Pets and the change of season; welcome to spring!

Animals are very sensitive to change and with the arrival of spring on March 20^th, the habits of both people and animals are altered. The change in the seasonal cycle alters our bodily sensations and behaviour compared to winter.

Spring allows us to enjoy nature, but it can bring with it consequences that are not only suffered by humans, but also by pets, which can present symptoms or pathologies typical of this time of year.

Firstly, the most noticeable change in spring is the increase in temperature, which brings with it the shedding of hair, so it is essential to take care of their coat, brushing it regularly and visiting the hairdresser. It is also a time when hormones are altered, and females may come into heat. In addition, as the temperature rises, the metabolism speeds up, i.e., the appetite increases. It is therefore normal for them to eat, hydrate and be more active during this time.

Some types of allergies also appear during this season, which can affect both humans and our pets. They can suffer symptoms very similar to ours, such as reddening of the skin and itching, discomfort, irritation of the eyes and ears or lesions on the paws and pads.

Also, the presence of insects increases, and with them, the likelihood that dogs may be affected by leishmaniasis. Phlebotomine sandflies are the carriers of this disease and great care must be taken. It is very important to take your pet to the vet for an early detection test or to reinforce your dog's vaccination if it is negative, and to prevent the possibility of infection with mosquito repellent collars and/or pipettes. Ticks and fleas also make an appearance. These parasites seek out and survive in warmer environments. Ticks attach themselves to the hair and skin of the dog or cat and are very annoying. By themselves, depending on the number of ticks, they do not cause any serious illness, but they can transmit serious diseases. Fleas can cause severe dermatitis due to allergy to their saliva. Sometimes, the pet can ingest them and, with them, parasites that can develop inside our pets. Deworming your pet is the key to fighting these parasites and protecting your dog.

With these precautions we can enjoy the spring. It is an ideal time of year to go for walks with your dog and do sport with him and be outdoors without the need to keep warm.