UNNOTICED SEASONAL CHANGES IN PETS

It’s summer, let’s turn on the AC... Its winter, where is my jacket? Changes in the weather affect humans and pets alike. Pets are unable to tell us they are having some problems, but they show some signs and as pet owners, we need to be cognizant of them.

In most parts of India, the summer heat is unbearable. Residents adopt various measures to protect themselves from the heat, but what about pets? How do we keep the four-legged or feathered member of our family cool this summer? According to veterinarians, dogs suffer the most in the summer as they get heat strokes if the temperature rises. We all have observed that a dog pants to avoid summer heat but panting only progresses the heatstroke. A heatstroke can become fatal if not treated immediately. Some studies say that dogs feel the heat three times more than a human, so keeping them in an air-conditioned room is more advisable. Also, if you ever witness your dog or cat suffering from heatstroke, lower its body temperature by using ice packs or taking them in front of a cooler. You should immediately take your pet to a veterinarian afterward.

As summer ends and fall temperatures filter in slowly, cooler weather can be as menacing as the summer. While planning for winter, pet owners should also start thinking about the comfort levels of their furry little friends. If you are feeling cold and uncomfortable, then your pet is likely feeling the same way. The time between December to February is excruciatingly cold, not only for us humans but for our dear pets too. Although many cats and dog breeds have luxurious thick fur to keep them warm, when they are outside or on walks in the cold, they are still likely to benefit from something extra like a winter coat. It will give coverage from the neck to the base of the tail while also giving protection to their belly. Unlike dogs, cats have a natural warm coat. But sometimes cats suffer from seasonal depression, where they become less engaged, sleep more, and even look sad in the winter. A possible reason for their sadness can also be less time in the sun. There are lots of ways to help keep your cat happy and engaged during the colder months. For instance, buy them a new toy or sprinkle a little catnip on an old favorite toy to renew their playfulness.

Now the question is, what causes a seasonal change in the mood of animals. First, the change in daylight hours. As the hours increase along with the temperature outside, mammals become less active and thus need less energy and food. Hormonal changes and body metabolism kick in. Conversely, as the hours of daylight decrease and temperatures lower, animals need more energy and more food. In addition, this signals the need to store fat because of the forthcoming winter months. Second, the change in hormone levels. Hormones are just as important and complex in animals as they are in humans. Responsible for so many of our actions and bodily functions, hormonal changes in animals vary with the seasons.

If you have made it this far in the blog, then you might have got the fact that your pet instinctually understands the changes in season and often shows it through behavioral changes. So as a responsible pet owner, make some adjustments to help your pet cope better in each season.