How to keep your pet safe this spring

3/31/2026

Spring adventures are great for pets, but they’re also when accidents and allergies tend to show up. As pets spend more time outdoors, they’re more exposed to allergens, parasites, toxins and activity‑related injuries (just like us!). Many of these risks are preventable with a few simple habits. Still, accidents and illnesses can happen—and when they do, vet visits can be costly. That’s where BCAA Pet Insurance comes in. You could save up to 13.5% on your policy as a BCAA Member and it helps you prepare for the unexpected, so you can focus on your pet’s care instead of the bill.

Here’s how to keep your pet safe this spring:

Watch for spring allergies and irritants
Springtime pollen, grass and mold can trigger allergies in your pet. You’ll see them scratching more after they’ve been outside and an increase in paw licking, red ears and watery eyes. As pollen counts rise, these signs often appear gradually.

You can help reduce irritation by wiping pollen off your pet’s feet and coat after walks and washing their bedding regularly. Keep an eye out for recurring or worsening symptoms and if their discomfort increases, check in with your vet. Seasonal allergies can sometimes require medication or ongoing care.
Protect your fur child from fleas, ticks and parasites
Warmer weather means fleas and ticks are active again. Even a short walk through tall grass can expose your pet to parasites.

After walks, check your dog carefully around the ears, under the collar, between the toes and along the belly. Staying consistent with your vet‑recommended flea and tick prevention plan is one of the simplest ways to reduce risk.

Parasite‑related illnesses can be serious and expensive to diagnose and treat. While prevention helps, pet insurance adds peace of mind if your pet does get sick and needs veterinary care.
When spring cleaning becomes a household hazard
Spring cleaning feels great but many cleaning supplies pose a risk to curious pets. Chemical disinfectants, laundry pods and even some natural‑sounding essential oils can cause problems if pets touch or ingest them.

Store cleaning products securely and keep pets out of the room while you clean. Whenever possible, choose pet‑friendly alternatives like white vinegar, baking soda or castile soap. Open windows for ventilation, let surfaces dry completely and make sure your pet can leave the room if you’re diffusing essential oils.

If accidental exposure does happen, having access to veterinary advice and coverage can make a stressful situation easier to manage.
Protect your pet from toxic plants and garden products
Gardening season introduces fertilizers, weed killers, compost and mulch many of which are harmful to pets. Your pet may dig, sniff or sample something new before you notice.

Supervise outdoor exploration, store garden products in sealed containers and keep them out of reach. Some common spring plants like lilies, daffodils and tulips are toxic to pets. Here’s a list of 11 plants that are toxic to your pets. Compost piles can also grow mold that produces dangerous toxins, so make sure your pet can never access them.
Outdoor adventures can lead to activity-related injuries
After a quieter winter, many pets jump right back into long walks, hikes and energetic play. Just like people, their muscles and paws may need time to adjust. Overdoing it too soon can lead to sprains, sore joints or minor injuries.

Ease your dog back into activity gradually. Bring water on longer walks, avoid hot pavement as temperatures rise and check paws for cuts or irritation once you’re home.

It’s also a good time to make sure ID tags are up to date and your pet’s microchip information is current just in case spring adventures lead them a little too far from home.

How BCAA Pet Insurance helps you

Your pet is family and you’ll do anything to keep them safe. Still, even the most attentive pet owners can’t prevent every accident or illness.

BCAA Pet Insurance helps cover unexpected veterinary costs from accidents and illnesses so you can focus on helping your pet feel better. Coverage can help with things like emergency care, diagnostics, medications and treatment when the unexpected happens.

Whether your dog struggles with seasonal allergies, your cat swallows something they shouldn’t, or your pet gets injured during outdoor play, pet insurance can help reduce the financial strain of treatment. To learn more about how to keep your pet safe, here are 12 smart tips to keep your pet safe.

Spring protection starts with pet insurance

Help protect your pet this spring by getting a quote for BCAA Pet Insurance today. Learn more about all your coverage options at bcaa.com/pet. Plus, BCAA Members save 13.5%, that’s up to $120 per year to enjoy on spring’s ever-longer days.*

^{*BCAA Member savings average of $120/year is based on Accident and Illness plans with a 13.5% discount applied. BCAA Members receive a preferred rate of 13.5% off. Non-members receive a preferred rate of 9% off

All pet insurance plans have limitations and exclusions. Specific products, features, rates, and discounts may vary by province and territory, eligibility, and are subject to change. Medical Conditions that are noted, symptomatic or diagnosed prior to enrollment, or during a waiting period are pre-existing to Coverage and not eligible for reimbursement. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. This advertisement is an outline only; policy terms and conditions 'User Guide' will prevail.

For all terms and conditions visit: https://www.petsplusus.com/service-claims/brochures-guides.

Pet insurance is sold and administered (including with respect to claims) by PTZ Insurance Services Ltd. (PTZ), a licensed insurance agency and is underwritten by Northbridge Insurance (Northbridge). The insurance transaction is between the customer and Northbridge. B.C.A.A. Holdings Ltd., dba BCAA Insurance Agency, receives commissions from PTZ for referrals of potential customers for pet insurance. PTZ receives fees and commissions from Northbridge for sales and administration of pet insurance.}