Understanding Seasonal Health Risks for Pets

Seasonal shifts change the small, everyday pressures on a pet’s body: heat that can’t be shed fast enough, cold that steals warmth quietly, and bursts of parasites, pollen, mould and toxins that arrive with weather and plant growth. The risk isn’t evenly spread across the year. It moves. The practical problem is deciding what to watch for right now, and what to change at home, on walks, and in your pet’s prevention plan—because conditions like heat stress and tick paralysis can escalate quickly, while others (like allergies) chip away in slower, itchier ways. This page keeps it simple: the main seasonal hazards in Australia, the early signs, and the checks that matter most. ^{1, 2}

How seasonal change affects pets

Dogs, cats and small animals aren’t just “small humans in fur”. Many cool themselves mainly by panting, which relies on airflow and hydration. Their paws meet the ground directly. Their noses and skin sit close to grasses, leaf litter and mould. So when the environment changes, their exposure changes too. ^{1, 2}

Across the year, the most common patterns are:

• Heat and sun (summer, and warm spells in other seasons)
• Parasites (fleas, ticks and mosquitoes depending on region and rainfall)
• Allergens (pollen, grasses, dust, mould)
• Cold exposure and indoor hazards (winter routines, heaters, chemicals)

Spring: allergies and ticks starting early

Allergies as plants and pollen return

Spring often brings a noticeable lift in itch and ear problems. Pets can react to pollens and grasses, and also to mould stirred up by rain and warmth. You’ll usually see skin and ear signs rather than “hay fever” in the human sense.

Common clues include persistent scratching, licking paws, red skin, recurrent ear irritation, and rubbing the face on the carpet. If these start each year around the same time, it’s worth a vet chat early—before the skin barrier breaks down and secondary infection sets in.

Tick paralysis risk increases as conditions suit ticks

On Australia’s east coast, paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) are a serious seasonal threat. Cases commonly peak from early spring through mid-summer, though risk can extend beyond that depending on local weather and habitat. ^{5, 6}

Daily, hands-on tick searches still matter even if your pet is on prevention—especially after time in bushy, scrubby or long-grass areas. If you’re checking in a hurry, start with the head and neck: a large Australian study found most paralysis ticks on dogs and cats were located on the head, neck or ears. ^{6, 7}

Summer: heat stress, hot surfaces, and hot cars

Heat stress and heatstroke

Heat illness can build quietly, then tip. Panting becomes harder work, hydration slips, and organs begin to struggle. Pets with short muzzles (brachycephalic breeds), thick coats, obesity, heart/airway disease, and the very young or old are at higher risk. ¹

Early signs to treat as urgent include heavy or relentless panting, drooling, weakness or wobbliness, vomiting/diarrhoea, bright red or pale gums, confusion, collapse, or seizures. Seek veterinary help immediately if you suspect heatstroke. ^{1, 2}

Hot ground and paw burns

In summer sun, asphalt, concrete and sand can burn paw pads. A simple check is the five‑second hand test: if you can’t hold the back of your hand on the surface for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s feet. ²

Hot cars (even on mild days)

Parked cars heat quickly and can become lethal. RSPCA guidance cites research showing that when the outside temperature is 22°C, the inside of a car can rise to over 47°C within an hour. Cracked windows and shade aren’t reliable protection. ^{1, 3}

Mosquitoes and heartworm risk

Warm, humid conditions increase mosquito activity in many regions. Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes and can be fatal, which is why many vets recommend consistent prevention rather than stopping and starting. ⁴

Autumn: damp, mould, and garden hazards

Autumn can be gentle on temperature, but damp weather and leaf litter change what pets sniff, lick and chew. Two common issues are:

• Mould and environmental irritation in wet, poorly ventilated spaces (often showing up as skin and ear flare‑ups).
• Garden foraging, where mushrooms and decomposing plant material can be eaten before you notice.

If your pet is the sort to sample the garden, autumn is a good time to tighten supervision on walks, keep lawns trimmed, and clear leaf piles where small hazards hide.

Winter: cold exposure, chemicals, and indoor routine changes

Hypothermia and cold stress

Cold affects pets unevenly. Short-coated, small, very young, very old, and unwell animals lose heat faster. Provide dry bedding off the ground, shelter from wind and rain, and keep an eye on pets that “cope” quietly.

Antifreeze and other household chemicals

Antifreeze products containing ethylene glycol can be deadly even in small amounts. Spills should be cleaned immediately and containers stored securely. If you suspect ingestion, it’s an emergency—don’t wait for symptoms. ^{8, 9}

Less movement, more weight gain

Winter often shrinks walk time and changes routines. Weight gain can creep in when activity drops but feeding stays the same. Keep food measured, use puzzle feeders, and build small indoor movement habits (short training sessions, scent games, stairs if appropriate) rather than relying on one big outing.

Seasonal prevention that holds up all year

Quick seasonal check routine

• Heat days: shade, airflow, water, and walk early/late; avoid hot surfaces. ²
• Tick season or tick areas: daily tick searches; start with head/neck/ears; act fast if you see wobbliness or breathing changes. ^{6, 7}
• Mozzie days: manage standing water and ask your vet about heartworm prevention suited to your region and pet. ⁴
• Cold snaps: dry bedding, wind-proof shelter, and extra supervision for small/short-haired pets.

Vet visits and prevention plans

Most pets benefit from at least an annual health check, with more frequent reviews for puppies and kittens, seniors, and pets with chronic skin, heart or airway issues. Parasite prevention and vaccination schedules should match your pet’s life (indoor/outdoor, travel, local tick and mosquito risk) rather than the calendar alone. ⁷

When to treat it as urgent

Seek urgent veterinary care if you notice any of the following, especially during hot weather or tick season:

• Collapse, severe weakness, seizures, or marked confusion ¹
• Laboured breathing, noisy breathing, or a sudden change in bark/meow ^{1, 10}
• Wobbliness or hind-limb weakness (tick paralysis can start subtly) ^{5, 10}
• Suspected antifreeze exposure (don’t wait for symptoms) ^{8, 9}

References

1. RSPCA Pet Insurance (Australia) — Heatstroke (hyperthermia) guide for cats and dogs
2. RSPCA NSW — Heat stress (hot weather safety and first aid)
3. RSPCA Australia — Five ways to keep your pet cool this summer (hot cars and summer precautions)
4. ABC News — Protecting dogs and cats from mosquitoes and heartworm (includes RSPCA Qld veterinary advice)
5. NSW Government — Ticks and livestock (seasonality and clinical signs of tick paralysis)
6. The University of Queensland — Paralysis ticks prefer heads and necks of pets (research summary)
7. RSPCA Knowledgebase — How can I protect my dog or cat from tick paralysis?
8. RSPCA Knowledgebase — Common household dangers for pets (includes antifreeze/ethylene glycol)
9. American College of Veterinary Pharmacists — Ethylene glycol (pet poison control information)
10. RSPCA Queensland — Tick warning: protect your pets (signs of paralysis tick and urgency)