Fall is officially here! This is an excellent time of year for our canine companions. After all, fall provides ideal weather for taking your fuzzy best buddy for a walk in a beautiful park. However, as with any other season, autumn brings its own set of challenges for pet owners to consider. A local Saginaw, MI vet has listed some of them below.

Keep Up with Your Pup’s Parasite Control

Many smaller pests will hibernate throughout the colder months, but we are not there yet. Fleas and ticks do not go away peacefully. In fact, when the temperature cools, they will be even more adamant about getting indoors. Do not neglect your pet’s parasite protection. Continue to inspect for ticks after bringing your pet inside from the outside.

Watch Out For Wildlife

In the fall, many wild animals prepare to hibernate for the colder months. Some are going to be hoarding and gathering as much food as they can. Many may be a little crankier than usual. Be extremely cautious, especially if you are in a more remote region. If you have a fenced yard, bring Fido inside before nightfall, and keep an eye on him if you let him out at night. When walking your dog, avoid letting him sniff around areas where wild animals may be hiding, and don’t let him run about off-leash in the woods or fields.

Be Careful With Mushrooms

Some pets simply ignore mushrooms, which is the best-case scenario here. Others, however, will be tempted to devour them. This can be quite harmful. Many mushrooms are very dangerous. Some can even be fatal. If you’re walking your dog, don’t let him eat mushrooms. If you have a fenced yard, keep an eye out for any developing plants and gently remove and dispose of them.

Keep Him Warm

Do not expect Fido’s fur coat will keep him warm in the cold. It will help, but many puppies require more protection than this. If your pet has smooth, short fur, he may benefit from a jacket on chilly days. If your dog wears outerwear, ensure that all of his winter clothing is clean and in good shape. A warm, comfortable dog bed is also essential.

Adjust Your Walking Practices

As the light sets earlier, you may find yourself walking your canine companion frequently after sundown. Make sure your stuff is brightly colored. That would include a jacket for you and a leash and collar for your dog. A light-up leash isn’t a terrible idea.

Make Fido’s Alone Time Comfortable

Does your dog stay home alone while you work to pay for his toys, treats, and food? You may want to switch on a light for your canine companion before leaving, as it may be dark when you arrive home. This way, your pet will not be left alone in a dark house.

Limit Exposure To Allergens

Fall may be a difficult, if not downright terrible, season for anyone with allergies. This time of year, there is generally a lot of pollen, dust, dander, mold, and mildew. This can bother both pets and people. Itching, runny eyes, respiratory troubles, skin problems, and sneezing are all warning symptoms to keep an eye out for. If you know or think that your pet has allergies, contact your veterinarian.

You can download a pollen tracker and keep track of the amounts. Limit Fido’s outdoor time while the level is high. You may also wish to clean down your pet’s paws and belly with a damp cloth before returning him inside. That will remove pollen, dust, and dander from his fur. Regular vacuuming and dusting might also assist.

Be Careful With Decorations

Autumn decorations give your home a unique seasonal and whimsical air. However, keep your dog’s safety in mind. Many of our four-legged pals like chewing on everything and everything they can. Anything little or pointed, as well as anything long or stringy, can pose a risk. This includes ropes, garlands, and the phony spiderwebs you put on your doorstep. Items that move, illuminate, or create noise are also hazardous. These often require cords or batteries, neither of which are suitable for Fido to eat or chew on.

If your dog is a chewer, avoid using decorations made of foam or plastic, which are not safe for him to consume.

Give Stiff, Sore Joints Extra Attention

Cold, damp weather can worsen dogs with bone/joint problems like arthritis or hip dysplasia. If your furry bestie appears stiff and sore, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian straight soon. Many of these issues cannot be healed, but they can be managed if addressed early on.

If Fido has arthritis, you may need to take a few extra precautions to keep him warm in cold weather. It is critical to provide your dog with a comfortable bed in which to snuggle. This will not only help your pet sleep better, but it will also give him warmth and protect him from cold flooring.

Winter can be particularly harsh on Fido’s furry feet. Snow, salt, sand, ice, and chemical de-icers can all result in painful burns and abrasions. Prepare for the chilly weather with pet-safe de-icers.

Ask your veterinarian for more information on caring for an arthritic pup.

Keep Up With Grooming

Fall is a peak grooming season for our canine pets. As Fido swaps his summer clothes for heavier fur, you may notice pet hair everywhere. You may need to brush him more frequently than usual at this time of year. (Tip: Take your dog outside for these sessions. The excess fur will simply blow away instead of getting all over everything.)

You may also want to schedule a professional grooming session. If you’ve had your dog’s hair cut for the summer, now is the time to let it grow. You’ll also want to give Fido a wash before it gets cold. Schedule an appointment for your dog at his doggy salon.

Use Caution With Fire

Candles and fires can add a warm, cozy vibe to your house, but use them with caution. Fido may easily knock a candle from a coffee table with a thud of his wagging tail. Keep candles in thick sconces and burn them in high places where pets cannot reach them.

If you use a fireplace or start a fire in a pit, be sure your pet can’t come too close. Use a sturdy grate over fireplaces, and ensure pits are arranged so your canine buddy cannot fall or wander into the fire.

Enjoy Long Walks with Fido

Finally, make the most of the current weather. Bring your adorable pet to a beautiful park or explore a new trail with him. This is an excellent opportunity to catch up with friends who own dogs. Grab some coffee and enjoy the gorgeous weather! Fido will enjoy the crisp weather and beautiful scenery as much as you do! 

Book An Appointment At Our Saginaw, MI Pet Clinic

Does your canine companion need to come in? Is Fido due for a checkup, vaccines, or parasite control? Please contact us at your Saginaw, MI pet hospital. We are dedicated to providing both exceptional veterinarian treatment and customer service.