Living in Victoria, BC, we get a pretty unique climate compared to the rest of Canada. Mild winters, warm (sometimes unexpectedly hot) summers, and a whole lot of rain in between. That is great for us, but it also means the seasonal risks for our pets shift in ways that are not always obvious.
I have worked in veterinary wellness for over a decade, and one pattern comes up every single year: pet owners tend to think about safety reactively, after something has already gone wrong. A dog burns its paws on hot pavement in July. A cat gets into antifreeze in December. These are preventable situations, and having a straightforward seasonal plan makes all the difference for pet care in Victoria.
This guide walks through each season with specific, practical advice based on what veterinary teams across Greater Victoria actually see and treat. No fluff, just the stuff that matters.
Spring: Allergies, Parasites, and the Return of Outdoor Adventures
Spring in Victoria starts early, often by mid-February. Cherry blossoms line the streets, and everyone, pets included, spends more time outside. But spring also brings a few risks that catch people off guard.
Tick and Flea Season Starts Sooner Than You Think
Because Victoria rarely sees a hard freeze, ticks and fleas can be active almost year-round on Vancouver Island. That said, spring is where things really pick up. The BC SPCA and local veterinary clinics regularly report a spike in tick-related visits starting in March. If your dog walks through tall grass at Beacon Hill Park, Mount Doug, or along the Galloping Goose Trail, a tick check after every outing is not optional.
Flea prevention should ideally start before you notice a problem. Most veterinary professionals in Victoria recommend beginning parasite prevention in early spring and continuing through fall, at minimum. Some pet owners in coastal BC keep their animals on year-round prevention, which is worth discussing with your vet.
Seasonal Allergies in Dogs and Cats
Just like people, pets can be allergic to pollen, grass, and mould. In Victoria, environmental allergies tend to flare between March and June. Common signs include excessive scratching, red or watery eyes, ear infections, and chewing at the paws. If your dog is constantly licking its feet after walks, that is often an allergy signal rather than a behavioural quirk.
A quick rinse of your pet’s paws after outdoor time can reduce allergen exposure. For cats who go outdoors, wiping them down with a damp cloth when they come inside helps too.
Summer: Heat, Pavement Burns, and Water Safety
Victoria summers have become increasingly warm over the past several years. The 2021 heat dome was a wake-up call for a lot of pet owners across British Columbia, and veterinary emergency rooms saw a significant increase in heatstroke cases that week.
Heatstroke Is More Common Than People Realize
Dogs do not regulate heat the way humans do. They rely on panting and limited sweat glands in their paw pads, which is not very efficient. Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs are at especially high risk, along with senior pets and those carrying extra weight.
During summer months, the team at Midtown Veterinary Hospital and other dog and cat care services in Victoria consistently advise the same things: walk your dog in the early morning or after 7 p.m., always carry water, and never leave a pet in a parked car, not even for five minutes. The interior of a vehicle can reach 50 degrees Celsius in under 15 minutes on a 30-degree day.
Hot Pavement and Paw Burns
A good rule of thumb: place the back of your hand flat on the pavement for seven seconds. If it is too hot for your skin, it is too hot for your dog’s paw pads. Asphalt can reach 60 degrees Celsius or higher when air temperatures hit the low 30s. Stick to grassy areas during peak heat or invest in protective dog booties for summer walks.
Water Safety for Dogs
Victoria’s proximity to oceans, lakes, and rivers means water activities are a big part of summer. Not all dogs are natural swimmers, though, and even strong swimmers can get into trouble in unfamiliar currents. If you take your dog to Willows Beach, Thetis Lake, or Elk Lake, keep a close eye on them, especially in deeper water. Dog life jackets are inexpensive and can be lifesaving for breeds that are not built for swimming.
Also worth noting: blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms can appear in freshwater lakes during warm months. These blooms are toxic and can be fatal to dogs within hours of exposure. If the water looks discoloured or has a musty smell, keep your pet out of it entirely.
Fall: Mushrooms, Darker Walks, and Preparing for the Wet Season
Autumn in Victoria is beautiful, but it also introduces some specific hazards for pets that are easy to overlook.
Toxic Mushrooms Are a Real Concern
Victoria’s mild, damp climate creates perfect conditions for wild mushrooms, and some of them are genuinely dangerous. The death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) has been documented in Greater Victoria, particularly in areas with European oak trees. Dogs that eat wild mushrooms during walks can develop liver failure rapidly, and treatment outcomes are not always positive.
If you see your dog eat a mushroom on a walk, try to collect a sample (using a bag, not your bare hands) and contact your veterinarian immediately. Fast action matters with mushroom toxicity.
Visibility and Safety on Evening Walks
As daylight hours shrink, many pet owners in Victoria end up walking their dogs in low-light or dark conditions. Reflective collars, LED leash attachments, and light-coloured gear can make a real difference in keeping you and your pet visible to cyclists and drivers. This is especially relevant on shared-use trails and busier streets in the Greater Victoria area.
Winter: Rain, Road Salt, and Indoor Wellness
Victoria winters are mild by Canadian standards, but they are wet. Prolonged dampness creates its own set of challenges for pet health.
Paw Care After Wet and Muddy Walks
Moisture trapped between a dog’s toes can lead to irritation, fungal infections, and cracked paw pads over time. After rainy walks, take 30 seconds to dry your dog’s feet with a towel and check between the toes for debris. For dogs with longer fur on their paws, keeping that area trimmed short through winter reduces the chance of issues.
Road salt and de-icing chemicals, while less common in Victoria than in eastern Canada, are still used on some sidewalks and roads during cold snaps. These products can irritate paws and cause stomach upset if your pet licks them off. A quick paw rinse after walks on treated surfaces is a smart habit.
Antifreeze Toxicity
This one comes up every winter. Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol has a sweet taste that attracts both cats and dogs, and even a tiny amount can be fatal. According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, as little as one tablespoon can kill a small dog or cat. If you store antifreeze in your garage, switch to a propylene glycol-based product, which is significantly less toxic. Clean up any spills right away and keep pets out of areas where vehicles are regularly parked.
Keeping Indoor Cats Stimulated
Cats who normally spend time outdoors often become housebound during Victoria’s rainy winter months. This can lead to boredom, weight gain, and behavioural changes. Rotating toys, adding vertical climbing spaces, and setting up window perches where cats can watch birds and squirrels can help keep them engaged. Interactive feeders are another good option for mental stimulation.
Year-Round Basics That Apply Every Season
Regardless of the time of year, some things stay constant for responsible pet care in Victoria. Routine wellness checkups (at least once a year for adult pets, twice for seniors), staying current on vaccinations, and maintaining consistent parasite prevention are the foundation. Dental health is another area that often gets overlooked but has a real impact on your pet’s overall wellbeing.
Microchipping and keeping your contact details up to date with the CRD’s licensing service are also worth mentioning. Pets can slip out during storms, fireworks season, or just an accidentally open door. A microchip is the most reliable way to get a lost pet home quickly.
If you are looking for reliable dog and cat care services in Victoria, start with a clinic that takes the time to talk through seasonal risks with you. Good veterinary care is not just about treating illness; it is about preventing problems before they start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the biggest seasonal pet safety risks in Victoria, BC? A: Spring brings increased tick and flea activity along with pollen allergies. Summer poses heatstroke and hot pavement risks. Fall introduces toxic wild mushrooms and reduced visibility for evening walks. Winter brings paw irritation from moisture and de-icing products, plus antifreeze toxicity risks.
Q: When should I start flea and tick prevention for my pet in Victoria? A: Because Victoria has a mild coastal climate, parasites can be active earlier than in most Canadian cities. Most veterinary professionals recommend starting prevention in early spring (March) and continuing through at least November. Some pets in the Greater Victoria area benefit from year-round protection.
Q: How do I protect my dog’s paws from hot pavement in summer? A: Test the pavement with the back of your hand for seven seconds. If it is too hot for your skin, it is too hot for your dog. Walk during cooler parts of the day (before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.), stick to grassy or shaded paths, or use protective dog booties.
Q: Are wild mushrooms in Victoria dangerous for dogs? A: Yes. Several toxic species grow in the Greater Victoria area, including the death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), which can cause liver failure in dogs. If your dog eats a wild mushroom, collect a sample and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Q: How can I keep my indoor cat active during Victoria’s rainy winter months? A: Rotate toys regularly, add vertical climbing structures and window perches, and use interactive feeders to provide mental stimulation. Scheduled play sessions of 10 to 15 minutes twice a day can help prevent boredom and weight gain during the wet season.
Q: How often should my pet have a veterinary wellness checkup? A: Adult dogs and cats should see a veterinarian at least once a year for a wellness exam. Senior pets (roughly seven years and older) benefit from twice-yearly visits, as age-related conditions can develop quickly and are easier to manage with early detection.