The hormonal revolution typical of this time of year is noticeable in pets and has psychological and physical effects. But, in addition, it can alter their good health, since insects and parasites arrive with flowering and heat, some of which transmit diseases that are dangerous for our pet.
Psychological changes
With the arrival of spring, animals can become more altered due to the increase in temperatures and the hormonal changes they undergo, which have effects on their health, as we will see. They spend more time on the streets, but they also suffer the ravages of the increase in temperature. For this reason, they can be more listless and down , with a marked feeling of fatigue. There are more daylight hours and they spend more time awake; that is, they sleep less. In addition, your metabolism also changes: it slows down, which influences your mood. They may even have less appetite, despite exercising more, although this effect is not common and too frequent.
In some animals the mating season begins in females, which is why if our pet is not neutered, we will have to take extreme precautions so as not to be surprised. Remember that spring is the season of love.
Physical changes
This season is, for many people, the worst of the year, as allergies arrive. So for all of you who are, spring is a tough time. Animals can also suffer from allergies and sneeze . But it is their skin that takes the worst part, as it becomes dry and eczema, irritation, flaking … can appear , causing discomfort and itching in the pet.
As we have already mentioned, the good weather makes us spend more hours with the animals in the street. The pads are another of the sensitive areas that can suffer discomfort during the first days, until the dog gets used to spending more time walking. Blisters, redness, swelling may appear … Even the occasional wound.
And they also accuse hair loss, like humans. In this way, it is normal for cats and dogs to shed more hair during the spring. The felines are shedding their fur, so that hair loss will be greater.
Beware of insects and parasites
Flowering and the consequent pollination increases the presence of insects, including the mosquito that transmits leishmania, as well as ticks , fleas ; parasites that appear at this time and that adhere to their fur and can cause dermatological problems , anemia and dangerous diseases.