Whether celebrating more moderate weather, or mourning the loss
of summer, the post-summer re-entry into the hustle bustle of
the cooler months can be a challenge. Even if youโre not a
student or donโt have kids of your own, the back to school
season seems to kick everything into high gear. Some things may
get overlooked as you settle into a new schedule, so hereโs
what to keep in mind to be sure pet care doesnโt fall to the
wayside.
SLOW DOWN & REMEMBER YOUR PET
Keep to a regular exercise regimen: Lack of
exercise leads to unwanted
behavior. Pent up energy can be expressed through unwanted chewing, and unwanted chewing
can lead to medical care thatโs painful (for them) and
expensive (for you).
Offer them the same level of affection theyโre used
to: A neglected pet wonโt hesitate to protest, usually
in ways that will not please you.
Remember to keep an eye on behavior and well
being: Dogs and cats are hard wired to keep feelings
of illness to themselves to whatever degree possible. A dogโs
instincts tell them that to remain in the pack, they have to be
valuable and strong. A catโs instincts tell them they must seem
strong to any potential rivals or predators. For this reason,
it can sometimes be hard to tell when theyโre not feeling up to
snuff. If weโre distracted by a hundred other things, we can
easily overlook ailments that are treatable in the short term,
but if left unattended, can turn into larger issues.
Keep on the lookout for signs your cat
is sick, or signs your dog isnโt
feeling well.
BE MINDFUL OF YOUR CHANGING ENVIRONMENT
With cooler temperatures, fall is a time when space heaters are
lugged up from basements and wood piles are replenished. Keep
in mind these few tips while going through your autumn chores.
Fireplace screens: To keep your pet safe from
flying sparks, use a fireplace screen, and donโt leave fires
unattended.
Space heater safety: Most space heater manuals
recommend we keep a three foot radius. Pets are smart. Theyโll
likely figure this out on their own. If you know your pet to
have questionable boundaries, though, consider setting up a
barrier of some sort.
Drive carefully: Wet leaves are the bane of
many autumn hikers, and drivers arenโt too fond of them either.
As a driver, take care on these slippery surfaces, and look out
for animals. As a pet owner, if your pets are permitted to
roam, consider keeping them home when the weather is wet and
leaves are still coating the roads.
WATCH WHAT YOUR PETS EAT
Autumn is mushroom season: If your pet is
lucky enough to roam off leash in wide open spaces, even if
that wide open space is just in your backyard, beware of
mushrooms. Most are harmless, but there are those few that can
be highly toxic, so itโs best to
avoid them altogether.
Glue sticks and pencils make for a delicious
snack: School supplies are back in action, and if your
home is like many households in the fall, certain spaces may
fall into disarray. Whether a bedroom floor or a den coffee
table, small bite sized school supplies can attract unwanted
attention from your curious four legged family member. Set
boundaries. Put swallowable or tantalizing items out of reach.
LOOK OUT FOR VERMIN AND THEIR REPELLANTS
Rodenticides are in higher demand: When the
weather cools off, rodents look to move inside. For this
reason, thereโs more pest bait and pest poison about. Make sure
rodenticides are inaccessible to your pet.
Snakes are cranky: In the fall, snakes prepare
to hibernate. They can be a bit temperamental during these
months. If you know your area is prone to snakes, keep your
pets away from wherever they may be lurking.
Fleas and ticks are still out and biting, as are
mosquitoes: Donโt suspend use of your monthly flea and tick treatments, or your
heartworm prevention medications,
just because the weather is cooler. Your pet may still become
infested, and those infestations
can still cause all the same challenging conditions like
Lyme disease or heartworm.
Get Your Pet Ready for Fall with these 5 Tips
As the days start to become shorter and the nights longer, you
know that fall is coming. It is a great season to go on long
walks, as you get to see leaves in different colors. The cool
night makes it a great time to spend outdoors.
Due to the change in season, it is crucial you get your pet
ready so that it can handle the difference in the climate.
Given below are the list of things you must do so that your
four-legged friend will love the drop in temperature:
Change walk time and
food
Summer was a great season to spend time with your pet outdoors.
However, due to the higher temperatures during the middle of
the day, you had to adjust the time you take your pet for a
walk.
Most people prefer the early morning or the night to be active
with their four-legged friends. However, this is no longer
applicable, as the weather is pleasant throughout the day. You
will have to take your pet on a walk later in the morning and
early in the evening.
Similarly, the activity level will start to go down, as the
temperature gets colder. You must keep this in mind when
feeding your pet. Keep track of the treats you feed it so that
it doesnโt become overweight.
Groom the pet
regularly
Making sure your petโs coat is thick as the weather becomes
colder is essential, as it helps your furry friend stay warm.
While you should allow the fur to grow, it doesnโt mean you
should help your four-legged companion take care of it.
If you donโt take appropriate steps to maintain it, there is a
high chance the pet will suffer from skin and bacteria
infections. Once this becomes a problem, it will take quite
some time to eliminate this issue completely.
The best thing to prevent these types of infections is to groom
the fur of your pet regularly. Once you let the hair grow out,
you should brush it frequently, so that it is clean at all
times.
Pick up new clothes
As the weather is colder, it is time to start looking for warm
clothing for your pet. Even though the coat should help manage
the change in temperature, you donโt want to take the chance.
It is a great time to buy winter clothes, as you can avoid
paying exorbitant rates for these types of clothing. Do make
sure that the wardrobe you select is comfortable for your pet.
Once you start to follow the tips highlighted above, your pet
will find it easy to adjust to the seasonal change. Do you know
other things that a dog or cat owner should keep in mind for
fall? Leave a comment below, so that everyone knows about your
incredible tips!
More on Pet Safety Tips
5 Tips for Dog Safety Around the
Home
Pet Safety and Household
Cleaning Products
Pet Safety
for the Holidays Infographic
This information is for informational
purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the
professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your
veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been
verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
