đŸ PetWise Weekly â Week 13
âSpring Behaviour Week: Why Pets Act Differently This Time of Yearâ
Spring is here â and across the UK, vets, behaviourists, and pet owners are reporting big changes in how animals behave. This week, weâre diving into seasonal behaviour shifts, whatâs normal, whatâs not, and how to help your pets adjust.
đŒ Why Spring Sparks Behaviour Changes
As daylight hours increase, so does your petâs activity and energy. This can lead to:
- Dogs becoming more excitable or reactive
- Cats roaming further and staying out longer
- Small pets becoming more vocal
- Birds increasing nesting behaviours
- Reptiles and fish becoming more active as temperature rises
Itâs all linked to daylight, temperature changes, and seasonal hormones.
đ¶ Dog Behaviour: The Spring Spike
Many owners notice their dogs acting differently around March/April.
Common spring behaviours include:
- Increased sniffing and marking
- Higher prey drive due to wildlife activity
- More pulling on the lead
- Extra reactivity to other dogs
đ„ Tip of the Week:
Try âsniff walksâ. Letting dogs explore scents reduces frustration and excess spring energy.
đ± Cats: The Spring Wanderers
Cats become more adventurous this time of year.
You may notice:
- Staying out longer
- Exploring new territories
- More encounters with neighbourhood cats
- Increased shedding
đĄ Try This:
Add extra brushing sessions â it reduces hairballs and keeps cats comfortable as they shed their winter coat.
đ° Small Pets: Spring = Boredom Season
Rabbits and guinea pigs become more active with the brighter days.
Signs your small pet needs more stimulation:
- Chewing cage bars
- Excess digging
- Moody behaviour
- Refusing certain foods
đ§ Enrichment ideas:
Cardboard tunnels, willow balls, digging trays, and fresh forage.
đŠ Pigeon Fanciers Update â Spring Conditioning
For pigeon keepers, MarchâApril is all about conditioning for racing.
Key spring behaviours in pigeons:
- Faster wing-beats
- Increased territoriality
- More interest in pair bonding
đ Tip:
Introduce conditioning seed mixes gradually â not all at once.
đ đŠ Aquatic & Reptile Seasonal Adjustments
As room temperatures rise:
- Fish metabolism rises â they eat more
- Reptiles stay out longer in basking spots
- Tanks evaporate water faster
đĄïž Weekly Wellness Tip:
Check thermometers twice a day. Spring can cause unexpected temp swings.
đ± Seasonal Allergies Begin⊠for Pets Too
This week sees the first big jump in pollen across the UK â and pets feel it.
Watch for:
- Paw licking
- Ear scratching
- Red bellies
- Sneezing (especially in cats)
đ©ș If symptoms persist: a quick vet chat is best.
đïž Product Spotlight â Spring Energy Boosters
Top-selling seasonal essentials this week:
- Omega-3 skin & coat supplements
- Cooling mats (yes, customers already buying early!)
- Forage mixes for small pets
- Spring-safe cleaning sprays
- Conditioning mixes for racing pigeons
â€ïž Community Feature of the Week
This weekâs shoutout goes to all the customers sending in their spring walk photos â muddy paws, sunshine faces, and all! Keep them coming! đž
đŸ Final Thoughts
Spring brings out the best in our pets â and sometimes the wildest!
Understanding seasonal behaviour makes life easier and helps keep your pets happy, safe, and stimulated.