Now that the fall season is officially here, as a pet parent, it’s vital to learn about the effects of changing seasons on your pet’s overall health and well-being. There are some seasonal hazards to look out for and minor changes you need to make in your daily routine.
Read on for some essential tips on how to help your pet adjust to this changing weather below.
Ensure Your Pet Stays Warm
With the arrival of fall, the temperature drops in Ontario, so keeping your pets warm and comfortable is vital. Protecting your dog or cat from catching a cold is easy.
It is a good idea to avoid trimming your pet’s fur too short. Also, you may want to keep your furry fellow warm with a coat or sweater, specifically when going for walks in the evening or at night.
And as for pets who stay mostly indoors, staying warm shouldn’t be too big a concern as your home’s heating system should be enough.
Remember that the temperature in the fall season tends to fluctuate between hot and cold, so it’s essential to have a cool location accessible to your pet in case they’re hot. Plus, check their bedding regularly and ensure a comfortable temperature.
Moreover, the fall is often quite dry, and pets can quickly dehydrate. You should fill your pet’s water bowl with a clean supply daily to prevent dehydration.
Brush Your Pet Regularly to Help With Shedding
Most furry pets tend to shed some hair during the spring and fall seasons as they grow new coats to adjust to the weather. Double-coated dog breeds and some cats heavily shed their summer coats so their cozy winter fur can grow. While this is a natural process that happens on its own, pets can benefit from extra coat care.
Brushing your pet regularly should be a priority; it saves from tangled and matting fur, which is painful and can cause irritation, hot spots, and infection. Also, ensure to use the right pet brush or comb and keep a detangler at hand. And don’t forget to carefully trim matted fur in small parts before they grow longer.
Another way to regulate seasonal shedding is by bathing your pet with lukewarm water and hypoallergenic shampoo. Showers loosen dead hair and help keep your dog clean. Using lukewarm water can prevent potential irritation.
Provide Your Pet With Proper Diet
Your pet needs a robust immune system to fight off potential seasonal diseases. For this reason, it is vital to boost their immunity through a proper diet and regular exercise.
Feed your pet a healthy diet with protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Fatty acid-rich foods like fish oil are high in DHA and EPA. Besides being nutritious, fatty acids improve coat health and prevent dry, flaky skin. Not to forget, take your pet out for walks and keep them active.
Prevent Fleas and Ticks
Although pet owners must be careful about parasites year-round, furry pets require extra care during the fall season if they go outside to play. The colourful foliage on the ground and the tall grass in your backyard or front yard attract ticks and fleas. These may include the harmful deer ticks that cause Lyme disease.
Be sure to keep your outdoor area clean so you and your pet can stay safe from these parasites. Rake and dispose of old leaves; whenever your pet returns after romping outdoors, check their skin for any hard lumps. If you find a tick or your pet suddenly acts sluggish and weak, take them to a pet diagnostics center.
Don’t Leave Your Pet Around Wild Mushrooms
Never leave your pet in an area with access to wild-growing mushrooms you aren’t sure are safe to consume. While many species of wild mushrooms are non-toxic, some can be quite dangerous and lead to indigestion, food poisoning, and diarrhea. Other more toxic ones can even damage the liver and kidneys, causing tremors and seizures.
This also applies to wild berries and nuts. If your pet ingests anything suspicious, visit a vet clinic as soon as possible.
Look Out for Allergies
Lastly, look out for allergies. Many pets are extra sensitive to changing weather, while others may be allergic to weeds that commonly grow during fall. Your pet may also be allergic to mould or dust mites.
Common allergy symptoms among pets include a runny nose, watery or irritated eyes, red skin, constant licking, itchiness, etc. If you think your pet might have an allergic reaction, visit your local veterinary clinic in New Hamburg for examination and diagnosis.
