As temperatures rise, pet owners are being urged to check their animals’ paws, ears, and coats for potential hazards. Allergies, itchy skin, and snake bites are among the top concerns for vets during the spring months, according to data from pet insurer CoverMy Pet.
The insurer reports a significant increase in claims between September and November, as pets spend more time outdoors. Common issues include skin rashes, and injuries from grass seeds and ticks.
Grant Pugh, General Manager of CoverMy Pet, notes that this pattern repeats annually. He emphasizes that minor problems can quickly escalate if left untreated. Pugh states, “As soon as the weather warms up, pets spend more time outside, and claims for allergies, skin flare-ups, and grass seed injuries climb sharply. Snake bites and tick paralysis are also major concerns, particularly for dogs near bush or coastal areas.”
The data reveals that New South Wales vets handle the most spring claims, followed by those in Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia. Certain breeds are more susceptible to seasonal allergies, including Cavoodles, Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, German Shepherds, and Labradors among dogs, and Domestic Shorthairs, British Shorthairs, Ragdolls, Maine Coons, and Burmese among cats.
For pet owners, a simple routine check after outdoor activities can make a significant difference. Pugh advises, “It’s important to check your dog’s paws, ears, and coat after going outdoors. Grass seeds and ticks can hide under the coat for days until serious symptoms appear.”
While various spring hazards exist, snake bites carry the biggest financial risk. Treatment typically costs up to $5,000. According to Pugh, “One of the claims we start to see more often from Spring is for snake bites and many pet owners don’t realise treatment typically costs up to $5,000, so it’s worth knowing if your dog is covered in the unfortunate event that an emergency strikes.”
Pet owners can avoid these springtime hazards by maintaining year-round flea and tick treatments, inspecting their pets after outdoor trips, and avoiding areas with long grass. By taking these precautions, owners significantly reduce the risk of emergencies and keep their pets safe during the warmer months. To stay up-to-date on the latest industry headlines, sign up to the Pet Industry News e-newsletter.
