Seasonal Changes and Your Pets

As the calendar moves from one season to the next, we can observe many changes. 

Not only are there changes in the weather, but also the amount of light each day is different, the plants that are in bloom change, and our general moods and activities might be impacted.  

Since we notice all these differences from season to season, we can also wonder, “Are pets affected by seasonal change?” Just like us, our pets can be affected by the change of seasons both physically and psychologically. There are a few tips we can try to make sure these transitions are smooth for our pets. 

How do seasonal changes affect your pet? 

Seasonal changes might affect our pets in various ways. They can go through physical changes related to the different seasons, and there also might be noticeable changes in their behaviors. 

Some of the more common impacts you might see in your pet during each season include: 

Fall: 

• Appetite changes. The shorter days and cooler temperatures of autumn can affect your pet’s appetite. Some dogs and cats might begin to eat less as the days grow shorter and they sleep more, but others experience increased appetite. This is possibly a call back to their days before domestication when wild animals would try to pack on calories to stay warm and have enough energy for the winter months.  

• Activity levels. Researchers have discovered that cats have an increased activity level as the temperatures cool in the fall. Because cats are most active at dawn and dusk, their periods of high energy will shift as the days become shorter. Dogs might become less active, however, as the shorter days mean less daylight time for outdoor walks and other activities. 

• Allergies. Similar to humans, cats and dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies. Pollen from ragweed are common allergens in the fall. As pets begin to spend more time indoors, they might be affected by dust and mold allergens as well. Symptoms of fall allergies can include sneezing, coughing, and itchy or irritated skin. 

• Coat changes. Cats and dogs undergo changes to their coats twice a year. As the days grow colder, you will notice a change from the lighter coat they have in summer. This denser undercoat will protect them during the winter and keep them warm. 

Winter: 

• Mood changes. Especially in areas of the country with big changes in the amount of daylight, dogs and cats can show mood changes in the winter. A lessening of physical activity can lead to boredom in animals, which might cause stress or destructive behaviors. Researchers have found that dogs have an increase of melatonin during winter, which impacts sleep, but there is not any evidence that they might experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) a disorder that impacts some people’s moods, levels of activity, and sleep patterns in the winter. Cold, dark days, however, can lead cats and dogs to sleep more and seem more lethargic. While it is important not to anthropomorphize, animals can sense our moods; if the cold, dark winter gives us the blues, we might notice our pets seem a bit down as well. 

• Increased appetite. Both cats and dogs will show an increased interest in food as the cold sets in. It takes more energy to keep them warm, even if their activity has slowed, and they need to take in extra calories. 

• Dry skin and paw pad changes. Cold, dry weather and a heated indoor environment can lead to excessively dry skin for our pets. You might notice more itching and even dandruff. Cold weather, ice, snow, and especially snow melt products can impact the tough skin of their paw pads and make them chapped and cracked.  

• Joint discomfort. Cold weather can make your pet’s joint discomfort and stiffness worse. You might notice them lying down more often or having trouble going up and down stairs. 

Spring: 

• Allergies. As grasses, trees, and plants bloom in the spring, many dogs and cats can be affected by pollen allergies such as hay fever.  

• Bites and stings. Bees, wasps, mosquitos, and ticks all return in the spring, just as our pets are spending more time outside. Stings and bites can cause irritation and lead to secondary infections, and ticks might infect your cat or dog with Lyme, anaplasmosis, or another disease that may lead to serious harm. 

• Coat changes. As the days warm, dogs and cats will begin to shed their thick winter coats in favor of a lighter, fluffier summer coat that will help keep them cool. This is the time you will notice increased shedding from most pets. 

• Energy changes. Both cats and dogs become more active as the weather warms. They might even experience ‘spring fever’ where they are energized and can be a bit agitated as they are bombarded with many new scents in the environment. 

Summer: 

• Heat concerns. While cats love nothing more than to stretch out in a patch of sunshine and absorb the heat, they are able to become overheated. Dogs are also susceptible to heat-related illness. Prolonged exposure to temperatures over 100°F can lead to hyperthermia or heat stroke, a potentially deadly condition. Since both dogs and cats do not sweat the way we do, to regulate body temperature, they need to stay cool by panting or lying on a cool surface. Some breeds are more prone to overheating than others, such as brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs like Pugs and Pekingese, and long-haired cats like Persians or Maine Coons.  

• Dehydration. Dogs and cats can quickly become dehydrated in the summer months. Signs include excessive panting, lethargy, skin that doesn’t go back to shape after being pulled, and pale gums. Be sure your pets always have access to plenty of fresh, clean water, and take note if they don’t seem to be drinking very much. 

• Energy and mood changes. Dogs tend to feel the heat more than cats and can become more lethargic as the temperatures rise. Higher temperatures can also lead to irritability, and veterinarians have found that there are more dog bites as the temperature rises. Dogs and cats also need fewer calories when it is hot out and might not seem interested in their food. 

How can you help?

• There are a few ways to lessen the signs of seasonal allergies. The most effective is to keep your pet away from known allergens. This might mean avoiding certain areas where pollen is high and wiping or rinsing off fur and feet when your animals come back inside. It’s also important to keep home areas, especially bedding, clear of dust and mold. Remember: it is always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about options to support your pet with these challenges. 

• Coat care. Especially during Fall and Spring, it is important to give your dog’s coat attention. As the thick underlayer grows in for the cold months and then sheds for the warmer months, your dog will need more regular brushing to remove the dead hair and promote the healthy growth of new hair. 

• Mental stimulation. Even as the opportunities for outdoor exercise shrink during cold weather, it is important to keep your pet mentally stimulated. Indoor games, puzzle toys, and other activities can help ensure that their energy is channeled in a positive way. 

• Booties or a petroleum-based balm can help protect and soothe dry or cracked winter paw pads. 

• Stay current with parasite protection. Conscientious use of flea and tick protection can help keep your pet safe from the problems that come from bites.  

• Temperature regulation. Help your four-legged companions stay comfortable by offering them a warm environment in the winter with blankets and a warm spot to lie and keep them cool in the heat with cooling mats, safe frozen treats, and plenty of shade in the summer. 

To consider: 

• Weight changes. As your pet’s activity levels and appetites vary with the seasons, it is important to keep an eye on their weight. A properly balanced diet and daily exercise are important in maintaining a healthy weight. Overeating can lead to a number of medical issues in both cats and dogs. 

• Temperature extremes. Be very careful before heading outdoors with your pet in extremely cold or hot temperatures. Sidewalks and roads can burn your pet’s paws in hot weather, and they can get frostbite in the cold. 

The bottom line: 

For many of us, the changing seasons bring a variety of emotions and occasional challenges. Our pets also feel these changes and might seem to prefer one season over another. Being aware of how the changing seasons affect our pets both physically and behaviorally can allow us to offer the protection and support that they need to continue leading a healthy, active life.  

If your cat or dog seems to be struggling with the stress of a changing season or the joint discomfort that can flare up at different times of the year, consider adding ElleVet Sciences CBD + CBDA products to support them.  

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