Spring and Your Pet

Ready for Spring?  Along with sneezing, scratching and watery eyes?

Wouldn’t it be delightful to completely avoid the seasonal threats of Spring?

As seasonal threats approach, many pets and people benefit from gearing up for the season.  This year, try lavender essential oil.  Lavender is a natural antioxidant that reduces anxious feelings and emotional stress.  Lavender also helps maintain healthy skin.  Essential oils like Lavender have no side effects and do not interact with other medications your pet may be taking.   Simply apply 1-2 drops to the palm of your hand, rub hands together and distribute the oil by petting your dog or cat.  (For cats, apply one drop to the palm of your hands, allow most of the oil to absorb and pet your cat.)  Apply twice daily.  In an acute case of a reaction, such as an insect bite, lavender may be safely applied hourly, if needed.

The foundation of good health is great nutrition.  Two supplements, a probiotic and fish oil, are especially important, even if your pet eats a high quality diet.   A probiotic and a fish oil supplement are not only valuable for excellent general health, they provide benefits particularly helpful in the Spring.  Since most of the immune system resides in the gut, a probiotic directly supports a healthy immune system as well as fortifying the digestive system.   Fish oil works with the body to reduce itchy skin, redness and irritation.

It is best to purchase supplements formulated for pets, since they are not only balanced for pets’ needs, they are also tested for absorption and efficacy in pets.  Some reputable probiotics include Rx Vitamins Rx Biotic powder.  Excellent fish oil supplements include Welactin, RX Vitamins and DermCaps.  Seasonal thrests for most pets can start between February and April.  So, this year, be prepared and enjoy the Spring.

Mia Frezzo, DVM

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