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, it brings its own set of challenges for pet owners to consider. A local Waterdown, ON vet has listed some of them below.
Be Careful With Decorations
Autumn decorations give your home a seasonal and whimsical air. However, keep your dog’s safety in mind. Many of our four-legged pals like chewing on anything and everything they can. Anything small, sharp, or pointed can pose a risk. Ropy or stringy objects are also unsafe. 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. Ask your vet for more information.
Watch For Signs Of Arthritis
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.
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 this. If your pet has smooth, short fur, he may benefit from a jacket on chilly days. If your dog wears outerwear, make sure all his winter clothing is clean and in good shape.
Adjust Your Walking Practices
As the light sets earlier, you may find yourself walking your canine companion frequently after sundown. Make sure your stuff is easily seen. That would include a jacket for you and a leash and collar for your dog. A light-up leash isn’t a terrible idea.
Make Fido’s Alone Time Comfortable.
Does your dog stay home alone while you work to pay for his toys, treats, and food? Switch on a light for your canine companion before leaving, as it may be dark when you arrive home.
Limit Exposure To Allergens
At 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 Hamilton ON veterinarian.
You can download a pollen tracker and 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 will also help.
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! Ask your Hamilton ON vet for more information.
Watch Out For Wildlife
In the fall, many wild animals prepare to hibernate for the colder months. Many of these creatures may be a little 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. Others, however, will be tempted to devour them. This can be quite harmful. Many mushrooms are very toxic. 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 and gently remove and dispose of any you find.
Don’t Skip Pawdicures
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 Waterdown, ON veterinarian for more information on caring for an arthritic puppy.
Use Caution With Fire
Candles and fires can add a warm warmth to your house, but use them with caution. Fido may easily knock a candle from a coffee table with a pleased thud 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 doesn’t come too close. Use a sturdy grate over fireplaces.
Keep Up With Grooming
Fall is a peak grooming 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.)
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 own dogs. Grab some coffee and enjoy the gorgeous weather!
Book An Appointment At Our Waterdown, On 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 Waterdown, ON pet hospital. We are dedicated to providing exceptional veterinarian treatment and customer service.
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