March–May · Updated for 2026
Spring pet care 2026
Easter food dangers, adders waking up, and muddy-walk diseases are the big spring risks for UK pets.
Quick answer
PETHEALTH+ spring pet care covers Easter food dangers — hot cross buns and chocolate for dogs, lilies for cats — plus adder bites and Alabama rot on muddy spring walks. Each guide lists symptoms, what to do at home, and when to call your vet. Information only, not a diagnosis.
Spring guides
Can Dogs Eat Hot Cross Buns UK?
No — hot cross buns are dangerous for dogs.
Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs
Chocolate is toxic to dogs because of theobromine, which dogs metabolise slowly.
Lily Poisoning in Cats
True lilies — Easter, tiger, Asiatic, day, and related species — cause acute kidney failure in cats.
Adder Snake Bites in Dogs UK
The adder is the UK's only venomous snake.
Alabama Rot in Dogs UK
Alabama rot (CRGV) is a rare UK disease causing skin sores and kidney failure in dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest spring risks for pets in the UK?
- The spring topics UK vets see most include Can dogs eat hot cross buns UK, Chocolate toxicity in dogs, Lily poisoning in cats, Adder snake bite dogs UK and Alabama rot dogs UK. Each guide on this page explains prevention, the symptoms to watch for, and when to call your vet.
- When should I call a vet about a spring problem?
- Call your vet immediately for collapse, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, suspected poisoning, or severe pain — whatever the season. For slower changes, book a routine appointment. If you suspect poisoning, phone before symptoms appear.