Getting your dog or cat healthy and prepared for fall and winter is important, as the seasonal transition can affect our pets in many ways. From allergies to pain and anxiety, research low-cost and natural remedies to help soothe their nerves through the cooler months. Precious Pet Care explains how you can prepare your pet for these changes.
Visit Your Veterinarian
An often overlooked resource to pet owners is their furry friend’s medical professional. Annual wellness exams are the ideal time to touch base with your pet’s doctor about your companion’s changing needs. If you’ve owned a pet before, though, you know how expensive it can get to care for common ailments and accidents. You may want to consider purchasing pet insurance. You can look for vet reviewed pet insurance plans to see if there’s one that’s a good fit for you, your pet, and your budget.
Allergies
Just like humans, dogs and cats can suffer from seasonal allergies. Vetericyn explains that the same pesky allergens that make us sneeze and leave our eyes itchy and watering also afflict our pets: pollen, mold spores, and dust can bother dogs and cats. In order to help mitigate these allergens, consider using some of the following tips.
If your dog reacts to pollen in the air, avoid parks and grassy areas on walks, and may even consider indoor facilities to give them room to exercise sans pollen. Be sure to keep your home clean, as pollen and dust can accumulate and create an allergic reaction for your dog or cat. Vacuum regularly and wipe down surfaces if you notice more sneezing and itching, and consider using an air filter during particularly bad times of the year.
Also be sure your chimney is swept at least once a year, if not twice — before using it in the colder months and after the last use in the spring. Sweeping the chimney ensures nests from animals like birds or squirrels are removed and that built-up soot isn’t contributing to an unhealthy environment in the home.
Even if your dog is bath-averse, keeping your pooch clean will help rid their fur of offending allergens such as pollen. However, it’s important to prevent dry and itchy skin by using a gentle, anti-itch treatment with soothing ingredients such as olive oil or turmeric paste.
Pets with food allergies will typically benefit from a diet upgrade as well. Look for treats, supplements and foods that are made with top-quality human-grade ingredients.
Pain
Dogs and cats are notoriously good at hiding pain, which can be heartbreaking for a pet owner. It’s important to know the signs that your pet might be experiencing pain so you can treat them right away.
If you suspect your dog may be in pain, the American Animal Hospital Association suggests looking for changes in their behavior. For example, a dog in pain might lose his appetite. Another potential change could be biting or snapping: if you notice he reacts more strongly when you touch a certain part of his body, this could be an indication of discomfort. Some other potential pain indicators are posture changes, energy level dips, and heart/pulse changes.
For cats, signs of pain are different: your cat could meow more than normal, or try to hide from humans more often. Hissing and unusual purring are other signs, as is restlessness. It’s important to watch your cat for a few days if you suspect she is in pain, and if so, come up with an appropriate coping method.
Both dogs and cats can be given CBD to manage pain and inflammation. CBD comes in both treats and oils, so do some research to see what might be best for your pet. Consider ingredient quality, price, and reviews before you settle on any one product.
Anxiety
Unfortunately, pets also suffer from anxiety: both cats and dogs can become moody and unpredictable when experiencing stress, and it’s vital to know the signs.
Cats experiencing anxiety may be skittish, groom excessively, or do their business outside their litter box. Dogs, on the other hand, are usually very vocal in their anxiety and can often be destructive to their environment. Whether it’s due to separation or environmental causes such as thunder and lightning, anxiety must be dealt with before it consumes your pet.
There are few options for treating dog anxiety, including anxiety meds, CBD, and training. For cats, CBD oil can help, along with changes to their environment. Consider getting a tall indoor cat tree to provide a safe space, provide indoor playtime and enrichment, and stick to a routine to help soothe your cat’s nerves.
As the seasons change, watch out for allergies, pain, and anxiety in your pets. By monitoring their behavior closely, you’ll be able to provide relief through supplements, training, and medication. Look into pet insurance, and be sure to do research before attempting any medications on your own.
Consistency generally helps pets with anxiety and through transitions. Work with Precious Petcare for your boarding, day care, and walking needs. Our caring pet-loving professionals will provide consistency for your pets when you need extra support.
Photo Credit: Josh Hild via Pexels