Spring is a time of renewal, but the transition from winter to the upward movement of spring can bring itchy ears and skin as well as arthritis and eye issues. Overall, there is a feeling of rejuvenation as we shake off the cold of winter. It’s time to take advantage of this springtime energy by providing an outdoor activity for our pets (including cats and exotics!)
The Spring Season in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Supporting the liver during this time can help with seasonal allergies.
Balancing the body during different seasons is one key to health in many eastern medical traditions. Adjusting your pet’s diet and daily routine around seasonal changes can be helpful in preventing an underlying disease from manifesting and can help alleviate the symptoms of chronic conditions.
Spring is connected with the Wood Element which relates to the liver and gall bladder. Due to modern lifestyles, the body is constantly working to rid itself of toxins, inflammation, and autoimmune ailments. The liver is one of the organs that clears toxins from the body and is one of the few organs that can regenerate itself. The gall bladder stores bile that is released into the intestinal tract to help digest fats and absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
These wood elements can easily become unbalanced in the transition to spring. Increased wind or introduced toxins (think lawn care and flea/tick products) can put stress on the liver. Since the liver also serves to store blood which bathes the body, symptoms of dryness, anemia, constipation, stiffness, dizziness, and fatigue may also be indications of a liver imbalance. These organs are most affected between 11pm and 3am. Dry foods should be avoided since there is already increased dryness in animals with wood-liver imbalances. In Ayurvedic Medicine, it is Kapha season where dampness, warmth, heaviness, and slowness are predominant.
Symptoms you may see:
- an increase of allergy symptoms (ears, anal gland, hotspots)
- favoring sour foods, chicken, or pasta
- increased barking, frustration, or irritability
- tight ligaments or increased arthritis
- eye issues (runny or itchy red eyes)
- irritable bowel symptoms
- blood issues (such as anemia)
- seizures
- reproductive issues
How to keep your pet healthy:
- feed smaller frequent meals during the day
- add lighter foods and decrease or discontinue dry food & fatty food
- add omega oils and good sources of fatty acids
- decrease frustrating or toxic situations
- add dandelion to food
- exercise (ideally between 6-10 am or pm)
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