Last Updated on April 27, 2023 by Dogs Vets
Everything Dog Owners Need to Know for the Autumn Months.
Autumn is a beautiful season to enjoy with your furry friend, but it also comes with some challenges and risks for dog owners.
After the hot summer temperatures, dogs are going to look forward to the cooler temperatures of autumn. Not only is this a peaceful and lovely time of the year with changing colours, but it is also one of the best times for dogs to exercise.
They are going to be able to run around for longer and have fun outdoors, all before the freezing temperatures of winter.
Use joint Supplements After Long Walks
During the summer, it is common for your dog to sit around and sunbathe. Simply, it is too hot to go on long walks during the summer months.
So, when it gets to autumn and the temperatures drop, your furry friend is going to be ready to go.
But, this huge jump between minimal exercise to a lot of exercise can be a lot for our four-legged friends.
The best thing you can do is offer your pooch a quality joint supplement. This is going to help protect their joints after long walks and help to prevent stiffness and lameness.
Be Aware for Lungworm
Have you ever heard of lungworm before? This is something you will want to know about if you want to keep your furry friend safe.
This is a bad parasite that is found in slugs and snails. During the winter months, these are bugs that you are going to find a lot.
They come out in the cooler temperatures, as well as when it is damp and wet outside. We all know that there is a bit more rain during the autumn.
So, this means that there is a chance that your dog could pick up lungworm from them. So, ensure that you always know where your canine is and that they are not eating anything. In addition, a worming treatment is recommended.
Always Bathe Your Dog After Muddy Walks
During the autumn, you are more than likely to venture into woods and forests where it is muddy. Of course, the last thing you want is your canine trailing mud through the house.
So, the best thing you can do is bathe your dog after a muddy walk. But, there is another more important reason why you should make this a standard practice in your house.
This is because something called Alabama Rot can be present and found in mud. This can be fatal for dogs and you should go to the vet immediately if you discover skin ulcers.
Stay Away from Conkers and Acorns
Most of the main toxins people know about when it comes to dogs. But, there are some that are less well-known and appear in the autumn.
We are talking about conkers and acorns. Both of these are a danger to dogs and you must keep your canine away from them.
First of all, they have the ability to block a dog’s airway. In particular, conkers contain a chemical referred to as aesculin. This has the ability to cause internal damage if your canine consumes a conker out on a walk.
In addition, the tannic acid found in acorns can lead to internal damage, as well as even causing kidney disease.
Remember Ticks are Around
Every dog owner knows to watch out for ticks. In particular, they are prevalent during the spring, as well as in the summer. But, a lot of people do not realise that you can still get ticks during the autumn.
In particular, they are going to be active until around October. So, if you are walking your dog through an area with long grass or through woodland, you should be on the lookout for ticks.
There are tick treatments and collars you can use that are going to help during the autumn.
Prepare Your Routine for the Winter
We all know that the days get shorter during the winter. In other words, the sun comes up later and goes down earlier.
Autumn is a great time to start preparing for the winter routine. In other words, taking your dog out for walks when it is not dark outside.
For example, you can start to adjust the time you head out in the morning.
This should be later on. In addition, you can choose to have lunchtime walks instead of at night. This is going to mean you are going out in the daylight during the winter months.
We all know that dogs thrive when they have a routine. So, you can gradually transition your dog throughout autumn.
Here are some tips and advice to keep your dog happy and healthy during the fall.
1. How can I protect my dog from fleas and ticks?
Fleas and ticks are active all year round, but they can be especially troublesome in the autumn when they seek warm places to hide.
To prevent these parasites from infesting your dog, you should use a monthly preventive treatment such as a spot-on, a collar, or an oral medication. You should also check your dog regularly for any signs of fleas or ticks, and remove them promptly with a pair of tweezers or a special tool.
2. What should I do if my dog eats something toxic?
Autumn is a time of harvest and celebration, but it also means that there are many potential toxins around your dog.
Some common ones include chocolate, grapes, raisins, mushrooms, nuts, onions, garlic, xylitol, alcohol, and antifreeze.
If you suspect that your dog has ingested something toxic, you should contact your veterinarian or a poison control center immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.
3. How can I keep my dog warm and comfortable?
As the temperature drops, your dog may need some extra care to stay cozy and comfortable. Depending on your dog’s breed, size, age, and health condition, you may want to provide them with a sweater or a coat when going outside.
You should also make sure that their bedding is dry and clean, and that they have access to fresh water at all times. Avoid leaving your dog outside for too long, especially if they are not used to cold weather.
4. How can I prevent my dog from getting lost?
Autumn is a season of change, and that can confuse your dog’s sense of direction and smell. To prevent your dog from getting lost, you should always keep them on a leash when walking outside, especially in unfamiliar areas or near busy roads.
You should also make sure that your dog has a collar with an ID tag and a microchip with updated information. If your dog does get lost, you should contact your local animal shelter and post flyers in your neighborhood.
5. How can I keep my dog entertained indoors?
Autumn can be rainy and windy, which means that you may not be able to take your dog outside as often as you would like.
To keep your dog entertained indoors, you should provide them with plenty of toys and games that stimulate their physical and mental activity. You can also teach them new tricks or enroll them in an online training course.
You should also spend some quality time with your dog by cuddling, grooming, or playing with them.
6. How can I help my dog cope with seasonal allergies?
Some dogs may suffer from seasonal allergies in the autumn, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, redness, swelling, or ear infections.
To help your dog cope with seasonal allergies, you should consult your veterinarian for the best treatment option for your dog. You should also avoid exposing your dog to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or grasses.
You can do this by wiping their paws and coat after each walk, washing their bedding regularly, and using an air purifier in your home.
7. How can I make my dog’s Halloween safe and fun?
Halloween is a fun holiday for humans, but it can be stressful and scary for dogs. To make your dog’s Halloween safe and fun, you should follow these tips:
- – Keep your dog away from the door when trick-or-treaters come by. Your dog may get frightened by the costumes and noises, or may try to escape or bite someone.
- – Keep your dog away from the candy bowl. Chocolate and other sweets can be toxic for dogs, and wrappers can cause choking or intestinal blockage.
- – Keep your dog away from candles and decorations. Your dog may knock over or chew on these items, which can cause burns or injuries.
- – If you want to dress up your dog for Halloween, make sure that their costume is comfortable and safe. It should not restrict their movement, vision, hearing, breathing, or ability to bark.
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