Media release
Spring marks the welcome return of warmer days, sunshine and beach weather Australians love – but for our pets, the season also comes with a fresh set of hazards. As dogs and cats spend more time outdoors, RSPCA Pet Insurance is reminding pet owners to watch for seasonal risks that can quickly lead to painful injuries, emergency vet visits and unexpected bills.
Pet insurance claims data shows just how quickly seasonal conditions can translate into health problems. Brad Smith, CEO of RSPCA Pet Insurance, says spring and summer are among the best times of year for pets and their families, but more time outdoors also increases the chance of encountering hazards that can cause injury or illness.
“The key is vigilance. Knowing what to look for and acting early can make a significant difference to a pet’s wellbeing and potentially prevent a small problem from becoming a very expensive one,” he advises.
What seasonal hazards can really cost
Claims seen to reach the following amounts for certain injuries or illnesses
What to watch for this season
Paralysis ticks
For pets in tick-prone areas, paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) are a serious seasonal concern, with claims seen to reach $4,411. Pet owners should check dogs and cats carefully after time outdoors and maintain a tick-prevention program recommended by their vet. Signs of tick paralysis can include weakness, changes in breathing, vomiting, gagging, difficulty swallowing and progressive loss of coordination. Any suspected case of tick paralysis should be treated as a veterinary emergency.
Snakes
As temperatures rise, snakes become more active, increasing the risk of encounters with curious pets. Queensland records the highest number of snakebite claims, with claims around twice as common in spring and summer. Snakebite claims can vary significantly, from $430 to $2,880, with some reaching as high as $9,268. RSPCA Pet Insurance is urging pet owners to treat any suspected snakebite as a veterinary emergency. If you think your pet may have been bitten, seek immediate veterinary care.
Cane toads
Cane toads are a distinctly Australian summer hazard, particularly across Queensland and northern Australia. Dogs may lick, mouth or pick them up, with the toxin causing drooling, vomiting, wobbliness and, in severe cases, seizures. If your pet has mouthed or licked a cane toad, wipe the inside of their mouth, gums and tongue thoroughly with a wet cloth for 10–20 minutes before seeking veterinary or poison advice. Don’t use a hose to rinse their mouth, as they could inhale the water.
Heatstroke
Australian summer temperatures can be dangerous for pets. Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency that can cause rapid organ failure and death, with dogs particularly vulnerable during exercise and hot weather. Flat-faced and overweight pets are among those at higher risk. Exercise pets during cooler parts of the day, provide shade and fresh water, and never leave them unattended in a parked car.
Toxic plants, garden chemicals and snail bait
Spring gardening can create new risks for curious pets, with some plants and garden chemicals capable of causing serious poisoning. Lilies are particularly dangerous to cats, while snail bait can be highly attractive to dogs and may cause seizures. Keep garden chemicals, fertilisers, pesticides and baits securely stored, follow label directions and keep pets away from treated areas.
Bees and wasps
Warmer weather also means more encounters with bees and wasps, with claims for stings around two and a half times more common in spring than in winter. While most cases are minor, claims can vary, with one of the highest reaching $1,894. A sting can cause local pain and swelling, but some pets can experience a severe allergic reaction, while multiple stings can result in more serious toxicity.
Allergies
Spring can bring an increase in environmental allergens such as pollen and grasses, which can trigger allergies in some pets. Keep an eye out for signs such as persistent scratching, paw licking, redness or ear irritation, and speak to your vet if these symptoms continue. Regular grooming can also help remove pollen and other allergens from your pet’s coat after time outdoors.
Grass seeds
Grass seeds can cause significant problems for pets, with seeds able to work their way under the skin and cause pain, infection or more serious damage. When grass seeds migrate internally and require surgery to remove, it can be costly. One such case resulted in a payout of $8,142. Pet owners should check their pet’s coat, paws, ears and other vulnerable areas after walks, particularly in long or seeding grass, and seek veterinary attention if they notice persistent licking, limping, sneezing, redness or swelling.
A little prevention goes a long way this season
With more outdoor adventures comes more opportunity for pets to encounter seasonal hazards. RSPCA Pet Insurance encourages pet owners to make preventative checks part of their spring and summer routine, stay prepared for potential hazards and know when to act quickly if something goes wrong. “Having pet insurance in place can also help pet owners manage unexpected veterinary expenses when pets are exposed to seasonal hazards,” Smith concludes.
About RSPCA Pet Insurance
RSPCA Pet Insurance is a purpose-driven strategic partnership between RSPCA Australia and Pacific International Insurance, designed to protect and improve the wellbeing of pets while also helping contribute funding to RSPCA animal welfare initiatives nationwide. With over 150 years of RSPCA expertise in animal care, advocacy, and veterinary knowledge, our customisable product offers transparent, flexible coverage that can be tailored to pet owners’ needs and budgets, with premiums helping support RSPCA initiatives such as rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, education, and law enforcement efforts for animals in need. Guided by a vision of a world where pets can live well and be well, RSPCA Pet Insurance combines empathy, expertise, and innovation to help make pet insurance accessible and impactful. For more information, visit rspcapetinsurance.org.au
Media contacts:
Leandri Smith | Evolab | leandri@evolab.com.au | 0433 900 356
Azelle Evans | Evolab | azelle@evolab.com.au | 0451 710 095
References:
- Claims insights are based on aggregated Australian pet insurance claims data from Pacific International Insurance, underwriting partner of RSPCA Pet Insurance, analysed between: 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2026.
