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While the arrival of spring means warmer weather and more time spent outdoors, potential dangers for pets pop up just as much as flowers do. From ivy to barbecues, there are many hazards you should look out for on a daily basis to ensure the safety of your pet. "Springtime normally brings an increased number of cases to our out-of-hours clinics," says Dave Leicester, head of clinical intelligence at Vets Now. "Brighter and sunnier days mean that people and their pets are out and about, enjoying the weather. We tend to see more road traffic accidents, cat fights, dog bites, allergic reactions and occasionally cases of heat stroke."Here are some of the things Vets Now recommends watching out for as the weather gets warmer:1. ChocolateLook out for those chocolate treats around springtime. Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine (a bit like caffeine) that’s poisonous to dogs. The amount of theobromine differs depending on the type of chocolate, with dark chocolate and baking chocolate containing the most.2. Raisins and grapesGrapes, raisins, currants and sultanas can cause kidney failure in dogs. Experts agree that there is no "safe" dose of grapes and raisins.3. Spring flowersCats and dogs love spending time in the garden, so watch out for poisonous plants. Toxic species common at this time of year include lilies, daffodils and azaleas. Daffodils can be toxic, particularly the bulbs, but the flower heads can also cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. In severe cases, this may result in dehydration, tremors and convulsions. These signs can be seen from 15 minutes to one day following ingestion. All parts of the bluebell are poisonous to dogs. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, and there is also a risk of heart beat irregularity (arrhythmia) if a significant quantity is ingested.Other spring flowers, such as crocuses and tulips, are considered to be less toxic, but seek veterinary advice if you are worried your pet has eaten them.4. Slug and snail pellets (metaldehyde)Make sure your garden is safe for your cat and be careful if you need to use any slug and snail pellets, pesticides or other chemicals. The toxic compound in slug and snail pellets is called metaldehyde. Bear in mind that not all products contain it. However, eating small amounts can cause significant poisoning. Signs will be seen within an hour of ingestion and include incoordination, muscle spasms, twitching, tremors, seizures and even death, if left untreated. Your cat or dog will need urgent veterinary treatment if affected. Avoid using cocoa shell mulch as well, as it contains the same toxic ingredient as chocolate.5. IvyDogs who eat ivy (Hedera helix) commonly develop drooling, vomiting or diarrhea. In the most severe cases, you may also see blood in the vomit or feces. Contact with ivy can cause skin reactions, conjunctivitis, itchiness and skin rashes. Note that poison Ivy (Rhus radicans) is a different plant and only grows in Asia and North America.6. Grass bladesThis is another surprisingly big cause of pet emergencies. Cats who have a penchant for eating long grass or decorative grasses run the risk of getting the blades stuck in their nose and throat. This can cause breathing problems, coughing, sneezing, loss of appetite and nasal discharge.7. Snake bitesThere are 25 kinds of venomous snakes in North America, and while not all of them are deadly to pets, they can cause extreme discomfort and stress. Be sure to research what snakes are common in your area, if any. Symptoms of a snake bite include swelling, bleeding, bruising, drooling, vomiting, blood in urine, incontinence and an altered mental state. Eventually, these symptoms can become more and more severe and require urgent medical attention.8. BarbecuesIf you are having a springtime barbecue, make sure your cat or dog is kept at a safe distance. Kebab skewers, alcohol and bones can be particularly dangerous.9. Allergies Just like people, cats and dogs can develop allergies to plants, pollen, grasses and many other substances in springtime. Allergies in pets normally appear as itchy skin and ear problems, accompanied by hair loss or inflamed skin. Some pets will even change their behavior due to irritation. Some will suffer respiratory signs or runny eyes.From spring to early summer is when owners are likely to be stocking up on their own anti-histamine medication. These may be toxic to dogs, and signs of ingestion include vomiting, lethargy, incoordination, wobbliness and tremors. These symptoms typically develop within four to seven hours. Some dogs may also become hyper-excitable. If large amounts of anti-histamine have been eaten, convulsions, respiratory depression and coma may occur.10. Insect stingsCats and dogs often like to chase and play with wasps and bees and can be stung. Most of these cases are not emergencies. For a bee sting, check and remove the sting if it’s still in place, then bathe the area in bicarbonate of soda (one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to 300 milliliters warm water). For a wasp sting, bathe the area with malt vinegar or lemon juice.If your cat is stung in or near the mouth or neck, then you may need to seek veterinary help. Pets, like humans, can be allergic or become allergic to stings. Signs include swelling, distress and breathing difficulties.For more pet-safe gardening tips, check out the related video above.