With the change in seasons and start of colder weather, it’s important as a pet owner to be aware of some of the hazards that autumn can bring.
During this time, many pets may prefer to spend more time indoors. Maintaining your pet’s health during this time can ensure that they lead a happy life. As a pet owner you don’t like to see your cat or dog stressed or unwell, keeping a check on their health and being aware of any dangers during the autumn season can be important.
To maintain your pet’s health and ensure they enjoy the season wwith you, we have put together some tips for pet owners during autumn, which include:
Keep up with exercise
Although the weather may be colder, it’s important to keep walking your dog. This will help to prevent any weight gain, as well as stop your dog from getting bored. As the weather changes, you could reduce the length of their walks. Your cat may also go out less so be sure to play with them to keep them active in the house.
Diet
If your pet is spending less time outside or on walks, be sure to adjust their diet to match this. Speak to your vet if you are unsure about how much your pet should be eating at this time.
Halloween treats
Keep any Halloween chocolate and sweets away from your dog or cat, as they are poisonous and could result in a trip to the vet. Some sweets contain an artificial sweetener called Xylitol, which is poisonous to your pet.
Pumpkins
Although they are not poisonous, if consumed in large quantities, they could lead to your pet having a sensitive tummy. Also, if using candles in your pumpkins, make sure these are out of reach from your pet and can’t be knocked over.
Reduce stress
During Halloween your pet may become stressed with people knocking on the door for trick or treat or if you have guests round. Make sure they have a safe place or den where they can hide or put them in another room during prime trick or treat hours.
Halloween costumes
Don’t dress your pet up in a Halloween costume unless you know it’s not dangerous and won’t cause them stress. Make sure the costume doesn’t restrict their movement or breathing and always supervise your pets whilst they are in the costume.
Fireworks
Autumn can be the start of fireworks season, which can cause stress for some pets. Make your pet a den to retreat to during the fireworks and closing curtains and playing music can help to block out the noise.
Fleas and ticks
Parasites such as fleas and ticks are still prominent over the autumn. Speak to your vet about an appropriate solution for your pet. Be sure to check your dog and cat for ticks regularly. Be sure to check your dog after walks.
Safety on walks
As the darker nights approach, if you are walking your dog early in the morning or late at night make sure you wear reflective clothing. You could also use a reflective collar and coat for your dog, in case they get lost.
Fallen fruit
Watch out for fruit unpicked fruit that may have fallen from trees when walking your dog. Dogs like to pick up anything with their mouth and over time the fruit will ferment and become toxic to your pet. If eaten it could cause your dog to have an upset stomach or diarrhoea.
Antifreeze
As the weather gets colder, be sure to keep antifreeze locked away, as it can be attractive to your cat. It is poisonous to pets if swallowed.
Provide shelter
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. As the weather gets colder bring smaller pets indoors to protect them.
Acorns and conkers
These can be poisonous to your dog. Be sure to keep an eye out on walks to make sure that your dog doesn’t pick anything they shouldn’t up. If ingested conkers can also cause intestinal blockages. Speak to your vet if you think your dog may have eaten something like this.
Make sure their microchip details are up to date
Be sure to keep your dog or cat’s microchip details up to date to ensure they are reunited with you quickly should they stray.
