How Illinois' Barometric Pressure Affects Pets

Understanding Pressure Changes in the Midwest to Care for Pets

The continental climate of the Midwest brings dramatic shifts in barometric pressure to Illinois. Our state's inland location allows air masses to readily collide as high and low pressure systems advance through the region. For pet parents, these frequent pressure fluctuations can take a toll on the health and comfort of our dogs and cats. Arthritis pain, respiratory issues, lethargy, nausea, and mood changes are common responses in pets to dropping or spiking pressure. By understanding how barometric swings uniquely affect our companions here in Illinois, we can better care of them during times of weather changes.

You might have heard Dr. Bhatt talk about Barometric Pressure and that it is affecting your pet. Let’s explore what that actually means. It’s quite fascinating.

Here in the Midwest, rapidly changing barometric pressure is a regular occurrence thanks to our variable continental climate. As Illinois pet parents, we need to be particularly aware of how these frequent pressure fluctuations can impact the health and comfort of our dogs and cats. Understanding how barometric pressure swings affect pets right here in our state can help us better care for them.

What is Barometric Pressure?

First, let’s quickly review what exactly barometric pressure is. Barometric pressure, also called atmospheric pressure, is the force exerted on everything on Earth’s surface by the weight of the air in our atmosphere. Standard sea-level pressure is 1013.25 millibars, but barometric pressure varies greatly depending on altitude, weather patterns, and geographic location. Changing pressure is measured in millibars (mb) on barometers.

Illinois’ Variable Pressure Climate

Here in Illinois, our location far inland and lack of major geographic barriers allows air masses to sweep through readily. This causes our barometric pressure to rise and plummet dramatically as high and low pressure systems advance through the state. These fronts bring everything from sunny skies to thunderstorms and blizzards. Pressure can easily change 15 to 20 mb in just 24 hours during this clashing of air masses. For comparison, a pressure shift of just 2 mb is noticeable to humans.

Illinois vets report increased cases of limping, coughing, and stomach distress around major fronts sweeping the state. The sudden temperature swings that often accompany shifting pressure also play a role. But even mild pressure drops with little temperature change lead to pets feeling under the weather.

With Illinois ranking 16th nationally for pet ownership, that’s a lot of dogs and cats being affected by our dramatic shifts in barometric pressure. Everything from Chihuahuas to Great Danes are sensitive to the dropping and rising pressure. Older pets are especially prone, but young, healthy animals feel it too.

Regional Comparisons

To understand how unique Illinois’ pressure fluctuations are, let’s compare to other parts of the country:

Coastal regions like the Pacific Northwest and New England do not see major barometric pressure swings. The proximity to open water keeps pressure relatively steady. Pets there notice minimal impact from barometric shifts.

Mountainous zones like Colorado and Montana experience very dry air and greater pressure changes with elevation. But fronts advance more slowly due to geographic barriers. Gradual pressure transitions mean less pain for pets.

The Southeast and Gulf Coast see rapid but generally smaller pressure shifts as oceanic and continental air masses collide. Pets still feel the effects but to a lesser degree than Illinois.

The Southwest experiences very dry air but few large pressure swings due to a stable air mass. Pets experience fairly minimal pressure-related pain and mood shifts.

So while no region is completely immune to barometric impacts on pets, Illinois’ variable continental climate clearly experiences some of the most dramatic pressure swings in the nation. Our dogs and cats definitely take notice!

Barometric Pressure Effects on Pets

So how exactly does shifting barometric pressure affect our furry companions here in Illinois?

Arthritis and Joint Pain

Just like humans with arthritis who ache before a storm, pets feel real physical discomfort when pressure drops rapidly in Illinois. The slight expansion of fluids puts strain on joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues. Dogs may have difficulty climbing stairs or seem hesitant to jump. Cats may stop leaping to high perches. Medications can provide some relief, but there is no cure for this weather-related joint pain.

Muscle Stiffness and Body Aches

Shifts in barometric pressure alter nutrient and oxygen circulation to muscles and connective tissues. Dogs may seem lethargic and not want to go on long walks. Cats may have trouble getting comfortable and resist being held or petted where they are sore. Massage, warm compresses, and rest help soothe aching muscles.

Migraines and Head Pain

Humans are not the only ones who get weather-triggered headaches! Changes in barometric pressure have been linked to migraines and head pain in Illinois pets too. Providing a dark, quiet space away from household noise and lights can allow dogs and cats to rest their aching heads.

Respiratory Distress

Lower air pressure allows gases to expand, which reduces space in the lungs and airways. This triggers coughing, wheezing, sneezing and labored breathing in pets with allergies, asthma, kennel cough and other respiratory issues. Careful health management helps minimize occurrences.

Stomach and Digestive Problems

Some dogs and cats also experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea from pressure changes. The shifts seem to impact the autonomic nervous system controlling digestion. Keeping pets hydrated and calling your vet if symptoms persist can help overcome gastrointestinal troubles.

Mood and Behavior Changes

Pet parents often notice changes like anxiety, irritability, or lethargy in response to barometric shifts. Dogs may pace or hide, while cats may overgroom or act aggressive. Patience and calming routines help pets through these pressure-related behavior issues.

Integrative Veterinary Remedies

While we cannot control the weather, we can help our dogs and cats manage pain and discomfort associated with barometric pressure shifts. Some remedies Illinois vets may recommend include:

• Joint Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, and Omega fatty acids help lubricate joints and reduce inflammation. They may provide mild pain relief for pets.

• Pain Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Carprofen or Meloxicam reduce swelling and discomfort. Use only as directed by your vet.

• Massage and Stretching: Increase circulation and flexibility in stiff, sore muscles with gentle pet massage and range of motion exercises. Stop if your pet seems distressed.

• Acupuncture: Fine needles stimulate nerve endings to reduce pain signals. This alternative therapy provides arthritis and muscle pain relief for some pets.

• Laser Therapy: Applying targeted laser light increases blood flow and reduces inflammation in painful areas on the skin and joints. It can ease barometric pressure discomfort.

• Pet Spa: Warm water soaking in whirlpool tubs improves joint mobility and blood flow. Pair with massage for whole body pressure relief.

• Environment Control: Adjusting temperature, providing soft bedding, keeping noise low, and limiting stairs/jumping reduces sources of weather-related discomfort.

• Medicating cautions: Never exceed dosage recommendations. Do not use OTC human medications without veterinary guidance. Follow all pharmaceutical labels and vet instructions.

While these remedies can help ease discomfort, they cannot cure or eliminate it completely. Close attention to symptoms and proactive care by Illinois pet parents provides the best relief during uncomfortable pressure swings.

Adjusting Pet Care for Illinois' Climate

The best thing we can do for our dogs and cats is show some extra love when Mother Nature is impacting their health. Here are tips for Illinois pet parents to help companions handle our state’s rapidly changing barometric pressure:

• Massaging sore joints and muscles when pressure drops

• Providing warm, soft bedding away from drafts

• Limiting outdoor time during major pressure shifts

• Adjusting exercise to avoid overexertion

• Remaining calm and keeping household noise and activity low

• Administering veterinary recommended supplements/medications

• Calling Dr. Bhatt if symptoms are severe or persist

While we cannot control Illinois’ continental climate, we can control how we react to our pets’ barometric pressure discomforts. Thoughtful adjustments make all the difference in keeping Midwest dogs and cats comfortable.

Barometric Pressure and Pets

While we can’t eliminate these effects completely, we can modify our pet care routines to ease the impacts. Close attention to symptoms, vet guidance, pet-friendly home adjustments, and a little extra TLC can go a long way in helping Illinois pets handle our state’s variable barometric pressure. With some knowledge and planning, we can take the worry out of weather changes for ourselves and our beloved furry family members.

Contact Dr. Bhatt and the team if you are concerned or see symptoms that need attention. We’re here for them!