What seems obvious for people can be easily overlooked in pets. Yes, they can suffer heatstroke too. High temperatures, exercising during the heat of the day or being left in a car, even briefly, can be dangerous. Brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs are especially vulnerable due to their shortened airways.

The symptoms of heatstroke include:

• Heavy panting or laboured breathing
• Drooling and excessive saliva
• Lethargy or unsteadiness
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Collapse or loss of consciousness
• Bright red or pale gums

If your pet is showing signs of heatstroke, move them somewhere cooler and shaded immediately. Offer them small amounts of water (cool but not ice-cold as this can cause shock) and use a damp towel to gently lower their body temperature, particularly on their paws, belly and neck. If you suspect heatstroke, contact your vet or bring your pet to an emergency clinic as quickly as possible.

Snake bites are one of the most common veterinary emergencies in Adelaide and a major source of anxiety for pet owners during the warmer months when snakes are more active. Dogs face a higher risk during this time as they spend more time outdoors and are naturally curious and territorial. Cats can be bitten too, but their more cautious behaviour makes it less common.

The symptoms of snake bites in pets include:

• Sudden collapse followed by a temporary recovery (which can be misleading)
• Vomiting, drooling or trembling
• Weakness in the hind legs or full-body paralysis
• Pale gums, rapid breathing or bleeding abnormalities
• Seizures or loss of consciousness

If you suspect your dog or cat has been bitten by a snake, time is critical. Antivenom is often the only treatment and must be given as soon as possible for the best chance of recovery. Some symptoms may not appear right away, so we recommend seeing a vet after any snake encounter, even if your pet seems fine.

Summer heatwaves can make pavement, asphalt, sand and metal surfaces like ute trays or car bonnets, dangerously hot. They can become even hotter than the surrounding air. Unfortunately, pets don’t always notice this straight away, especially dogs who are eager to get outside and play.

Common injuries and symptoms include:

• Burns to paw pads, which may present as redness, blisters or peeling
• Reluctance to walk, limping, licking or chewing at the feet after heat exposure
• Deep tissue damage or infection if burns are not promptly treated

Owners need to stay alert and use common sense when heading outdoors with pets in summer, as these injuries are usually preventable. You might not realise how hot a surface is until it has already caused real damage—and your pet can’t tell you their feet are burning until it’s too late. Some dogs will tolerate the discomfort just to keep walking, so it’s a good idea to check their paws after walks or outdoor play. Before heading out, test the ground with the back of your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet.

Spring allergies can hit our pets just as hard as they hit us. Pollen from grasses, trees and flowering plants become more active, and many pets are sensitive to them. Insect activity also ramps up, with fleas and other biting insects not only causing irritation but often triggering allergic reactions. Other common allergens include mould spores, dust, certain mulches or garden plants, and airborne particles that can cling to fur and paws.

Some symptoms you should look out for:

• Itching and scratching, especially around the ears, paws, belly and face
• Red, irritated skin or rashes such as hotspots, patches or widespread inflammation
• Ear infections due to excess wax production or irritation
• Watery eyes, sneezing or nasal discharge
• Licking or chewing paws

There are a few things that can help if your pet is struggling with allergies, but don’t hesitate to call our nurses for advice or bring your pet in if they seem uncomfortable or in pain. At home, you can try frequent bathing, rinsing their paws after walks, using antihistamines or other vet-prescribed treatments, and staying up to date with flea prevention. It also helps to limit exposure to known triggers where possible. If symptoms don’t improve, please see your vet.

Like summer, spring weather is perfect for getting outdoors, so interactions with nature are frequent. Curiosity can be risky, and dogs in particular love to chase and snap at bees and wasps, putting their adorable faces at risk. While cats are less likely to get stung, they’re not immune. Noses, mouths and paws are the most common sting sites, and these areas tend to swell more noticeably.

Signs to look out for:

• Swelling at the site of the bite or sting
• Itching or chewing at the affected area
• Crying, limping or favouring a paw
• Allergic reactions such as hives, vomiting, breathing difficulties or sudden collapse
• Delayed reactions, even if initial symptoms seemed mild

If your pet has been stung or bitten, call your regular vet or message the Nexus nurse chat for advice. If symptoms persist, it’s safest to have them checked by an emergency vet. Don’t give human antihistamines unless specifically advised, as they’re not always safe for pets. Try applying a cold compress to help with swelling if your pet allows it, and observe closely for signs of a more serious reaction. If you see a stinger, avoid trying to remove it yourself. You could cause more irritation, and your pet may not tolerate it well. It’s best to let a vet handle it.

Gardening is a popular seasonal pastime, which means the backyard often contains fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides. With pets still enjoying time outdoors in the sun, they’re more likely to dig, chew or explore areas where these products have recently been used. Some dogs will chew on mulch or dig through garden beds, while cats may nibble on plants.

Common garden hazards:

• Ingesting fertilisers can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and other serious symptoms, depending on ingredients
• Ingesting, inhaling or absorbing herbicides through the paws can be toxic for pets
• Cocoa mulch is attractive to dogs because of its scent but contains theobromine, which is toxic to them
• Compost heaps or bins may contain mouldy food or other toxic substances

Sadly, many pet owners don’t realise how dangerous some common garden products can be. Symptoms from toxic exposure may start off mild but can escalate quickly, depending on the substance and how much was ingested. Rinsing paws after time outside can help reduce absorption, but if ingestion has occurred, you need to act fast. Message our nurse chat or bring your pet straight in. And always let us know exactly what they may have been exposed to, as it’s critical for effective treatment.

For elderly dogs and those with existing joint or mobility issues, cold weather can really exacerbate the symptoms.

Some of the things to look out for include:

• Reluctance to move or hesitation when getting up, lying down, using stairs or jumping
• Stiffness after resting that may improve slightly with movement but worsens in the cold
• Limping or favouring one leg, particularly after exercise or first thing in the morning
• Whining or other vocal cues of discomfort
• Changes in mood or behaviour, such as irritability or withdrawal from normal activities
• Muscle loss, particularly in the hind legs
• Licking or chewing at sore joints

If your pet seems to be struggling with joint pain, it’s best to seek immediate veterinary care. The winter can definitely worsen conditions like arthritis, and treatment is not just about managing pain, it’s about improving quality of life. Timely intervention can also prevent further deterioration and keep pets mobile and comfortable as they age.

While pets in Adelaide don’t face subzero winters or the icy hazards seen in colder climates, wet surfaces can still be a real risk. Rain and cooler conditions often make paths and tiles slippery, which increases the chance of slips and strains.

Some things to keep in mind over the winter:

• Wet decking, patios, footpaths, driveways and tiled areas can become very slippery after rain
• Indoor flooring (like tiles and floorboards) can also be a hazard for wet paws, leading to slips in excitable or older pets
• Limping, hesitation when moving, yelping during activity or avoiding certain areas can indicate a strain or minor injury
• Pets may be reluctant to go outside in the wet or cold, and this can lead to toileting accidents indoors
• After a slip, a pet may appear more cautious, withdrawn or stiff

If you suspect your pet has been affected by a winter slip, limit their movement and keep them away from stairs or jumping. Gently check their paws and limbs for swelling or tenderness. If they seem okay, keep an eye on them over the next few hours for signs like limping, stiffness or discomfort. If symptoms persist or get worse, it’s time to seek help, either with your regular vet or at an emergency clinic like Nexus.

Cold, damp weather can lead outdoor pets to seek warm spots like garages or sheds, where they might come into contact with chemicals, sharp tools or heaters. Meanwhile, indoor pets often spend even more time inside during winter, which can lead to boredom, reduced exercise and issues like weight gain or anxiety.

What to watch for outdoors:

• Pets disappearing or hiding in unfamiliar places
• Signs of chemical exposure like drooling, vomiting and unusual behaviour
• Burns or singed fur near heaters or electrical equipment
• Cuts, limping or signs of injury from sharp objects or shed tools

What to watch for indoors:

• Noticeable weight gain or loss of muscle tone
• Restlessness, pacing or increased vocalisation
• Destructive actions like chewing or scratching
• Changes in mood such as withdrawal or clinginess
• Reduced interest in walks, toys or other regular activities

Some of these things are fine to monitor at home, like mild stiffness or a bit of reluctance to exercise—many of us humans feel the same way in colder weather. Minor boredom-related behaviours, like pacing or seeking more attention, can also be watched to see if they settle or digress. However, if you notice persistent limping or signs of pain, it’s best to seek professional advice. Obvious injuries like burns or cuts, or any signs of toxin exposure, should be treated as urgent.