Spring is here, and that means longer walks, more park time, and plenty of sunshine for you and your pup! But as the city comes back to life, so do seasonal hazards that can put your furry friend at risk. At District Dogs, we’re all about keeping dogs happy, healthy, and safe—so here are our top five spring safety tips for city pups.
1. Watch Out for Toxic Plants and Pollen
As trees and flowers bloom, the air fills with pollen—and that can mean allergy trouble for some dogs. If your pup is sneezing, scratching excessively, or has watery eyes, they might have seasonal allergies.
🌿 City-Specific Concern: Many common urban landscaping plants, like azaleas, tulips, and lilies, are toxic to dogs if ingested. Keep your pup from sniffing or chewing on unfamiliar plants during walks!
What You Can Do:
✔️ Wipe your dog’s paws after walks to remove pollen.
✔️ Keep an eye out for signs of allergies and talk to your vet if symptoms appear.
✔️ Avoid letting your dog chew on flowers or leaves.
2. Beware of Springtime Pesticides and Fertilizers
Warmer weather means city parks, sidewalks, and gardens are getting a refresh—but many of the chemicals used in landscaping can be harmful to dogs. Pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides can stick to paws and fur, leading to accidental ingestion when your pup grooms themselves.
What You Can Do:
✔️ Stick to pet-friendly parks and avoid areas where landscaping chemicals have been applied.
✔️ Wash your dog’s paws and belly after outdoor adventures.
✔️ Consider using booties to protect their feet.
3. Keep an Eye on Seasonal Parasites
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes become more active as temperatures rise, and city dogs aren’t immune! Even in urban areas, parks and green spaces can be breeding grounds for these pesky parasites, which can carry diseases like Lyme disease and heartworm.
What You Can Do:
✔️ Ensure your dog is up-to-date on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
✔️ Check for ticks after walks in grassy or wooded areas.
✔️ Keep your dog’s bedding and living areas clean.
4. Be Mindful of Rising Temperatures
Spring in the city can bring unpredictable temperature swings, and hot pavement can be a problem even before summer arrives. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pup’s paws!
What You Can Do:
✔️ Walk your dog during cooler parts of the day.
✔️ Bring water on walks to keep them hydrated.
✔️ Opt for shaded routes or grassy areas when possible.
5. Protect Your Pup from Crowds and Outdoor Events
As the weather warms up, the city comes alive with farmers’ markets, festivals, and patio dining. While these can be fun for humans, they can be overwhelming or even dangerous for dogs due to loud noises, dropped food, and unfamiliar surroundings.
What You Can Do:
✔️ Pay attention to your dog’s body language—if they seem stressed, it’s okay to leave.
✔️ Avoid letting them eat anything off the ground.
✔️ If attending a pet-friendly event, bring water and provide a safe space for breaks.
Let District Dogs Help Keep Your Pup Safe!
Spring is a great time to enjoy the city with your dog, but if you ever need a safe, supervised place for them to play while you’re out and about, District Dogs has you covered! Our structured daycare program ensures your pup gets exercise and socialization in a controlled, climate-friendly environment.
🐶 Book a daycare or boarding stay today and let your dog enjoy spring the safe way!
