Autumn Canine Care

The autumn season is a wonderful time of year for our furry friends. After all, fall weather is ideal for taking your dog for a walk in a beautiful park. However, fall, like any other season, has its own set of hazards that pet owners should be aware of. Here are some of them, as listed by a local Aldershot, ON veterinarian.

Make Fido’s Alone Time More Comfortable

Does your dog stay at home alone while you go to work to pay for his toys, treats, and meals? You may wish to switch on a light for your canine companion before leaving, as it may be dark when you return home. This ensures that your furry pal is not left alone in a dark house. Sitting by  yourself in a dark, quiet house is no fun for people or pets! 

Maintain Proper Parasite Control for your canine buddy

While many smaller pests will hibernate over the colder months, they do not go quietly. In fact, as the temperature cools, critters like fleas and ticks will be even more determined to stay indoors. Don’t forget to protect your pet from parasites. Also, after bringing your pet in from the outdoors, check for ticks.

Keep An Eye Out For Wildlife!

Many wild creatures prepare to hibernate for the winter months in the autumn. Others are hoarding and gathering as much food as they can. Many of these creatures may be more agitated than usual. Be especially cautious if you’re in a remote region. If you have a yard for your pooch to play in, bring Fido inside before sundown and keep nighttime excursions short. Keep a close eye on your canine buddy if you do let him out after dark. If you’re walking your pooch, don’t allow him to sniff around areas where wild animals may be hiding, and don’t let him run about off-leash in woods or fields.

Be WatchFul Of Mushrooms

Some pets will simply ignore mushrooms, which is the ideal situation here. Others, however, will attempt to consume them. This can be quite hazardous. Many mushrooms contain toxins. Some can be fatal. Don’t let your canine friend eat mushrooms! If you have a fenced yard, keep an eye out for any that are developing and gently remove and dispose of them.

Maintain His Thermal Comfort

Don’t think Fido’s fur coat will keep him warm in the cold. It will help, but many puppies require further protection. If your pet has smooth, short fur, he could need a jacket on cold days. If your dog wears a coat, ensure all of his winter clothing is clean and in good shape. A warm, comfortable dog bed is also necessary.

Adjust Your Walking Habits

Because it gets dark early, you may find yourself walking your dog frequently after sunset. Make sure you’re dressed in bright colors. It is not a bad idea to have a light-up leash for your canine pal.

Limit Allergy Exposure

Anyone with allergies may find autumn to be a difficult, if not downright awful, season. Pollen, dust, dander, mold, and mildew are common during this time of year. This can be upsetting for both humans and pets. Itching, runny eyes, respiratory troubles, skin disorders, and sneezing are all warning signs to look out for. If you know or think that your furry pal suffers from allergies, contact your Aldershot, ON veterinarian.

If you know that your furry buddy has allergies, download a pollen tracker and keep track of levels. Fido’s outdoor time should be limited when levels are high. Before bringing your canine buddy inside, wipe his paws and belly with a damp cloth. That gets rid of pollen, dust, and dander from his fur. Regular vacuuming and dusting will also be beneficial.

Be Cautious With Decorations

Autumn decorations offer your home a unique seasonal, whimsical air. Keep your canine companion’s safety in mind. Many of our four-legged pals enjoy chewing on just about anything. Anything little or pointed, as well as anything long or stringy, can pose a hazard. Ropes, garlands, and faux spiderwebs that you hang on the porch are examples of this. Items that move, light up, or create noise are also hazardous. These often require cords or batteries, neither of which is suitable for Fido to eat or chew on.

If your canine friend is a chewer, keep in mind that many decorations are not safe either. Decorations made of foam, cardboard, soft plastic, or other soft or fragile materials should be kept out of paws’ reach. 

Be Aware Of Arthritic Symptoms

Cold, damp weather can irritate puppies with bone/joint problems, such as arthritis or hip dysplasia. If your animal friend appears stiff and sore, make an appointment with your veterinarian straight away. Many of these problems cannot be cured, but they can be managed if addressed early on.

If Fido suffers from arthritis, you may need to take extra precautions to keep him comfy and warm in cold weather. Making sure your canine pal has a comfortable bed to snuggle in is critical. It will not only help your pooch sleep better, but will also keep him warm and protect him from chilly flooring.

Winter may be extremely harsh on Fido’s furry feet. Snow, salt, sand, ice, and chemical de-icing agents can all produce painful burns and abrasions. Prepare pet-safe de-icers for the chilly weather.

Ask your Aldershot, ON veterinarian for more advice on how to care for an arthritic pup.

Schedule a Professional Grooming Session

If you had your pooch’s hair cut for the summer, now is the time to let it grow out. You should also give Fido a bath before the weather turns cold. Make an appointment for your dog to visit his doggy salon.

Use Fire with Caution

Candles and fires can create a comfortable atmosphere in your house, but you must exercise caution. Fido may easily knock a candle off a coffee table with a wagging tail. Candles should be kept in thick sconces and burned in high places out of reach of pets.

If you use a fireplace or light a fire in a pit, make sure your furry friend won’t get too close. Use a thick grate over fireplaces, and make sure pits are arranged so that your canine buddy does not unintentionally fall or wander into the fire.

Maintain Your Pooch’s Grooming Routine

Fall is one of our canine companions’ busiest grooming seasons. As Fido transitions from summer to thicker fur, you may notice pet hair everywhere. You may need to brush him more frequently than normal during this time of year. (Tip: take your dog outside during these periods. The additional fur will simply blow away instead of getting all over everything.

Enjoy Some Long Walks With Fido

Finally, take advantage of the current weather. Take your adorable pet to a beautiful park or try out a new trail with him. This is an excellent time to meet up with friends who have their own dogs. Grab a coffee and enjoy the gorgeous weather!

Schedule an Appointment at Our Aldershot, ON Pet Clinic

Is it necessary for your pooch to come inside? Is Fido due for an exam, vaccinations, or parasite treatment? Please feel free to contact us at your Aldershot, ON pet hospital. We are committed to providing exceptional veterinarian care and customer service.