How Seasonal Weather Changes Can Affect Your Pet
As the seasons change, so does the weather. Along with those change’s may also come changes in your pets appetite, mood or activity levels. Here are some ways in which the seasonal weather changes can affect your dog or cat.
Food Intake and Exercise During the Winter
Like humans, temperature changes and the amount of sunlight we see can cause our eating habits and activity levels to change. “Lower temperatures require greater energy consumption to maintain body temperature. The shortening of daylight during this time signals the same primitive brain to promote food seeking behavior and alter metabolism in order to promote fat storage in preparation for lean food sources during the winter months.” (1) This means pets may want to eat more and store fat in the winter, so we need to make sure they are still getting their exercise in even in the frigid months.
For indoor cats, although they may seek more food in the winter, they do not need to be fed more at mealtime. “In the winter, food seeking behavior may increase even though the warmer indoor temperatures (for cats) do not require the increased calorie intake.” (1)
Benefits of Getting Plenty of Sunlight
Sunlight can put us all in a good mood right?! Just make sure your dogs are getting enough, but not too much! “One of the biggest impacts that sunlight has is its ability to help produce Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium, which keeps bones and teeth healthy and strong. That is the one benefit that most people are aware of, but it has been discovered that Vitamin D can also help reduce the risk of muscle and joint pain, diabetes, and even some cancers.” (2)
Did you know that sunbathing is a natural way for dogs to relax? Sunbathing helps dogs get Vitamin D, even though their furry coats make it harder for them to absorb it. The sun also gives their bodies a boost of serotonin, a hormone that we naturally produce that relieves anxiety and keeps us happy.
Tips for Reducing the Risk of Heat Stroke
Avoid taking your dog for walks during the hottest parts of the day. (3)
keep in mind you should have a shady tree in your yard or easy access to the indoors, along with plenty of water! “It can’t just be a space with unlimited amounts of the sun, however, you should have a cool-down spot, or a good-sized shaded area where we dogs seek refuge.”(2)
If you don’t have air conditioning, adjust a fan so that your dog has access to a nice, cool breeze.(3)
Although swimming is a great way to get exercise on a hot day, and most dogs can swim, never leave your dog unsupervised around a pool or in any body of water (3)
