By Dr. Pamela Fisher, DVM
Now that spring has sprung, it is important to recognize the stresses that our cats and dogs may encounter and be proactive!
Warmer weather means more animal and humanactivity outside. Cats have a very large range of hearing, even more acute than dogs or humans. They can distinguish sounds much higher in pitch than dogs can, and are about equal in terms of low pitch noises. Cats can also detect tiny variances in sound. In nature, this allows them to detect the size of a potential predator.
Cats often feel stray and roaming cats are invading their territory. They can show their stresses by misbehaving, urine marking, or aggression towards their housemates. It is important to provide plenty of exercise enrichment, such as climbers, scratching posts, and puzzles, to help reduce stress. Try to keep strays away, and contact your local Trap, Neuter, and Return group to help with outside cat population control if needed.
Territorial issues may arise with the activity outside as well. Dogs are very alert to territory encroachments. This could lead to increased barking if dogs feel like their area is being threatened outside.
Often dogs enjoy eating new spring grasses to help their bodies detox and adjust to the season change. Studies hypothesize this is an inherited tendency from their wild ancestors. Check your pet’s diet to make sure they are eating a healthy balanced grain free food/treats with minimal carbohydrates (and no added sugars).
Adding some fresh vegetables and perhaps a little organic dandelion greens to their diet may be helpful. It is also important to be aware of toxic exposures as the seasons start to change. These could include lawn organic or chemical treatments, compost, garbage, cleaning chemicals, etc. If your pet gets into any of these or has digestive upset contact your veterinarian. Be sure to give them a few sprays of Calm My Digestion for several weeks to help ease their stomach and digestive tract. This will also help with their adjustment during the warmer weather.
There are many great solutions to help ease your pet’s mind during these potentially stressful times.
For indoor cats, Calm My Cat spray and Calm My Pet Music are both excellent for distracting your cat from the disturbing noises outside so they can relax. Make sure to use on all cats in the household.
For your dogs who are reactive to things going on right outside your yard, try Calm My Dog and Calm My Stress to help them be more at ease. Inside, add Calm My Pet Music as well to help them relax and avoid being distracted by noises and spring thunderstorms.