjust to the seasonal buzz can prevent overstimulation. Spring excitement is normal — it just needs a bit of guidance.
Livestock and Wildlife
Spring is also lambing season in many parts of Ireland. If you’re walking near farmland, keeping your dog on a lead isn’t just polite — it’s essential.
Even the gentlest dog can chase without meaning harm. Farmers are rightly protective of livestock at this time of year, and it’s always better to avoid any risk.
Wildlife becomes more active too. Ground-nesting birds, hedgehogs, and small mammals are all easier to stumble upon in spring. A reliable recall is invaluable, but in areas with wildlife, a lead offers peace of mind.
Warmer Days, Different Risks
Spring can be unpredictable. One day it’s cool and breezy; the next it feels almost like summer. Dogs that are used to cold winter air can overheat more quickly than expected once temperatures rise.
Fresh water on longer walks becomes more important again. Pavements, while not yet summer-hot, can warm up faster than you’d think on bright afternoons.
It’s not about avoiding warm days — it’s about adjusting to them gradually.
Chemicals and Garden Treatments
As gardens come back to life, so do weedkillers, fertilisers, and lawn treatments. Public parks and private lawns may have been recently treated, even if it’s not immediately obvious.
Dogs walking through treated grass can pick up residues on their paws, which they later lick off at home. A simple paw wipe after walks during early spring is a small habit that reduces risk.
If you notice new signage in parks about treatments, it’s worth steering clear until it’s safe again.
When to Be Concerned
Most spring walks pass without issue. But if your dog suddenly shows signs like vomiting, unusual lethargy, shaking, excessive drooling, or limping after a walk, it’s always safest to check with your vet.
Catching problems early makes a huge difference.
The key isn’t to walk in fear — it’s simply to be aware that spring changes the environment in ways that winter didn’t.
Enjoying the Season Safely
Despite the hazards, spring is one of the loveliest times of year to be out with your dog. There’s a sense of renewal in the air. Energy feels lighter. Dogs seem happier, more alert, more engaged.
With a bit of seasonal awareness — checking for ticks, keeping an eye on what’s sniffed or swallowed, and adjusting to busier parks — you can enjoy everything spring brings without worry.
At Pet Angel Sitters, spring walks are some of our favourites. The lighter evenings and fresh air make a difference to everyone. Keeping routines steady while being mindful of seasonal changes helps dogs thrive during this time of year.
Because spring should feel like freedom — not a cause for stress.
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