Every spring, it’s the same story in households across Australia: the dog who slept through winter is suddenly wired, the cat is yowling at the window, someone’s scratching more than usual, and everyone seems a little more on.
It’s easy to write it off as “spring fever” and leave it there. But your pet’s spring behaviour is rarely random- each change usually has a reason behind it. Some are perfectly normal seasonal biology. Others are your pet quietly telling you something’s bothering them.
Learning to tell the two apart is the heart of good spring pet care. Here’s what’s often behind the most common spring changes- and when a shift is worth a closer look.
“They’re Suddenly So Energetic” – It’s the Extra Daylight
If your pet seems to have found a new gear, blame the sunshine. As daylight hours stretch out, they trigger hormonal shifts that naturally lift energy and alertness. Vets see it every year: the “spring fever” zoomies, the sudden interest in every smell on a walk, the pet who won’t settle.
For the most part this is healthy and welcome. The one thing to watch is the jump: a dog who took winter easy can strain muscles and joints if they go from couch to sprint overnight, especially older pets or those with arthritis. Ease activity back up gradually, and keep an eye on how they pull up afterwards. If they seem stiff or sore getting going, our guide to the signs your dog is in pain covers the subtle cues worth noting.
“They Can’t Stop Scratching” – Allergies Have Arrived
One of the most common spring changes is also one of the most uncomfortable. Blooming plants, grasses and pollens bring on seasonal skin allergies, and they’re more widespread than many owners realise: according to PetSure’s 2025 Pet Health Monitor, skin allergies and infections were the most-claimed condition for dogs in 2024.
Watch for persistent scratching, licking or chewing (especially the paws), red or irritated skin, recurring ear infections, or face-rubbing against furniture. And here’s the part owners often miss: an itchy pet is an uncomfortable pet- which can show up as grumpiness or a shorter fuse, not just scratching.
Wiping paws and coat after walks, regular brushing and clean bedding all help. If the itch persists, it’s worth a vet visit before it escalates. Our guide on CBD oil for dogs with allergies this spring explores this further.
“They’re Restless, Vocal or Roaming” – Seasonal Hormones
As the days lengthen, longer daylight stimulates reproductive hormones- which can mean more vocalising, roaming or territorial behaviour, especially in pets that aren’t desexed. Desexed pets are usually far less affected, though some may still pick up on the seasonal shift. It’s a normal part of the season for many animals.
Where it’s worth paying attention is when restlessness tips into genuine distress- pacing, clinginess, or anxiety that doesn’t settle. Spring’s other feature, unpredictable storm weather, can compound this in more sensitive pets. Keeping routines steady and offering a calm, quiet retreat during storms both help. For pets who find seasonal change harder, our article on managing anxiety during seasonal transitions walks through supportive approaches.
“Something’s Just… Off” – When to Look Closer
Many spring changes are mild and short-lived. But because so many overlap – an itchy pet and a sore pet can both seem grumpy; a restless pet and an anxious pet can look alike – it’s worth knowing when a change deserves a vet’s eye rather than a shrug.
Book a check-up if you notice:
Scratching or licking that’s constant, or breaking the skin
Stiffness, limping or reluctance to move that doesn’t ease
Restlessness or vocalising that seems like real distress, not excitement
Any change in appetite, drinking or toilet habits
Trust your read on your own pet. A change that’s mild and passing is usually just spring; one that’s persistent, worsening, or clearly uncomfortable is worth a conversation.
The Aussie Spring Checklist
Alongside the behaviour changes, a few Australian spring essentials are worth staying on top of after winter:
Paralysis ticks: on the east coast especially, the paralysis tick can be fatal. Keep flea, tick and worming treatments current, and check your pet thoroughly after any bushy or grassy outing. Wobbly back legs, changed breathing, gagging or a droopy face are a veterinary emergency.
Snakes: as it warms up, snakebites climb. Keep to cleared paths, avoid long grass, and treat any suspected bite as an emergency.
The smaller stuff: bee and wasp stings are far more common in spring, bindii burrs and grass seeds catch in paws and coats, and spring planting can bring toxic plants, fertilisers and snail baits into reach. A quick paw-and-coat check after time outside goes a long way.
The change of season is also a natural prompt for an annual health check- vaccinations, parasite cover, weight and general condition all in one visit.
Supporting Your Pet Through the Season
For pets managing ongoing conditions, spring’s rise in activity is also a good moment to review their care plan with your vet. Where appropriate, that may include a range of comfort and mobility approaches- including, in some cases, vet-prescribed CBD. In Australia, CBD used therapeutically in animals require veterinary involvement/prescription in Australia, so it’s only suitable where a vet has assessed your pet and determined it fits their needs. You can read more in our guide to dog pain relief in Australia.
Spring is one of the best seasons to share with a pet- more sunshine, more movement, more time together outdoors. Understanding why they act differently makes it easier to enjoy the good changes and act early on the ones that matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog or cat acting differently in spring?
Longer daylight hours trigger hormonal shifts that can raise energy, restlessness and vocalising- often called “spring fever.” Warmer weather also brings allergies and more outdoor stimulation. Most changes are normal seasonal biology, but persistent or distressing ones are worth a vet check.
Can pets get seasonal allergies in spring?
Yes. Pollen, grasses and mould can cause itchy skin, ear infections and irritated paws in both dogs and cats. Because discomfort can also show as irritability, persistent scratching is worth raising with your vet.
When should I be concerned about my pet’s spring behaviour?
If a change is persistent, worsening, or clearly uncomfortable – constant scratching, ongoing stiffness, real distress rather than excitement, or changes in appetite or toilet habits – it’s worth a check-up rather than assuming it’s just the season.
Speak With Your Vet
However your pet experiences the change of season, your vet is your best partner in keeping them comfortable. To learn more, contact the CBD Vets Australia team here or on 02 8294 9303.
This article is intended as general information and isn’t a substitute for veterinary advice. If you’re concerned about your pet’s health, please consult a qualified veterinarian.
