Seasonal Dog Care UK: What Changes by Time of Year

Some dog care tasks are constant year-round. Others change significantly with the season - flea and tick activity, heat risks, paw care, dietary adjustments in winter, and the timing of preventive treatments all vary with the UK's weather and environment.

Here's what to think about across the four seasons.

Spring (March–May)

Parasite prevention goes back on high alert. Fleas become active from around 8–10°C, which in most of the UK means February or March indoors (centrally heated homes) and slightly later outside. Ticks emerge from around April onwards - particularly relevant in areas with deer, long grass, and woodland. Confirm your flea and tick prevention is current and covering the right parasites. The PDSA PAW Mini Report 2025 found that 81% of UK dog owners treat their dogs for fleas - but with 19% still untreated and an estimated 1 in 7 dogs carrying fleas at any given time (according to NOAH), spring is when that gap in protection becomes most consequential.

Pollen season begins. Dogs with atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies) commonly flare in spring as tree and grass pollen levels rise. If your dog has seasonal itching, note when it starts, how severe, and which treatments help - this pattern over multiple years is useful diagnostic information.

Shedding season. Double-coated breeds (Labradors, German Shepherds, Huskies) shed their winter undercoat in spring. Daily brushing during this period is much more manageable than trying to deal with the shed after it's accumulated. A de-shedding treatment at the groomer in March or April is worthwhile for heavy shedders.

Longer walks return. After winter restriction, the temptation is to immediately extend walks to summer length. Older dogs, dogs with arthritis, and dogs who've been less active over winter benefit from a gradual return to longer exercise rather than an immediate jump in duration.

Summer (June–August)

Heat is the primary risk. Dogs can overheat quickly - flat-faced breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs) are at highest risk, but any dog can suffer from heat stroke. Walk early morning and late evening. Never leave a dog in a car in warm weather, even with windows open. Learn the signs of heat stroke: excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, weakness, vomiting. It's a veterinary emergency.

Paw pad burns. Tarmac and artificial grass absorb heat significantly. In direct sun, road surfaces can reach temperatures that burn paw pads within seconds. The hand test: hold the back of your hand on the surface for seven seconds. If you can't keep it there, it's too hot for your dog to walk on. Stick to grass in hot weather.

Grass seeds. From June onwards, grass awns (the seed heads of grasses like barley grass and foxtail) become a hazard. Their shape allows them to migrate through skin and into the body - ears, paws, the space between toes, and the groin are common entry points. Check paws and ears after every walk in long grass. Signs of a grass seed embedded in the ear: sudden, violent head-shaking. In the skin: a swelling with a small discharge point. Both need veterinary removal.

Drinking water. Keep fresh water available at all times - indoors and on walks. Dogs dehydrate faster in heat.

Autumn (September–November)

Harvest mites and ticks remain active. Ticks in the UK are active through autumn and into early November - don't reduce tick prevention too early. Harvest mites (also called berry bugs or bracken bugs) peak in late summer and autumn, causing intense itching, particularly around the feet, face, and ears. Tiny orange dots visible on the skin indicate infestation; your vet can advise on treatment.

Conkers, acorns, and mushrooms. Autumn brings toxic hazards into gardens and on walks. Conkers and acorns are toxic to dogs - conker poisoning causes vomiting, excessive drooling, and abdominal pain. Wild mushrooms are variable in toxicity; several UK species are lethal. If your dog eats something on a walk that you can't identify, take a photograph of it and call your vet.

Coat change. Double-coated breeds begin their second seasonal moult in autumn. Resume daily brushing.

Fireworks. Starting around late October and running through November, fireworks are one of the most reliably stressful events for noise-sensitive dogs. Preparation is more effective than last-minute management: speak to your vet in September or October about management options, which may include pheromone products, supplements, and in some cases short-term medication. Strategies include creating a safe space, keeping windows closed, and using white noise or music.

Winter (December–February)

Salt and ice-melt products on pavements. Road grit contains salt and chemicals that irritate paw pads and are toxic if ingested when dogs lick their feet. Rinse paws with warm water after every walk on gritted roads. Consider paw balm for dogs who develop pad cracking.

Ice and cold. Short-coated breeds and dogs with low body fat (Whippets, Greyhounds, Chihuahuas) feel cold significantly more than double-coated breeds. A waterproof coat for outdoor time in cold, wet weather is practical rather than aesthetic for these dogs.

Reduced exercise and weight gain. Shorter days and cold weather often mean shorter walks. If food intake doesn't adjust, gradual winter weight gain is common. Monthly weight checks catch this before it becomes significant. The PDSA PAW Mini Report 2025 found that 82% of UK dog owners are unaware of their dog's body condition score - and that veterinary professionals estimate 46% of UK dogs are overweight or obese - making winter the highest-risk season for unnoticed weight gain in less active dogs.

Antifreeze toxicity. Ethylene glycol (the active ingredient in most antifreeze) is extremely toxic to dogs and has a sweet taste. Even a small amount can cause fatal kidney failure. Keep antifreeze locked away, clean up any spills immediately, and be cautious in car parks where it may be on the ground.

Year-round

Flea treatment (indoors, fleas are active year-round due to central heating), monthly weight checks, monthly nail and ear checks, and the quarterly worming schedule don't vary with seasons. Set reminders and run them consistently regardless of time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does tick season start and end in the UK? Ticks are active roughly from March to November, with peak activity in spring (April–June) and a secondary peak in autumn. They're less common in winter but can be present year-round in mild areas. Treatment should cover the full active season.

My dog hates wearing a coat in winter. Do they actually need one? Short-coated, lean, small, or elderly dogs genuinely benefit from a coat in cold or wet conditions. For a healthy adult Labrador with a thick double coat, a dog coat is probably unnecessary. Use your dog's behaviour as a guide: shivering, reluctance to stay outside, or seeking warmth quickly indicates they're cold.

How do I know if my dog has eaten something toxic on a walk? Common signs of ingestion of toxins include: excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, trembling, collapse, or any sudden behaviour change after a walk in an area with plants or fungi. If you suspect ingestion of something potentially toxic, call your vet or the Animal Poison Line (UK: 01202 509000) rather than waiting for symptoms to develop.

Is it safe for dogs to eat grass? Occasional grass eating is normal and generally not harmful. Compulsive or excessive grass eating, particularly combined with vomiting, may indicate digestive discomfort. In late summer and autumn, avoid long grass near footpaths because of grass seed risk.