Heat Stroke, Chocolate, and Lilies—Oh My!
BOSTON, March 31, 2026 – Experts at Angell Animal Medical Center are advising pet parents on seasonal dangers that may impact their loyal companions’ health and safety this spring, including changes in temperature.
“Following the extremely cold winter we had, many of us, including our pets are excited to start enjoying the warmer weather,” said Dr. Courtney Peck, Chief Medical Officer at MSPCA-Angell West in Waltham. “In the same way that it’ll take time for people to adjust to the increase in temperature, pets should also be exercised gradually outdoors.”
Listen to Your Pet
Dr. Peck cautions dog owners out on walks to monitor for signs of distress, including heavy panting, refusal from the dog to walk any further, or vomiting in extreme cases.
“Heat stroke is often only thought of during summer months, but we commonly see cases in the spring when temperatures and humidity can increase quickly,” Dr. Peck explained. “If you sense your pet is needing a break, don’t hesitate to take one! The signs of heat stroke can progress rapidly.”
“Being prepared is key,” noted Dr. Peck. “Keep an eye out for water stations on walks, and keep a collapsible water bowl handy so your dog can stay hydrated. On suddenly warmer days, exercise pets during cooler hours until they’ve adjusted to the change, and have them take frequent breaks from exercise.”
Be Aware of Chocolate in Your Home
With Easter approaching, Dr. Peck advises keeping chocolate bunnies and eggs somewhere safe and out of reach from pets.
“People might not realize that chocolate ingestion is toxic for both dogs and cats,” explained Dr. Peck. “This is because chocolate contains ingredients that stimulate the nervous and cardiovascular systems, and can lead to seizures, coma, and death.”
“The size of the pet, as well as the amount and type of chocolate that was consumed, are all factors that can impact the severity of the situation and how quickly you should act on it.”
According to Dr. Peck, you should call your primary care vet first if you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate. If unable to reach them, she recommends contacting animal poison control or a local veterinary emergency room to be cautious.
Keeping Feline Companions Safe
Lilies are another popular item found in homes this time of year, but if cats are around, Dr. Peck suggests seeking an alternative.
“Daylilies as well as true lilies—including tiger, Stargazer, and Easter varieties, among others—are highly toxic to cats and can cause severe kidney injury,” warned Dr. Peck. “Even ingesting or inhaling a small amount can be fatal.”
“If you notice pollen on your pet’s face, wipe it with warm water and try to remove as much as you can. Contact your vet as soon as possible because the effects of lily toxicity are rapid.”
In severe cases of lily toxicity, a treatment called hemodialysis might be necessary. This is offered at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston.
“With some cases of lily ingestion, a cat’s kidneys can be damaged to the point that they’re no longer able to filter properly or produce urine,” explained Dr. Peck. “Hemodialysis is a life-saving therapy that performs the function of the kidneys as they recover, and we’re fortunate to be able to offer this to our critical patients. Ultimately, the best treatment is prevention: keeping these beautiful but dangerous flowers out of the home.”
Keep in Touch!
No matter the time of year, Dr. Peck encourages pet owners to stay connected with their veterinarian if they ever have concerns about their pet’s health and safety.
“As veterinarians, it’s our job to keep your pets safe, so if you’re ever unsure if your pet is at risk from something they ate or were exposed to, give us a call so we can walk through next steps together.”
Angell Animal Medical Center has 24/7 emergency care in Boston and Waltham. Urgent care is also available in Waltham—to determine if a concern is an emergency or if it can be addressed at an urgent care visit, visit angell.org/urgent.
