Spring has arrived across Europe, which means that many people have turned their focus from keeping their homes warm and cosy to getting out in the sunshine to enjoy their garden or explore with their dog.

It’s a great time of year to enjoy nature as the evenings become lighter and the days brighter, but what does it mean for our pets? In this blog, we discuss some of the cat and dog welfare issues to be aware of in the springtime and, of course, the importance of good nutrition at this exciting time of year.

‘Feline’ the joys of spring

Spring is the beginning of mating season for cats, which means that unneutered feline companions may wander more than usual as natural instincts encourage them to go in search of a mate. Even those who have been neutered often take the longer, warmer days as their cue to wander further than they might in the winter.

So what can you do about your cat’s natural urge to roam? The first and most important step is to get your pet neutered. This not only helps to curb the urge to wander, but is also better for cats’ long-term health, and prevents the arrival of any unwanted kittens. It’s essential to note that a kitten as young as four months old can become pregnant herself!

If you’re still concerned about the roaming risk after you have neutered your cat, consider keeping your pet indoors. Don’t forget to provide plenty of stimulus to keep them entertained and enable them to have mini adventures indoors. Alternatively, if you have the space for it, a ‘catio’ is a good solution; this is an enclosed outdoor area that enables cats to spend time outdoors while preventing them from going beyond their allocated space.

And of course, as a precaution, your cat should always be microchipped and wear a collar with their correct name, and your address and phone number so that, if they do stray too far away from home, people can contact you when they are found.

Ticks the season

The warmer weather and increased vegetation of spring make this the season when the tick population increases, and with it the risk to cats and dogs. While the risk of ticks is primarily associated with dogs, as they are more likely to go on walks to the woods and run around close to low level vegetation, cats are equally vulnerable to these parasites if they go outdoors in green spaces.

The most effective way to protect your pet is to give them a regular tick prevention treatment, often available on subscription and combined with anti-flea treatment. It’s also a good idea to check your pet regularly for any signs of ticks and be mindful that any changes in behaviour or signs of discomfort could be an indication of ticks.

If you do find a tick on your dog or cat, be very careful about how you remove it because ticks attach themselves to the skin, so simply pulling them can result in part of the tick being left behind. If you are concerned, consult a vet.

A hot topic

While temperatures rise slowly (and sometime not so much!) in northern Europe, in southern Europe, temperatures can start to soar in spring. Cats and dogs may like to sunbathe, but they can also become overheated, especially if they have thick fur.

In hot temperatures, try to make sure you have a cool place for your cat or dog to seek shade and make sure you have plenty of water available for them. In very hot weather, cool mats can also be useful to provide extra cooling.

While exercise is important for dogs, walks should be kept to the coolest times of day – first thing in the morning or when the heat has subsided in the evening – otherwise dogs can get a heatstroke and the pavement may even burn their delicate paws.

Food for thought

There is no need to spring clean your pet’s diet as the season changes, but, just like us humans, cats and dogs may enjoy changing things up a little in spring, with more fresh vegetables, for example. To help with hydration, adding more wet food to the diet of a dog or cat that has eaten mostly dry food throughout the winter is also a good idea.

The other nutritional watch out for dogs is to ensure that they are consuming enough calories to support increased activity in the warmer months. Often, dog pawrents enjoy longer walks with their canine companion in the warmer, longer days of spring and forget that their dog is burning more calories, so may need more food.

With cats, the main hazard is the potential for over-feeding if your feline companion wanders and ‘visits’ other homes where kind strangers may be feeding them. If you notice your cat putting on weight despite them eating the same size portions at home, it’s a sure sign that they are also ‘dining out’!

A pet for all seasons

Cats and dogs make great companions all year round. Carrying out basic welfare checks and adjusting your routines in line with the changing seasons is a good way to repay them for all the love and joy they give us, and good nutrition is at the heart of caring for you cat and dog all year round.