Fall Dog Care – Tips to Help Your Pup Enjoy the Season
Fall in Vancouver and across the lower mainland is a favourite season for many. The leaves are changing colour, the weather is starting to cool down, and your dog is probably starting to want to spend more time on longer walks. Holidays are beginning and we all concede that beautiful British Columbia summer has finally passed. As much as you might be missing the warm embrace of the sun, your dog is loving this new fall season!
Kindly take a few moments to read over the Jet Pet Resort Guide to Fall Dog Care – Tips to Help Your Pup Enjoy the Season. We are sure that you will find a tip or two to help make sure that both you and your dog enjoy a fun and safe fall!
Enjoy the Holidays
Both Thanksgiving and Halloween are fall holidays that we tend to include our dogs in. Remember that if you are dressing your pup up for Halloween to keep it close and put reflective clothing on it. Keep an eye on the candy. Chocolate can be deadly to dogs, so make sure your children know to keep it out of reach. Food can become a problem during Thanksgiving as well. Look out for hungry pets eyeing the table! If you are decorating, remember that some dogs love chewing wires, so make sure that they are out of your dog’s reach.
Get Out and Get Active
Often the summer heat finds Fido feeling a little lazy and maybe enjoying the air conditioning a wee bit much. Fall is the perfect season to get out and get active again! It is the perfect weather for dog walks and dog parks. It’s important to ease into increased exercise to prevent injury. This is also a great time to brush up on your dog’s commands – and maybe learn a few new ones!
Look Beyond the Leaves
Fallen leaves that coat the ground can blanket sharp pebbles, burs, allergens and other substances you want your cat or dog to avoid. Keep a close eye on your pet for any signs of discomfort- especially after playing in a pile of fall foliage!
Allergy Awareness
Your dog is as susceptible as you to fall allergens. Keep leaves raked and the grass cut short to eliminate irritation to your pet’s skin. If you see your pet itching more than usual, you might want to check with the vet to identify any possible allergies.
Shedding and Grooming
Make time to brush your pet weekly, if not daily, depending on your dog’s shedding habits. In the fall, pets begin shedding their summer coat to allow room for their winter coat. For many pet owners, this means pet hair on your couch, your clothes, and almost anywhere you can imagine. Brushing your pet will allow you to catch most of the unwanted hair before it ends up around your home.
Ticks and Fleas
The fall months are known for all kinds of pests, the most common of which are fleas and ticks. Check your pet after coming indoors to make sure they aren’t bringing in any unwanted guests. Try to also be familiar with where your pets are playing.
Practice Safe Dog-walking at Night.
Remember that the days are shorter, and your evening walks with your dog may become darker. Plan for a safe stroll by adjusting your walk schedule accordingly or accessorizing your pet with reflective gear. Stick to a familiar route in your neighbourhood when walking after dusk.
Bundle Up
With the fall comes chilly days and colder nights. Smaller and older dogs should be watched closely during the cold months and kept as warm as possible.
Keep an Eye Out For Poisons
Winterizing your property may include putting out rodent traps or poisons. Keep yours out of reach, in case your pet decides to taste these out of curiosity. During the cooler months many people also begin to use antifreeze which is another extremely dangerous poison to pets. Prevent your dog from accidentally ingesting ethylene glycol by carefully storing antifreeze in its original container with warning labels, and out of reach of pets. Watch the ground carefully for any toxic spills if you’re walking your pet on a driveway or garage.
Read more Dog Care Tips for the Fall.