Caring for Your Pet During the Fall Season

Each season comes with lifestyle changes that bring new challenges for you and your pet! During the fall season, the sun gets lower in the sky, and the winds get just a bit chillier. Depending on where you are, temperatures may drop, the rain will frequent your streets, and your pet may seek a bit more comfort for the coming cooler weather.

Here is a list of 10 ways to best help your furry loved ones stay cozy and healthy for the changing season.

1. Be prepared for allergies

   The changing seasons tend to trigger allergies in pets, so keep an eye out for symptoms and check your pet’s coat, nails, and skin routinely.

2. Prepare for the wetter weather

   Fall weather tends to bring more rainfall in certain parts of the country, and depending on your pet, mostly dogs, you will have to deal with a wet puppy during this season. Rainy weather may bring some complications, but the important tip is to ensure that they stay dry and you protect their wet paws and coat! Raincoats and paw boots are available online and at your local pet shop to keep their fur and paws dry on walks.

3. Keep your pet hydrated

   In many areas, the fall weather brings drier and crispier weather, which can dehydrate your pet faster during a routine exercise. Ensure that your furry loved one gets plenty of water.

   

4. Prepare a warm and cozy place to sleep

   As winter begins to round the corner, cats and dogs may tend to experience loss and regrowth of new fur. This shedding is in response to ridding the thin summer hair and bringing in a new thick layer equipped for the winter weather.

5. Stay on top of your preventives!

   While it is true that pest issues are a bigger problem for your pets in warmer weather, flea and tick preventives should be taken seriously year-round! If you are not careful, you may have to deal with fleas and ticks throughout winter.

6. Be sure to groom your pet more often

   A thicker coat will help keep your pet warm, but thick responsibilities come with a thicker coat. Ensure your pet’s hair is not matted, and brush it more often. When hair mats, this invites unwanted bacteria and skin infections.

7. A change in walking schedules may be necessary

   As the sun sets earlier, the weather gets colder quicker, and the walking routes you used to take may get crowded now that the temperature to take walks elsewhere has become less tolerable. You may need to be mindful of the darkness or the traffic you may encounter. Dogs are particularly sensitive to changes, so start in 10-15 minute intervals when making your new schedule for the fall season.

8. Be aware of wildlife

   Due to the cold weather, many wildlife is also looking to hide in places to avoid the cold and stay warm. Staying vigilant for snakes, rats, mice, and other animals on your walks may be necessary, depending on your area.

9. Fall leaves can cover potentially dangerous foreign objects on the ground

   As the leaves litter the ground. The countless leaves could hide the danger of jagged sticks, rocks, thorns, poisonous plants, etc.

10. Keep the light on!

    The last months of the year tend to get dark outside quicker and indoors! Smart lights and timers can help to keep your pet well-adjusted while you are away at work. If not, consider keeping a light on when you leave so your pets aren’t left in the dark.

The fall season comes with its fair changes as mother nature prepares to shed its leaves for the new year. Ensuring you prepare you and your pet for those changes can help you both enjoy the season more!

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