Jet Pet Resort Guide to Fall Dog Care – 10 Tips to Help Your Pup Enjoy the Season
As the leaves change colour across Vancouver and the lower mainland, we say good bye to the warmer weather of another fantastic summer, and welcome with open arms all that fall has to offer in British Columbia! The brisk weather means that your dog may want to stay out longer, he or she may become more inquisitive about its surroundings, and certainly the wet weather will bring its share of messes to your home!
We have put together the following quick read – The Jet Pet Resort Guide to Fall Dog Care – 10 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!
Tip #1 – Get Out and Get Active
Fall is the perfect season to get out and get active after a lazy summer! It is the perfect weather for dog walks and dogs parks. This is also a great time to brush up on your dog’s commands – and maybe learn a few new ones! It’s important to ease into increased exercise to prevent injury.
Tip #2 – Safe Dog Walking at Night.
Because the days are shorter your evening walks with your dog maybe become darker, faster. Plan for a safe stroll by adjusting your walk schedule accordingly and/or fitting your pet with reflective gear such as a vest, leash or collar. Stick to a familiar route in your neighbourhood when walking after dusk.
Tip #3 – Bundle Up
With the fall comes chilly days and colder nights. Even though your dog has a natural coat, keep in mind that the increased cold with the dampness of the Vancouver season will make your pet colder, faster. Â Smaller and older dogs should be watched closely during the cold months and kept as warm as possible.
Tip #4 – Ticks and Fleas
Check your pet after coming indoors to make sure they aren’t bringing in any unwanted guests. The fall months are known for all kinds of pests, the most common of which are fleas and ticks. Try to also be familiar with where your pets play.
Tip #5 – Look Beyond the Leaves
Keep a close eye on your pet for any signs of discomfort- especially after playing in a pile of fall leaves! Fallen leaves that coat the ground can hide sharp pebbles, burs, allergens and other substances you want your cat or dog to avoid.
Tip #6 – Allergy Awareness
Did you know that dogs are as susceptible as you are to fall allergens?  If you see your pet itching more than usual, you might want to check with the vet to identify any possible allergies. Keep leaves raked and grass cut short to eliminate irritation to your pet’s skin.
Tip #7 – Shedding and Grooming
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. Make time to brush your pet weekly, if not daily, depending on your dog’s shedding habits. Brushing your pet will allow you to catch most of the unwanted hair before it ends up around your home!
Tip #8 – Enjoy the Holidays – But Keep an Eye on The Food!
During both Thanksgiving and Halloween, make sure to keep an eye on your pet and the food, deserts and 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.
Tip #9 – Halloween – Avoid the Horror Show!
Halloween is a fun evening that we like 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. Make sure to also look for any chocking points that the costume may have. Additionally, make sure to update your pets collar and remember that some cats and dogs are extremely sensitive to the sounds of the holidays – whether it be a crowd in the house, or fireworks at Halloween, make sure that your pet has a safe, quiet place to retreat to.
Tip #10 – 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.
There you have it – 10 easy tips to help you better enjoy fall with your pet! Remember, that Jet Pet Resort is busy this time of year, so if you need to make reservations, we suggest that you do not delay. Make sure that your dog or cat is up to date with their vaccinations, and that you have your dates planned out in advance. Jet Pet Resort also offers bathing and grooming, so we are able to keep your pet looking fantastic – either before an event or immediately after! Give us a call at 604-238-7387 to book your fall stay, and remember, its definitely not too early to start thinking about your pet’s Christmas stay!
