This week marks the offical start to autumn and with summer behind us and the dark nights starting to creep in, autumn brings with it many challenges for pets and their owners.
As well as cooler weather, autumn also sees the start of the fireworks season and Halloween, which can both prove to be stressful for many pets. It’s important to be aware of the seasonal dangers to your pets so you can all continue to enjoy time outdoors and the colourful scenery that autumn creates.
Korina Stephens, RVN from nutravet says: “During autumn, it’s important for pet owners to keep an eye on their four-legged friends for any changes in behaviour or health. Halloween and fireworks are a common stress trigger for many pets, and a common reason for owners to visit their vet. Planning ahead and preparing in advance can help to reduce any anxiety for your pets. Keeping Halloween treats away from pets and ensuring they don’t eat things they shouldn’t on walks is important to reduce the chance of poorly tummies at this time.”
To help, nutravet share their top tips:
Keep up with exercise
Although the weather may be cooler, it’s tempting to spend more time indoors with our four-legged friends but it’s important to keep up with your dog’s daily walks. This will help to prevent any weight gain, as well as keeping their joints mobile and avoid stiffness. As the weather changes, you could reduce the length of their walks. You can support your pet’s joints and mobility through the colder months with nutraquin+, a fast acting extra strength joint supplement for pets with signs of joint stiffness.
Autumn plants
With seeds and leaves dropping during autumn months, some are poisonous to pets and can cause serious illness. Yew trees are poisonous and eating just a small amount can be serious. The bark, leaves, flowers and conkers of Horse Chestnut Trees are also poisonous to pets. Conkers can also become a choking hazard or cause blockages.
Acorns are also a common sight during autumn. They can be found on the ground throughout autumn months. These can cause blockages when eaten by pets.
Safety on walks
As the darker nights approach, if you are walking your dog early in the morning or late atnight be sure to wear reflective clothing. You could also use a reflective collar and coat for your dog, just in case they get lost.
Fleas and ticks
As we start to turn the central heating on in our homes, this makes a more comfortable environment for pesky fleas. Keeping up with your pet’s flea treatment will help to prevent any unwanted house guests at this time of year. Ticks are also still prominent in autumn, so be sure to check your pets regularly for ticks, especially after dog walks.
Diet
If your pet is exercising less, be sure to adjust their diet to match this. Your vet will be able to offer advice on how much your pet should be eating. Keep any seasonal treats away from pets, such as Halloween chocolate as this can cause tummy upsets. For pets with sensitive tummies during this time, nutrabio is a naturally formulated probiotic paste for dogs and cats to help maintain normal digestive function.
Pumpkins
These are commonly used as decorations throughout autumn and Halloween. Although they are not poisonous, if consumed in large quantities, they could lead to your pet having a sensitive tummy. If you use candles in your pumpkins, make sure these are out of reach from your pet and can’t be knocked over.
Reduce stress
This time of year can prove to be stressful for pets, due to Halloween and the fireworks season. During Halloween your pet may become stressed with strangers knocking on the door for trick or treat, as they may be unsure about the scary costumes.
Don’t force your pet to wear a Halloween costume if they seem anxious. Keep them secure in one room to prevent any stress from visitors and to stop them dashing out of the door due to fear. Ask your vet about nutracalm, a natural fast acting supplement for stress and anxiety in pets. nutracalm can be used for many stressful situations such as new sights, loud noises and changes to their normal routine.
Fireworks season
Autumn marks the start of the fireworks season. It can last from October to New Year and make this time of year very stressful for some pets and their owners. To help reduce stress for your pet, make your pet a den to retreat to during the fireworks and close curtains and play music to help block out the noise.
Provide shelter from the weather
If your pet spends a lot of time outside, be sure to provide a shelter for them for when the weather gets colder or if it rains. Make sure they have lots of blankets to keep them warm and comfy. As the weather gets colder bring smaller pets indoors.
Keep microchip details up-to-date
With dark nights drawing in, be sure to check and up-date your pet’s microchip details in case they get lost on walks or get spooked during the fireworks or Halloween. Up-to-date details will help to ensure your pet gets back to you as quickly as possible when found.
If you are worried about your pet, consult your vet. They are in the best position to offer advice based on their age and health needs.
For more tips and advice visit www.nutravet.co.uk
