Keeping Your Pet Safe & Healthy This Autumn

Autumn is here, and it is time to start thinking about how you’re going to protect your pets all season long.

Cold weather, harsh conditions, and early sunsets can be big risk factors for your furry friends. By taking the proper precautions, you can ensure that your pet stays safe throughout the fall.

Here are some tips for ensuring that your pet is happy and healthy, even as the weather changes and the leaves start to fall.

Check the weather forecast

Fall can be unpredictable. Sometimes in the middle of October, it’ll be 80 degrees outside. Other times, it might snow on Halloween. If you normally leave your pet outdoors for long periods of time during the spring and summer, you should think twice and check the weather forecast before doing so in the fall.

However, dogs need their exercise regardless of the temperature outside. In order to let your dog roam around outside during the day, consider building a shelter that your dog can curl up in if they get cold.

The Humane Society recommends constructing one using an old doghouse or storage bin. Inside, place pillows stuffed with packing peanuts and shredded newspapers. Food and water should be located close to the shelter.

Buy a sweater or vest

If your dog gets cold in the fall and starts shivering, consider buying him a sweater. The best kinds of dog sweaters are strapped or belted as pullover sweaters tend to hinder their movement. However, make sure you find a sweater that doesn’t cover the tail as this will cause friction when your furry friend attempts to wag it.

When you put the sweater on your dog, watch how he reacts. If he doesn’t like it, he may start rolling around and trying to take it off. In that case, it may be the wrong material. Or, if you’ve tried all different types of sweaters and none seem to work out, consider other options for your pup. Keep your house warm when it’s cold outside, don’t leave him outdoors too long, and place blankets in his cage so he can curl up and burrow.

Purchase dog boots

You may live in an area where it starts to snow in November and December. Many people tend to throw salt on the ground to melt the snow. However, this is highly detrimental to your dog’s paws. When out on your daily walk, try to avoid the salt on the sidewalk and even consider investing in a good pair of dog boots. These boots will not only protect your pooch from the salt but also keep his paws warm. They’ll help to avoid frostbite and cracked and dry skin.

When trying on boots in the store, put all four on his feet at the same time to see how they fit and how he walks in them. There are a few different options – nylon, leather, and rubber boots – so just ask employees which one they suggest for your dog.

dog sweater

Help them adjust to your routine

Summer has come and gone, the kids are back in school, and the days are getting shorter. Your pet may be home alone more during the day, and this can cause all types of separation anxiety. This type of anxiety can occur in both dogs and cats.

When cats are experiencing separation anxiety, they may go to the bathroom outside the litter box, meow when you leave, and refuse to eat if you aren’t home. Dogs will destroy their surroundings, howl, and urinate and defecate around the house.

Consider giving your cat a scratching post along with plenty of toys to play with. If you have a dog, throw him a treat every time you leave to change your departure into a positive part of his day. Or, if you are working with a new schedule, introduce it slowly. Come home from work early the first few days to make sure your dog is okay. Or, hire a pet sitter to stop by in the middle of the day to look after or walk your pet.

You love your pets and want them to feel great no matter what time of the year. This fall, make that possible by incorporating these tips into your life.

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