Spring dangers for dogs: Insect bites, allergies & ticks

A dog looks at a blossoming tree in spring.

For many dog owners, spring is the most beautiful time of the year: blooming meadows and mild temperatures are begging to be explored. But while we enjoy the first rays of sunshine, invisible dangers are lurking for our four-legged friends. It's not just plants that come to life with these warmer temperatures – insects, ticks and pollen are also in high season.

A wasp, tick bite or an unexpected pollen allergy can quickly cause our dogs discomfort, and may even become dangerous. It is all the more important to be prepared and to identify possible risks at an early stage. In this article, you will find out what you should pay attention to in spring – and how you can best protect your dog.

Bee and wasp stings in dogs – how dangerous are they really?

Insects awaken the hunting instinct in many dogs. But curiosity-driven snapping at bee or wasp can end painfully. Getting stung in the mouth or throat area can make things particularly tricky, as swelling there can block your dog's airways and trigger a life-threatening situation.

A dog sniffing a flower with a bee sitting on it.

What to do if your dog has been stung

Remove the sting: with bee stings, the sting often gets stuck in the skin. Carefully remove it with tweezers or a credit card.
Cool the puncture site: a cold cloth or a cooling pad (wrapped in fabric) relieves pain and swelling.
Watch your dog: if your dog is unusually restless, drools heavily or experiences shortness of breath, consult a vet immediately.

Take special care if your dog is allergic to insect bites. Signs of allergic shock are sudden shortness of breath, weakness or shaking. In this case, every minute counts – take your dog to a veterinary clinic immediately!

Ticks – the underestimated danger in spring

As temperatures rise, ticks also become active again. They lie in wait for their next victim among tall grasses and at the edges of forests – unfortunately, dogs are a particularly popular victim. Each bite from a tick can transmit dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease or babesiosis. Interesting to know: Technically, a tick punctures the skin with its hooks, so it is really a tick sting rather than a tick bite.

There are various ways to protect your dog from ticks. Spot-on treatments, tick collars and tablets help to prevent tick bites. In addition, natural herbs can alter body odour to repel ticks.

How to protect your dog from ticks:

Use a reliable tick repellent.
Check your dog thoroughly after every walk – especially on the head, neck and legs.
Remove ticks immediately with tick tweezers or a tick V-tools.
If your dog shows fever, fatigue or swollen lymph nodes after a tick bite, seek veterinary advice

Spring allergies in dogs – when pollen becomes a problem

It's not just people who suffer from hay fever: dogs can also be allergic to pollen, grasses and flowers. This environmental allergy occurs most commonly in the spring and summer months, when plants are in full bloom and large amounts of pollen are released into the air.

Typical symptoms of pollen allergy in dogs are:

Itching – Your dog scratches, licks or bites its paws, belly or ears more often.
Red or watery eyes – often accompanied by rubbing the face against furniture or the floor.
Sneezing or "backward sneezing" – a loud, rattling intake of air that scares many dog owners.
Inflamed ears – the allergic reaction can lead to recurrent ear infections.
Skin rashes or hair loss – especially on the paws, in the groin region or on the snout.

How do pollen allergies occur in dogs?

If your dog is allergic to pollen, this is due to an overreaction of the immune system. The body recognises plant pollen, which is actually harmless, as a threat and activates defence mechanisms that lead to inflammatory reactions. These mainly manifest on the skin, mucous membranes and respiratory tract. Short-haired dogs or animals with already sensitive skin are particularly affected.

How can I protect my dog from pollen?

The best strategy is to keep exposure to pollen as low as possible:

Go for walks at the right time: If you walk your dog early in the morning or after a rain shower, the pollen concentration in the air is at its lowest.
Coat and paw care: After each walk, wipe your dog's paws, belly and face with a damp cloth or a gentle paw product. This way, you remove pollen before it continues to cause irritation.
Keep living space pollen-free: Regular vacuuming, mopping and air filters help to reduce pollen exposure in the home.
Bathing can help: An occasional bath with a mild, moisturising dog shampoo can help to remove pollen that has adhered to their coat.
Nutrition is also important: A balanced, hypoallergenic diet with high-quality fatty acids (e.g. omega-3 and 6 fatty acids) can help to strengthen the skin barrier and mitigate allergic reactions.

With these measures, you can help your dog stay relaxed as they enjoy the spring months, despite floating pollen!

How to get your dog through spring safely

Spring is a wonderful season, but it also brings its challenges. With proper preparation, you can minimise many risks:

Pay attention to bees and wasps, especially if your dog snaps at them.
Reduce pollen exposure if your dog is allergic.
Consistently protect your four-legged friend from ticks.

With these measures, you ensure that your dog can have a fun, carefree spring – while staying safe, healthy and happy!

Watch your dog closely, protect them from parasites and react quickly in the event of stings or allergic symptoms. Then your four-legged friend can enjoy the warm season carefree!

Bee Sting

Measures:

Examine affected skin
Carefully remove the sting (e.g. with tweezers or credit card)
Cool the puncture site (damp cloth, cloth-wrapped cooling pad)
Observe dog

Important notes:

The sting often gets stuck and continues to release poison – the faster it is removed, the better.

Wasp Sting

Measures:

Remove wasp
Examine affected skin
Cool puncture site
Observe dog

Important notes:

Wasps can sting several times, so check for multiple stings.

Sting in the mouth/throat (swallowed wasp or bee)

Measures:

Signs such as heavy salivation, choking or breathing problems should be taken seriously. à Seek veterinary advice immediately!
Carefully cool the mouth (offer cold water, place a damp cloth against the throat)

Important notes:

Danger due to swelling of the respiratory tract! Keep a close eye on your dog.