VET OF THE MONTH’S SPRING PET HEALTH GUIDE

Spring brings warmer weather, longer walks, and blooming gardens, but it also marks a sharp rise in seasonal pet health challenges.  To help you navigate the season safely, our Vet of the Month, Dr Wiandre Pieters from Bloemfontein Veterinary Hospital answers the most common spring pet care questions and highlights the main spring pet health issues to watch out for.pri

Why Do So Many Pets Start Itching in Spring?

As Dr Wiandre puts it: “Spring triggers flare-ups because environmental allergens suddenly spike. As flowers bloom and lawns grow, airborne pollens, grass seeds, and mould spores increase.

When sensitive pets come into contact with these allergens (whether by inhalation or absorption through their skin and paws), their immune systems overreact. Ectoparasites also tend to increase in number. These factors trigger histamines, leading to classic spring allergies in pets: red, inflamed skin and itching.”

How Can You Tell the Difference Between Seasonal Allergies, Food Allergies and Chronic Skin Disease?

“Seasonal, food, and environmental allergies, alongside chronic skin disease, are best differentiated by their timing, location, and accompanying symptoms:

• Seasonal vs chronic:

Observe whether the itching flares up during specific times of the year (seasonal) or persists year-round (chronic).

• Food vs environmental:

Environmental allergies tend to be localised to specific areas, such as the paws or belly, whereas food allergies are trickier to differentiate due to the close relationship between gut health. They are usually accompanied by digestive disturbances (vomiting, changes in stool colour or consistency, inappetence, or bloating). Pay special attention to any new treats given and the events leading up to the itching.

• Symptoms of chronic skin disease:

Watch the ears, paws, and belly closely for ongoing signs of inflammation. Chronic allergies and inflammation cause the skin to become thicker, darker and leather-like (lichenification). Hair loss often also occurs due to repeated trauma from licking and scratching,” explains Dr Wiandre.

When Should You Take an Itchy Pet to the Vet?

Dr Wiandre advises that: “You should take an itchy pet to the vet immediately if you notice hot spots, hives, facial swelling, or non-healing wounds caused by persistent licking, biting, or scratching. When a pet scratches or licks, it increases skin inflammation and weakens the skin barrier, making them even more sensitive to triggers.”

Are Some Dogs More Likely to Develop Spring Allergies?

Dr Wiandre explains that, “Dog breeds that are most prone to spring allergies include Golden Retrievers, Labradors, German Shepherds, Bulldogs, and Poodles, though coat type also directly influences how allergens interact with the skin:

Coat Type	Allergy Risk Profile
Single / Short Coats	Single-coated dogs trap less pollen and dust, but if the skin barrier is compromised, environmental triggers can still cause inflammation and itching.
Double-Coated Breeds	Double-coated dogs have thick fur that can trap  allergens, making these particles much harder to wash away.”

Should You Bathe or Shave an Itchy Dog in Spring?

“Bathing your dog with a mild, hypoallergenic, or medicated shampoo can help by physically washing away pollen and soothing irritated skin. However, over-bathing can strip away natural protective oils.

Avoid shaving double-coated breeds. Their coats naturally protect against heat and the elements. Instead, brush out the undercoat regularly during spring grooming and follow your vet’s advice,” Dr Wiandre points out.

Why Are Fleas and Ticks More Common in Spring?

“Parasite numbers surge in spring as warmer temperatures and moisture create ideal breeding conditions.

• Fleas: Flea bites can trigger Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD), where even one bite causes severe itching.

• Ticks: Ticks climb onto tall grasses to attach to passing animals, spreading blood-borne infections.

Even indoor pets can be exposed, as pests can hitch a ride indoors on clothing. Year-round prevention helps protect against both itching and parasite-borne diseases,” answered Dr Wiandre.

Can Pets Get Hay Fever?

“Yes, pets can get hay fever, and you can distinguish it from kennel cough by whether your pet remains otherwise healthy or shows signs of systemic illness.

• Hay Fever (Environmental Allergies):

Affected pets generally remain bright, active, and healthy. Key signs include occasional sneezing, watery or slightly red eyes, and a tendency towards itchy skin.

• Kennel Cough (Infectious Respiratory Disease):

Affected animals show clear signs of systemic illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever. It is most common in younger pets with developing immune systems, particularly those that are unvaccinated,” added Dr Wiandre.

Are Human Allergy Medicines Safe for Pets?

Dr Wiandre says, “Never give any human medication to your pets before consulting your veterinarian.

Many human antihistamines and decongestants contain additives such as pseudoephedrine or xylitol, which are highly toxic to dogs and cats. While vets occasionally prescribe specific antihistamines, proper dosages vary wildly by species and weight.”

Can Spring Allergies Affect Behaviour and Does Diet Help?

“Absolutely. Constant discomfort, itchiness, and poor sleep due to spring allergies can make pets irritable, anxious, or restless.

If your pet has tolerated the same food and treats without allergies or digestive issues, diet is less likely to be the main cause of a sudden change in skin health. A balanced diet can, however, support a healthy skin barrier. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help nourish the skin, reduce inflammation and support the management of allergic responses,” summed up Dr Wiandre.

What’s the Biggest Spring Mistake Pet Parents Make?

In Dr Wiandre’s words, “the biggest spring mistakes pet parents make are assuming their pets are parasite-free because no fleas or ticks are visible, and allowing dogs with existing skin or ear issues to swim.Moisture trapped in the fur or ear canal creates an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive, worsening existing inflammation and infections.

What to do instead: Maintain routine, preventative flea and tick treatment year-round, regardless of whether you can see active parasites.”

Additionally, pet parents often forget general Spring Pet Care Safety hazards, such as toxic garden plants. Lilies, daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and azaleas are highly poisonous to pets. Insect Stings are also a danger. Watch for sudden swelling, limping, or vocalising after outdoor play.

Navigating seasonal health risks is much easier with the right support in place. Explore tailored pet insurance options and get a quote today to keep your furry family member covered all year round with dotsure.co.za.

About our vet

Dr Wiandre Pieters is a recently qualified veterinarian based in Bloemfontein, Free State. She has a deep passion for animal care and giving pets a voice. Her path to veterinary medicine began at age nine after caring for an injured dog on a friend’s farm; “a defining experience that sparked my lifelong calling to this challenging yet rewarding profession”. At home, she shares her life with a loving landlord-adopted cat named Kat, who enjoys morning milk, bedtime snuggles, and gentle interactions with their baby chicks.