For many of us, the holiday season is the perfect time to pop the champagne or shake up a crowd-pleasing cocktail. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when accidental alcohol poisoning causes emergency vet visits to spike.

Unlike cats, dogs are drawn to sweet flavors. This means that, while they aren’t likely to be attracted to pure ethanol, unattended beer, wine, or cordials may present an irresistible temptation. Here’s what you need to know about alcohol toxicity in dogs, what to do if your dog drinks alcohol, and how to keep gatherings safe for pets.

Is Alcohol Dangerous for Dogs?

Alcohol has a much stronger effect on dogs than it does on humans — and not just because of differences in body size. Dogs’ livers aren’t able to efficiently process ethanol, so even small amounts can be toxic to pets. 

As little as 0.2 mL of pure ethanol per kilogram of body weight can cause distress. For a 10 pound dog, symptoms will appear after ingesting as little as: 

• 1-2 ounces of beer
• 1 ounce of wine
• ½ ounce of liquor 

Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning in Dogs

The effects of alcohol poisoning can range from mild to deadly, and it’s often difficult to know for certain how much your pet drank. Seek help immediately if you notice:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Lack of coordination or stumbling
• Lethargy or weakness
• Excessive drooling
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness

What to Do If Your Dog Drinks Beer

If you suspect that your pet has lapped up spilled alcohol or helped themselves to an abandoned drink, try to estimate the amount consumed and ascertain the ABV (percentage of alcohol by volume) of that beverage, if possible. This information can be critical for determining the best course of action. 

Contact your vet or a 24 hour hotline like ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and provide details about your dog’s weight, age, and the type of alcohol consumed. Unless you are directed to do so by a veterinarian, don’t induce vomiting. Trying to make your dog throw up can do more harm than good, especially if they have ingested a large amount of alcohol or are already showing symptoms.

Treating Alcohol Toxicity

If you are advised to bring your pet in for treatment, your vet will take steps to stabilize your dog and flush the alcohol from their system. Mild toxicity may be resolved with time and IV fluids, while more severe cases may require care for seizures or respiratory issues. 

Prevent Alcohol Ingestion

Keep pets safe during holiday gatherings by ensuring that drinks stay safely out of reach. If you know that your coffee table is the perfect height for your dog to gain access, you may want to consider providing guests with drink covers or lidded containers to use throughout the night. 

While it may seem obvious to your fellow dog parents, there’s no harm in politely reminding friends and family not to share their food or drinks with pets. 

Finally, look for ways to help your pet form positive associations with social events. A home full of people can feel overwhelming to your dog if they are constantly being scolded for their curiosity. Set aside special toys and treats for gatherings so that your dog spends the evening occupied and happy. 

If you are the pet parent of a “Velcro cat,” you already know that felines don’t always live up to their fiercely independent reputation. When your cat follows you from room to room as you go about your day, it can be difficult to know if they’re trying to tell you something or just enjoying your company. 

What’s really behind this sometimes-endearing, sometimes-annoying behavior? Here are the likely reasons why your cat may follow you and what it can reveal about your bond, their needs, and their instincts.

The Cat + Human Bond

Cats are more social than they’re often given credit for. While they aren’t likely to seek out the company of other cats who are non-relatives, they do form deep connections with their humans. 

Meowing offers some proof that cats come to view their human caregivers as surrogate parents — in the feline world, meowing is almost exclusively a way for kittens to communicate with their mothers. Adult cats who solicit their humans’ attention through behaviors like meowing and shadowing may express that they see you as a safe, reliable companion. 

A Clingy Cat May Need Your Help

Like humans, cats may seek out the help of those they trust when something doesn’t feel right. Following may be your cat’s way of letting you know that they’re in need.

If your pet’s clinginess is out of character or accompanied by other worrying symptoms, don’t ignore this behavior change. 

Illness or Discomfort

Cats tend to mask their pain, but if they suddenly won’t let you out of their sight, they could be signaling that they are uncomfortable, anxious, or ill. Especially when following is accompanied by increased vocalizations, lethargy, or changes to their appetite or bathroom habits, visit your vet to rule out medical issues. 

Unmet Needs

On the other hand, shadowing can also be a practical reminder that you’ve fallen behind on your chores. Cats rely on their owners to maintain their essentials, and an empty food or water bowl or a dirty litter box can all prompt them to follow you as a way of bringing your attention to the issue. 

If your cat seems out of sorts, take a moment to make sure all their basic needs are met. 

Your Cat May Feel That You Need Help

Cats have incredibly keen senses, and some experts believe they may pick up on changes in their owner’s emotional or physical state. Their olfactory abilities and acute awareness of body temperature allow them to detect subtle changes that may actually prompt them to come to your aid. 

Interestingly, a cat’s purring, often associated with relaxation and contentment, may have real healing benefits. The frequency of a cat’s purr (between 25-150 Hz) is used in some human medical therapies to promote the healing of bones and tissues. If your cat gets clingy when you’re under the weather, they may be trying to speed up your recovery. 

Seeking Attention or Affection

If your cat is craving interaction, they may follow you to ask for pets or playtime.

While it may be harder to convince an older cat to chase a laser pointer than a rambunctious kitten, cats of all ages crave engagement with their humans. Make sure you are setting aside at least a few minutes each day for play and affection to satisfy those social and physical needs. 

Curiosity 

What’s the deal with cats and closed doors? Cats are naturally curious, and their drive to explore can motivate them to follow you around the house. 

As highly observant creatures, cats have an awareness of your routines and habits — and they notice when something is unusual. Following you may simply be their way of investigating what you’re up to and checking out anything new or interesting. This can be especially true if you’re traveling or you’ve recently moved to a new home. Your presence may make them feel more secure as they get to know their surroundings. 

Once you’ve safely ruled out emotional or medical issues, take your cat’s insistence on following you in stride. This communication tool is often a sign of a strong bond and an invitation to connect. 

As the holiday season approaches, many pet parents plan to hit the road with their canine companions in tow. While some dogs live for car rides, others experience a combination of anxiety and motion-induced nausea that can leave them feeling out of sorts. 

If you have travel in your future, a bit of advanced planning can make the trip much smoother for you and your dog. Here is what you need to know about car sickness and how to mitigate it. 

Symptoms of Car Sickness in Pets

If you are part of that unfortunate group of people who can’t read an email in the passenger seat without feeling ill,  you already understand what your pet is going through. Car sickness in dogs can mirror motion sickness in humans, and it’s often compounded by the anxiety of an unfamiliar situation. Common signs to look for include:

• Excessive drooling
• Whining or pacing
• Licking or smacking lips
• Restlessness or yawning
• Vomiting

Puppies and younger dogs are more prone to car sickness because their inner ears are still developing. If your dog shows any of these symptoms consistently during car rides, it’s worth trying a few strategies to make them more comfortable.

1. Help Your Dog Get Comfortable With Car Trips

Nervousness can make car sickness much worse for your dog. If the only reason your pet ever gets into your car is to visit the vet, they are likely to be apprehensive from the jump. 

If you have a long drive ahead of you, start with short “practice trips” to a fun destination like a park or walking trail. Gradually increase the length of your drives and offer plenty of treats so your dog comes to expect good things from car rides. 

2. Avoid Large Meals

An overly-full stomach greatly increases the chances that a nauseated dog will vomit in your car. Avoid full meals for 2-3 hours before you plan to hit the road, and pack plenty of treats and snacks.

3. Bring Comfort Items

Favorite toys, blankets, and other items that smell like home can be very reassuring to a dog headed to an unfamiliar place. 

If you suspect that anxiety is the main driver of your pet’s car sickness, anti-anxiety vests like the Thunderwork’s ThunderShirt can offer constant, gentle compression that many dogs find calming in stressful situations. 

4. Help Your Dog Face Forward

Watching trees and light posts whiz by on the interstate may turn your dog’s stomach. Positioning your pet forward so they can’t look out of the car’s side windows can help reduce those feelings of nausea. Pet carriers, travel crates, or dog seat belts are great ways to keep your best friend secured and focused on the interior of the car. 

5. Take Breaks

As much as you may want to put miles behind you, expect your dog to need regular breaks from the car. 

For long road trips, plan to stop every 2-3 hours. These breaks give your dog a chance to stretch, go to the bathroom, and get some fresh air. Short walks can help reset their equilibrium and shake off nausea, making for a much happier travel buddy.

6. Consider Anti-Nausea Medication

If your dog’s car sickness is severe or persistent, pay a visit to your vet before you get on the road. Certain prescription anti-nausea medications may make the trip a lot easier for pets who consistently vomit in the car. 

7. Safety First

Wherever you’re headed for the holidays, take care to get there safely. Crates and harnesses not only prevent your dog from getting overstimulated, but they can also save their lives in the event of an accident. 

Make sure your pet is properly restrained for your safety as well as theirs, and never leave your dog alone in the car, even in cold weather. At low temperatures, condensation can bring the temperature inside your vehicle dangerously low. Plan your route along pet-friendly stops to ensure that you and your canine companion stay safe and comfortable. 

Corn chips might be a classic game-day snack, but a strong whiff of that uncanny smell from your dog’s feet means trouble. 

Pseudomonas and Proteus bacteria, both of which naturally occur on dogs’ feet, produce an odor oddly reminiscent of Fritos. While a faint smell is no cause for concern, when it becomes overwhelming, it’s a sign of yeast overgrowth in your dog’s paw pads. 

Here’s what pet parents need to know to keep yeast in check and their dogs’ feet healthy. 

What Are Yeast Infections and How Do They Start?

Like many varieties of bacteria, yeast is a normal part of a dog’s skin microbiome. Under normal circumstances, their immune system does an effective job of keeping yeast at a healthy level. 

Yeast infections occur when the body isn’t able to keep yeast reproduction in check. Sometimes this happens because an underlying health condition is interfering with your dog’s ability to suppress yeast. It can also happen when yeast reproduces too quickly due to very favorable environmental conditions. 

Here are a few common scenarios:

• Moisture from swimming, sweating, or running through wet grass becomes trapped between skin folds that don’t get properly cleaned.
• Food or environmental allergies overwhelm your dog’s immune system, leaving them vulnerable to yeast overgrowth.   
• A compromised immune system from acute or chronic illness can’t suppress yeast.
• Inflammatory dermatological conditions like seborrhea create an environment where yeast can more easily thrive.

In any case, out-of-control yeast causes itchy, irritated skin that can lead to secondary infections if left untreated. 

What Causes Yeast Overgrowth in Paws?

Dog’s feet are at a disadvantage when it comes to yeast control. The structure of their toes and paw pads make pets’ feet a perfectly warm, dark, moist environment for yeast and bacteria to thrive. 

Not only do paws constantly pick up moisture and bacteria from the ground, but dogs also sweat through their feet. When the spaces between toes take too long to become clean and dry, the glucose in that sweat can feed yeast colonies and encourage them to multiply.

Symptoms

Aside from an overwhelming corn chip odor, yeast infections are apparent by the way they damage the skin. Keep an eye out for:

• Redness and swelling of the toes and paw pads
• Licking or chewing paws
• Discharge or greasy skin
• Discolored skin or nails

Treating Yeasty Paws

Luckily, most yeast infections respond quickly to antifungal medications. Your vet may prescribe a pill, ointment, or medicated bath to put yeast back in its place. If yeast overgrowth is an ongoing struggle for your pet, your vet can offer support that addresses the underlying cause. 

Yeast infections aren’t likely to resolve on their own, so don’t delay in seeking treatment. Dogs who are left to scratch and chew their irritated skin will create open sores that easily become infected. 

How to Prevent Yeast Infections in Dogs’ Feet

Managing your dog’s overall health and hygiene is the best way to keep yeast at bay. Take a moment to clean paws after walks, especially on wet or humid days. Always leave the spaces between the toes dry and inspect them for signs of irritation. 

Be aware of any environmental or food allergies your pet may have and take care to limit their exposure to things that burden their immune system.

Finally, don’t ignore excessive licking and chewing. Yeast overgrowth is easier to treat when it’s caught early, so don’t leave your pet vulnerable to open skin and secondary infections. 

Runny noses, sneezing fits, and sinus pressure are as uncomfortable for our dogs as they are for us. Fall allergies may play a role in seasonal upticks in nasal and sinus issues, but sinusitis and rhinitis can strike all year round. 

If your pet is suffering from what appears to be (for lack of a better term) a head cold, they may need a vet’s help to treat the issue and prevent a recurrence. Here’s how pet parents can help support their dog’s respiratory health. 

What Are Rhinitis and Sinusitis?

Both rhinitis and sinusitis describe respiratory discomfort, but the terms aren’t interchangeable.

Rhinitis refers specifically to the inflammation of the mucus membranes inside your dog’s nose, while sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses (the air-filled cavities that surround the nasal passages). Rhinitis and sinusitis can occur separately or simultaneously (rhinosinusitis). When this happens, you’re likely to notice a host of classic symptoms in your dog: 

•  Mucus overproduction
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Facial Swelling
• Pawing at nose and face
• Reduced appetite
• Labored breathing

What Causes Nose and Sinus Issues in Dogs?

If you’ve ever been unsure whether an illness was caused by allergies, a virus, or something else, it makes sense that sinusitis and rhinitis can have several different origin stories. 

Getting to the bottom of why your pet is sniffling is instrumental in getting them the relief they need. A veterinary exam can help distinguish between the most likely culprits. 

Infections

Certain viruses, bacteria, and fungi can cause painful inflammation in your dog’s nose and sinuses. In order to address infections effectively, it’s important to be certain of their cause. 

Bacteria like Bordetella, which causes kennel cough, may require antibiotics while canine parainfluenza could require an antiviral. Occasionally, the irritation caused by a viral infection can lead to a secondary, bacterial one. Only a laboratory culture can identify the best direction for treatment, so head to the vet with your under-the-weather pet. 

Allergies

For dogs, environmental allergies like dust mites, ragweed, and pollen typically show up in the form of red, itchy skin. If persistent sneezing and sniffling occur alongside skin symptoms, it’s a pretty good indicator that allergies may be involved. Medications and allergy-reduction strategies can help pets breathe a little easier during challenging times of the year. 

Dental Disease

The health of your dog’s dental roots has a direct effect on the health of their sinuses. If they are suffering from an infection or abscess, the bacteria can quickly migrate to the surrounding tissues. 

If you’ve noticed any of the common symptoms of canine dental disease, there is a good chance that your pet is already experiencing discomfort. Tooth and mouth infections are unlikely to resolve on their own, so don’t lose time addressing them. 

Cysts & Tumors

While rare, sinus cysts and nasal tumors can sometimes cause chronic inflammation. Cysts are most commonly seen in brachycephalic, or flat-faced, breeds like bulldogs, pugs, and Boston Terriers.

Foreign Bodies & Trauma to the Nose

Sometimes the source of a sinus infection is tissue trauma. 

The inside of your dog’s nose is quite delicate. If objects or debris become lodged in the nasal passages (or they’re injured in any other way) inflammation will quickly follow irritation. This inflammatory response can trigger sinusitis and rhinitis. 

Managing Your Dog’s Sinusitis and Rhinitis

For some dogs, nose and sinus issues may occur infrequently and resolve easily. Others may have a more chronic struggle that requires preventative measures. 

Depending on the root cause of your pet’s sinusitis or rhinitis, small changes may make a big difference in their quality of life. 

• Look out for your dog’s oral health and introduce regular toothbrushing.
• Wipe your pet’s face and paws after they go outdoors during allergy season.
• Wash bedding frequently.
• Add moisture to the air with a humidifier.

Many of the viral and bacterial infections responsible for respiratory issues can be prevented with a vaccine, so work with your vet to make sure your dog stays up-to-date. 

Cooler weather is a great excuse to cook outdoors. Whether you’re planning to throw some veggies on the grill or roast wieners over a campfire, pet parents can expect some longing looks from their dogs. 

As tempting as it may be to toss your canine companion a bite off your plate, it’s important to be aware of potential dangers. Foods don’t have to be toxic to pets in order to cause harm. People who would never leave their dogs unattended around grapes or chocolate may not realize the damage that indigestible items, like corn cobs, can cause. 

Keep a close eye on your pet at your next cookout and steer clear of the emergency vet this fall.  

Can Dogs Eat Corn?

Unfortunately, confusion around whether or not dogs can safely eat corn results in countless veterinary emergencies throughout BBQ season. Corn kernels, removed from the cob and without any added salt or butter, are a healthy snack for dogs when consumed in moderation. 

Corn contains vitamins, protein, and fiber that promote good digestion and healthy bowel movements. Problems arise, however, when dogs are allowed to chew on the cob itself. 

Especially when they are drawn in by the taste of salt and fat, dogs can quickly swallow entire corn cobs. When their stomachs aren’t able to break down the indigestible cellulose, their bodies may attempt to move the cob through the digestive system intact, where it can form a dangerous blockage. 

Intestinal Obstructions are Medical Emergencies

When a corn cob (or any swallowed foreign object) blocks a portion of the digestive tract, time is of the essence. 

Blockages can press against the walls of the bowel or cause kinks that prevent healthy blood flow to that portion of the intestine. Without a fast intervention, tissue death (necrosis) or a bowel rupture is imminent. 

Where and how the corn cob gets stuck will depend heavily on the size of your dog and whether the cob was swallowed whole or chewed into pieces. In any case, the faster you present your pet for treatment, the more options your veterinarian will likely have.

If an x-ray reveals that the corn cob is still in your dog’s stomach, it may be possible to remove it with a scope or by inducing vomiting. Objects that have reached the intestines, however, will typically need to be removed through a surgical procedure called an . 

Symptoms of an Intestinal Blockage

If you see your dog swallow a corn cob, head to the emergency vet right away. If you caught your pet nosing through the trash and are concerned about what they may have eaten, monitor them closely for symptoms:

• Choking or gagging
• Pawing or rubbing their face or mouth
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal bloating
• Lethargy
• Odd behavior

If anything seems “off,” err on the side of caution and have your pet examined. 

Keep Dogs Safe at Cookouts and BBQs

An outdoor gathering wouldn’t be the same without pets in the yard. Taking a few simple precautions can keep the festivities fun and safe for everyone involved. 

Monitor Pets

Even very well-mannered dogs can struggle to control themselves around unattended food. Be aware of your pet’s activity and don’t rely on them to resist temptation on their own. 

Secure Garbage

Ensure that any food waste goes into a garbage can or compost bin with a sturdy lid. Encourage family members and guests to clear their plates as soon as they are finished eating so that scraps aren’t accessible. 

Be Cautious with Corn Handles

The small skewers that help you enjoy buttery grilled corn with less mess can make a swallowed corn cob particularly life-threatening for dogs. The sharp points designed to pierce the cob can easily perforate your pet’s throat, stomach, or bowel. If you choose to use corn handles, make sure they are removed before the cobs go into the compost or garbage.

If you’re familiar with terms like “orange cat behavior” and “tortitude,” you’re well aware that certain cat personality traits are associated with coat color. It’s not unusual for two cats living under the same roof to have dramatically different dispositions, and much like the stereotypes that follow blondes and redheads, baffled pet parents may attribute these quirks to color. 

Whether your feline companion is stubborn, clingy, friendly, or shy — is there any proven correlation between color and disposition? Here’s what researchers have uncovered so far. 

What Traits Do We Associate With Coat Color?

While most current evidence suggests that there is no causal relationship between coat color and behavior patterns, a 2022 study on cat personality traits and cat-owner relationships did uncover certain correlations. 

What remains unclear is whether color itself explains the researchers’ observations or if the cats in the study were influenced by their owners’ expectations. In other words, it’s possible that people who anticipate that their cat will be outgoing, reserved, or mischievous based on their coat color may help create this reality by the way they socialize their cat. 

Let’s explore some of the prevailing stereotypes around cat color. 

Tabbies

Tabby cats come in a wide range of striped patterns and earth-tone colors. They are known for being social, vocal, affectionate, and curious about visitors. A tabby who wants to be the center of attention at your next gathering fulfills many people’s expectations of stripey cats. 

Black Cats

While they are considered bad luck in some cultures, many people associate black cats with grace and mystery. Some scientists considered black cats more evolutionarily advanced than their brightly-colored counterparts, as their dark coat helps them sneak up on prey. As pets, black cats are associated with loyalty and intelligence. 

Gray Cats

The 2022 study seems to bear out common gray cat stereotypes. Silver-coated cats are known for being aloof, independent, and quick to hide from unfamiliar noises and people. 

Tortoiseshells

Tortoiseshell cats, affectionately known as “torties,” are widely considered sassy and moody. Pet parents familiar with “tortitude” have probably experienced a tortoiseshell cat go from playful to grouchy in the blink of an eye. People who love torties tend to view their temperamental nature as endearing. 

Calicos

Calico cats are a beautiful blend of black, white, and orange. Their reputation for being stubborn, independent, and selectively affectionate may have more to do with the fact that virtually all tri-colored cats are female. Many pet parents report that, even after being spayed, female cats are generally more protective and less clingy than males. 

Orange Cats

A quick search for orange cat antics says it all: we expect orange felines to be playful, affectionate, and a bit chaotic. Around 80% of orange cats are male, which may explain why they tend to be bolder and more vocal around strangers.

White and Cream Cats

The delicate, refined appearance of white cats probably contributes to our perception of them as shy and quiet. Only about 5% of cats have all-white coats, making them one of the rarer varieties of domestic long and short hairs. 

The Role of Perception

The same study that found a correlation between coat color and personality also explored the relationship between cat-owner interactions and traits like friendliness and boldness. 

The level of emotional closeness between a cat and their human predicted an outgoing and active personality, as did the amount of time cats and owners spent together playing or cuddling. These findings indicate the way a cat is socialized may impact their friendliness as much or more than the genetics behind their coat color. Unfortunately, this correlation cuts both ways — pet parents who expect their cat to be fearful or temperamental may interact with their pet less frequently, creating a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy. 

Coat Color and Adoption Rates

Sadly, coat color has a definitive and measurable impact on adoption rates. Black and tuxedo cats experience the highest rates of euthanasia (74%) and the lowest rates of adoption (10%), while white cats are most likely to find a new home. Considering that 50-80% of all shelter cats are euthanized in some NC counties, “black cat bias” is a death sentence for many cats and kittens. 

Prospective cat owners who want a loving, outgoing pet should know that they play an important role in shaping their new friend’s personality. Cats of any color make ideal companions when they get enough attention, affection, and enrichment. 

Cats are known to be conscientious self-cleaners, but occasionally, grooming goes too far. If your feline friend is suddenly fixated on licking themselves, it’s likely because of a change in their mental or physical health.

As mysterious as cats can be, it’s important to uncover the reason behind excessive grooming before it leads to bald patches and sores. Explore the common physical and behavioral causes of overgrooming to get your pet the relief they need. 

Why Do Cats Groom Themselves?

Anyone who has ever been licked by a cat knows that their tongues are designed for cleaning. That familiar sandpaper feeling is actually caused by papillae, or tiny, hollow, inward-facing spikes. 

Cats’ rough tongues function as a kind of multitool that helps them break down tough proteins and lap up water with more efficiency. Their most obvious use, however, is the perfect hairbrush. 

Physical Reasons for Grooming

Like their big cat ancestors, domestic felines tend to be solitary creatures once they reach adulthood. Self-grooming is an adaptation that allows cats to clean themselves without relying on the help of other pack members. 

Healthy cats groom themselves to distribute their skin oils throughout their coats and remove pests, burrs, and mats. It’s also possible that their hunting instincts compel them to try to remove their scent to make it easier to surprise prey. 

Psychological Reasons for Grooming

Though adult cats are notoriously independent, for kittens, grooming is a crucial bonding activity. Shared grooming experiences release endorphins, the “happy hormones” that foster closeness between kittens and their mothers and siblings. 

After they’re grown, cats continue to experience this flood of endorphins during self-grooming. Just like we may reach for a favorite childhood treat at the end of a bad day, cats will sometimes use grooming to self-soothe during periods of stress. 

Excessive grooming is often a sign that your cat is coping with a difficult change or concealing pain. 

When to Worry about Obsessive Licking

If overgrooming doesn’t stop soon after a stressful event (like vacuuming the floors) ends, or if licking is starting to cause hair loss or skin irritation, contact your veterinarian. 

Common Causes of Overgrooming in Cats

To effectively treat overgrooming, you have to correctly identify the underlying cause. Here are a few of the more common explanations for your cat’s oral fixation. 

Pain 

While it’s certainly true that cats lick their wounds, they may also use grooming as a way of coping with internal discomfort. 

Because cats tend to be stoic, painful conditions like joint problems, kidney disease, and UTIs can sometimes only be identified through subtle behavioral changes. It’s important to rule out serious health conditions before attributing overgrooming to seasonal allergies or stress. 

Allergies and Infections

Atopic dermatitis is a generic term for irritated, inflamed skin. If red, itchy skin is to blame for overgrooming, it’s possible that your pet is having an allergic reaction to:

• Mold
• Pollen
• Plastics
• Dust mites 
• Specific proteins
• Flea bites
• Parasitic infections of the skin

Depending on the cause of your cat’s allergies, flea prevention, dietary changes, or veterinary-prescribed antihistamines may resolve incessant licking. 

Environmental Changes

As excited as you may be about your new furniture, roommate, or job schedule, don’t be surprised if your cat isn’t a fan of the change. 

Our feline friends thrive on routine, so upsets that feel minor to us can cause them a great deal of stress. Make sure that you are adding plenty of play and personal attention into your cat’s day, and give them a safe space they can easily escape to if they feel overwhelmed. 

If emotional overgrooming doesn’t resolve within a few days, make an appointment with your vet to explore other options for managing your cat’s anxiety. 

Relocated Litter Boxes

Regardless of your reason for doing so, many cats consider disturbing their litter box to be an offense of the highest order. 

If you’ve had to make changes to your cat’s litter box due to a move or a change in your household, you may need to be prepared to negotiate. Offering multiple boxes in different locations throughout your house can help you understand your cat’s preferences and relieve some of the stress brought on by the change.

What to Do About Excessive Grooming

A sudden uptick in grooming is a likely signal that your cat is struggling. Playing the role of the investigator as soon as you notice overgrooming can help spare your cat from hair loss and painful secondary skin infections. 

Visit your vet to rule out serious health concerns and get curious about any recent changes that could be causing your cat physiological stress. Like any family member, cats thrive when both their physical and emotional needs are met.