Autumn Care for Dogs

Fall is here! It’s always nice to enjoy those crisp, cool breezes after a hot summer. This may very well be Fido’s favorite time of year: he gets to run and play without getting too hot or too cold. Read on as a Burlington, ON vet lists some autumn care tips for Fido.

Fido may burn extra calories just staying warm in cold weather. Your furry friend may benefit from larger portion sizes in cold weather. This is particularly true for puppies, nursing mamas, senior dogs, and pups with thin coats. Your canine pal may also benefit from certain supplements. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Take advantage of that gorgeous fall weather to get outdoors with Fido. This is a great time to take a long walk with your dog, or spend time tossing a ball, stick, or Frisbee for him! Don’t forget to snap a few cute photos of your pooch against that gorgeous foliage.

Make sure your furry pal has a comfy bed to curl up in. Cold, dreary days make great napping weather! If Fido is a senior or has thin fur, he may appreciate a thermal blanket or heating pad.

As you start pulling your heavy clothes out of storage, you’ll also want to get Fido’s winter things ready. Dogs with thin fur will be more comfortable with jackets on. Make sure your four-legged friend’s clothes still fit him well, and aren’t too big or too small. We also recommend stocking up on pet-safe de-icing products.

Arthritis is very common in older dogs. This painful condition can make Fido very stiff and sore in cold weather. There are some things you can do to make your furry friend feel better. Massage, medication, and other treatments can all be very helpful here. Ask your vet for more recommendations.

Dogs are very curious, and like to learn about things by, well, eating them. Be aware of seasonal hazards! Many late-blooming plants are toxic to Fido. Mushrooms can also be dangerous. Leaf piles are another concern. Many pups also love jumping into piles of leaves. However, there could be sharp sticks, mold, or even small animals in the piles. Finally, keep your pooch away from chemicals, such as fertilizer and antifreeze.

Please contact us, your Burlington, ON vet clinic, anytime. We are here to help!