Dog owners are being urged to keep an eye out for spring hazards that can pose risks to their four-legged friends. From toxic substances to blood-sucking parasites, this time of year presents several challenges for man’s best friend.

Greg Wilson, pet insurance comparison expert and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, explained more about some of the hazards April can bring - and what to do immediately if you spot one nasty pest after a dog walk. He said: “As spring begins, pet owners should ensure their furry companions are kept safe and healthy by staying vigilant against potential seasonal hazards, whether out and about or just roaming around the house.”

Here he reveals the top five dangers for dog owners to be aware of this spring.

Tick Season

While ticks can pose threats all year round, March is when peak tick season begins, due to the start of the warmer weather.

These pests can be found in woodland and any areas with long grass. Tick bites can transmit infections such as Lyme disease, causing symptoms in dogs such as lethargy, loss of appetite and joint pain. It is important to remove ticks immediately and correctly.

Always use a tick hook to remove them, rather than twisting or squeezing, as this prevents the head of the tick from being left in. Discuss the best tick prevention products (collars, spot-on treatments, or tablets) with your vet.

Easter Eggs

Given the abundance of treats in people’s homes around Easter, it is no surprise that cases of chocolate poisoning in dogs are much more common around this time of year. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are both toxic to dogs, causing serious illness and in severe cases can even be fatal. Dark chocolate is particularly dangerous as it contains higher levels of theobromine.

Make sure chocolate is safely stored away out of reach of pets. Some signs that your dog has ingested chocolate include vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst and rapid heart rate. Make sure to keep the dog-friendly egg hunt separate from the children's egg hunt to avoid any accidental consumption of human chocolate. Some companies offer dog-friendly Easter treats, like Rosewood's Choc Mini Eggs, made with dog-safe cocoa.

Clocks changing

Dogs are creatures of habit and rely on their owners setting the schedule for eating, exercising and going to sleep. Any change to this daily routine, such as the clocks going forward for spring, can have a detrimental impact on pets, causing changes in their behaviour and moods.

To minimise the confusion, stress and anxiety dogs may experience because of this change in routine, you can gradually adjust your pet’s schedule in the days leading up to the clocks changing. Be patient and understanding as your dog adjusts to the new schedule.

Poisonous flowers

Pet owners should be aware of the dangers of spring plants and bulbs, as there are several species that can be harmful to dogs if ingested.

Common plants such as daffodils, tulips, bluebells and azaleas can lead to a range of health issues, from vomiting and diarrhoea to more severe symptoms such as breathing difficulties, twitching and even seizures.

If you’re looking for a more detailed list of flowers poisonous to dogs, head over to the Blue Cross website here, which also includes a list of all the dog friendly flowers.

Household cleaning items

The start of spring is the perfect time for Brits to give their homes a spruce up and a deep clean. Just remember that many household cleaning products, including bleaches, corrosives, detergents and ammonia-based products like floor cleaners, can be toxic to pets when inhaled or ingested.

Dogs are curious animals by nature and may be drawn to those bright coloured bottles, so make sure any chemicals are always secured away safely when not in use. Also, dogs should be kept away from areas that are being cleaned or have recently been cleaned, such as toilets, ovens and floors.

Consider making your own cleaning solutions using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.

Mr Wilson added: “If you are worried that your pet has ingested something toxic, call a vet for advice immediately. Most pet insurance providers now have a 24/7 vet helpline – it’s worth checking if your insurance has this and storing the number in your phone in case of emergencies.”