Spring in France: Why you should be careful walking your dog

Dog owners and walkers in France are warned to stay alert this spring, as better weather can also bring canine dangers in the form of toxic caterpillars, ticks, burrs, and grass seeds.

Fleas and ticks

Rising temperatures can cause a rise in the numbers of fleas and ticks (although they can be an issue all-year-round).

If your pet is not already treated for fleas and ticks, or if you wish to add extra protection in the spring, you can fit a flea collar. These typically offer protection for several weeks, and can prevent a dog from being bitten, and/or bringing the parasites home.

Another significant danger to dogs is the sand fly, which can spread leishmaniasis (a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated in time). Preventative insecticide treatment is the best way to avoid this.

Processionary caterpillars

Increasingly seen across in France and particularly in the south, processionary caterpillars are toxic to dogs if eaten or licked, due to their highly-irritating hairs.

Even a lick can be enough to cause a severe reaction or swelling of the mucous membranes. Animals that are allergic can develop anaphylactic shock, or necrosis of the tongue. 

The risk is highest around coniferous trees such as pines or oak trees, in which the caterpillars have their nests, and can be seen descending from the trunks in their namesake ‘processionary’ lines.

Processionary caterpillars were officially classified as a ‘harmful species’ in 2022.

There are two types, with overlapping seasons, including in early and late Spring:

• Pine caterpillars (processionnaires du pin): January to May, with a peak in March

• Oak caterpillars (processionnaires du chêne): April to August, with a peak in June

If you notice or suspect that your dog has come into contact with the caterpillars (e.g. they are drooling more than usual, coughing, have a discoloured mouth or tongue, inflamed eyes, vomiting or displaying lethargy) you are advised to rinse their mouth and eyes with fresh water, and take them to a vet immediately.

Hazardous plant products

Increased gardening can also present added dangers to dogs at this time of year. These include:

• Weedkillers

• Fertilisers 

• Other plant care products 

These can often have a slightly sweet scent or taste, attracting dogs to lick plants or soil that can lead to severe poisoning.

Some products are marked as safe for pets or they can be kept away from substances, particularly if the plants have been newly treated.

Grass seeds and burrs

Grass seeds and burrs can be deceptively dangerous to dogs in spring, so it is a good idea to inspect them for any signs after a walk or time in the garden. 

Grass seeds (and other kinds) can easily get caught between their paw pads, and slowly cause painful sores that can be difficult to detect at first. 

Burrs are tiny plant ‘spikelets’ that cling to hair or fur that brushes past. These can easily get caught in an animal’s fur, nostrils, ears, genitals, skin, or under the nails, and cause a serious infection.

Once they have become infected or embedded, they may need to be removed and treated by a vet.

Toxic plants

Spring means plants are in bloom, but beware that many can be toxic to dogs if they are eaten, licked, or brush close to their eyes or nose.

Particularly in the case of garden plants, house plants, and bouquets of flowers, it is important to check if they are pet-safe. For example, oleander, lily of the valley, lilies, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas are all poisonous to animals if they are eaten. 

They can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy in even small doses, and can cause seizures or death in larger amounts.