Fall is officially here! This is an excellent time of year for our canine companions. After all, fall provides ideal weather for taking your furry best buddy for a walk in a beautiful park. However, as with any other season, autumn brings its own set of challenges for pet owners to consider. A local Haddon Township, NJ vet has listed some of them below.
Keep Up with Your Pet’s Parasite Control
Many smaller pests will hibernate throughout the colder months, but we are not there yet. Fleas and ticks do not go peacefully! In fact, when the temperature cools, they will be even more adamant about going indoors. Do not neglect your pet’s parasite protection. Continue to inspect for ticks after bringing your pet inside from the outside.
Watch Out For Wildlife
In the fall, many wild animals prepare to hibernate during the colder months. Some are hoarding and eating as much food as they can. Many may be crankier than usual. Be extremely cautious, especially if you are in a more remote region. If you have a fenced yard, bring Fido inside before nightfall, and keep an eye on him if you let him out at night. When walking your dog, don’t allow him to sniff around areas where wild animals may be hiding, and don’t let him run about off-leash in the woods or fields.
Be Careful With Mushrooms.
Some pets simply ignore mushrooms, which is the best-case scenario here. Others, however, will devour them. This can be quite dangerous! Many mushrooms are very poisonous. Some can even be fatal. If you’re walking your dog, don’t let him eat mushrooms. If you have a fenced yard, keep an eye out for any developing plants and gently remove and dispose of them.
Keep Him Warm
Do not expect Fido’s fur coat will be enough to keep him warm in the cold. It will help, but many puppies require more protection than their fur offers. If your pet has smooth, short fur, he may benefit from a jacket on chilly days. If your dog wears outerwear, ensure that all of his winter clothing is clean and in good shape. A warm, comfortable dog bed is also essential.
Of course, this isn’t going to be an issue with a snow dog, such as a husky. If you aren’t sure whether or not your pooch needs help staying warm, ask your vet.
Adjust Your Walking Practices
As the sun sets earlier and earlier, you may find yourself walking your canine companion frequently after sundown. Wear light or bright gear, and make sure Fido is visible as well. A light-up leash isn’t a terrible idea.
Make Fido’s Alone Time Comfortable.
Does your canine friend stay home alone while you work to pay for his toys, treats, and food? You may want to switch on a light for your canine companion before leaving, as it may be dark when you arrive home. This way, your pet will not be left alone in a dark house.
Limit Exposure To Allergens
Fall may be a difficult, if not downright terrible, season for anyone with allergies. This time of year, there is generally a lot of pollen, dust, dander, mold, and mildew. This can bother both pets and people. Itching, runny eyes, respiratory troubles, skin problems, and sneezing are all warning symptoms to keep an eye out for. If you know or think that your pet has allergies, contact your veterinarian.
You can download a pollen tracker to keep track of the amounts. Limit Fido’s outdoor time while the level is high. You may also wish to clean down your pet’s paws and belly with a damp cloth before returning him inside. That will remove pollen, dust, and dander from his fur. Regular vacuuming and dusting might also help.
Be Careful With Decorations
Autumn decorations give your home a unique seasonal and whimsical air. However, keep your pup’s safety in mind. Many of our four-legged pals like chewing on everything and everything they can. Anything little or pointed, as well as anything long or stringy, can pose a risk. This includes ropes, garlands, and the phony spiderwebs you put on your doorstep. Items that move, illuminate, or create noise are also hazardous. These often require cords or batteries, neither of which are suitable for Fido to eat or chew on.
If your dog is a chewer, avoid using decorations made of foam or plastic, which are not safe for him to consume.
Look For Signs Of Stiffness
Cold, damp weather can worsen dogs with bone/joint problems like arthritis or hip dysplasia. If your furry bestie appears stiff and sore, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian straight soon. Many of these issues cannot be healed, but they can be managed if addressed early on.
If Fido has arthritis, you may need to take a few extra precautions to keep him warm in cold weather. It is critical to provide your dog with a comfortable bed in which to snuggle. This will not only help your pet sleep better, but it will also give him warmth and protect him from cold flooring.
Winter can be particularly harsh on Fido’s furry feet. Snow, salt, sand, ice, and chemical de-icers can all result in painful burns and abrasions. Prepare for the chilly weather with pet-safe de-icers.
Ask your Haddon Township, NJ veterinarian for more information on caring for an arthritic puppy.
Keep Up With Grooming
Fall is a peak shedding season for our canine pets. As Fido swaps his summer clothes for heavier fur, you may notice pet hair everywhere. You may need to brush him more frequently than usual at this time of year. (Tip: Take your dog outside for these sessions. The excess fur will simply blow away instead of getting all over everything.)If you’ve had your dog’s hair cut for the summer, now is the time to let it grow. You’ll also want to give Fido a wash before it gets cold.
Use Caution With Fire
Candles and fires can add a cozy warmth to your house, but use them with caution. Fido can easily knock a candle from a coffee table with an energetic thump of his wagging tail. Keep candles in thick sconces and burn them in high places where pets cannot reach them.
If you use a fireplace or start a fire in a pit, be sure your pet can’t come too close. Use a sturdy grate over fireplaces, and make sure pits are arranged so your furry buddy cannot fall into the fire.
Enjoy Long Walks with Fido
Finally, make the most of the current weather. Bring your adorable pet to a beautiful park or explore a new trail with him. This is an excellent opportunity to catch up with friends who have their own dogs. Grab some coffee and enjoy the gorgeous weather!
Book An Appointment At Our Haddon Township, NJ Pet Clinic
Does your canine companion need to come in? Is Fido due for a checkup, vaccines, or parasite control? Please contact us at your Haddon Township, NJ pet hospital. We are dedicated to providing exceptional veterinarian treatment and customer service, and are always happy to help!
