We all love our pets and want them to have a long and happy life. Learn how to keep your pets safe this fall.
When cooler temperatures arrive, your pets probably relish frolicking more outside. To spend more time jumping in leaves and less time at the vet, here's what to look out for to keep your furry friends safe during the fall months.
Did you know that flea and tick season peaks in the fall? In many areas, they can be active all year round and can carry diseases for your pets. This can lead to more costly vet bills down the line. Make sure you protect your critters from the biting blues!
Fall is when the temperatures start to drop. As a result, it can get dangerously cold for your pet. If your pet goes out at night, keep them warm by buying them a jacket or putting a blanket in your yard for them to lay on. Make sure they come inside before you go to sleep so they can stay warm and cozy inside your home and avoid any nocturnal critters who might cause mischief.
Your decor is gorgeous to you but can sometimes be dangerous for your pets. Little bits and baubles can cause intestinal distress and blockages for curious cuties. Keep things like candles, jack-o-lanterns, decorative corn, balloons, and poinsettias (poisonous to pets!) out of reach. Other decorations like spider webs and tinsel can be a safety hazard for cats, too.
As you start your car maintenance, keep an eye on your anti-freeze. This substance tastes sweet to both cats and dogs and can be lethal if ingested. Pets typically get into anti-freeze when a bit drips out of a car's radiator, or you replace it for maintenance. Animals can get sick even if they lick just a few drops from the driveway. Keep them in a secure room away from the liquid and dispose of it properly so they can't sniff it out.
With the holidays come extra treats, which means more temptation to treat pets. Even if you know which foods (like chocolate!) are especially toxic to pets, make sure your holiday guests know what your pets can and can't have so you can stay out of the emergency room.
If you do a lot of fall hiking with your pet, you might notice a lot of mushroom growth this time of year. Most mushrooms are not toxic to pets. However, a few are highly toxic and can cause life-threatening problems. Since the poisonous mushrooms are nearly impossible to distinguish from the safe ones, it's best to keep your bet away from any area where mushrooms are growing.
The fall is a great time to gather with friends! But your pets feel all that party hosting prep, too. Make sure your animals have access to a quiet space. For dogs, you can crate them if they're crate trained or giving them plenty of exercise before company arrives. Cats especially need access to a dark, quiet room to escape.
Enclosing your yard doesn't just keep your dog in. It can also keep other things out. Before it gets too cold, inspect your fence to see if any posts need to be updated or reinforced. This can save you from having to look for and worry about your pet in the cold winter months.
When the weather gets brisk and cool, you'll likely want to spend some time with your dog at a dog park. However, like humans, dogs also get the flu, so it's essential to pay attention to which dogs are coughing. A veterinarian can vaccinate your dog for kennel cough or bordetella, but this is still highly contagious and can result in costly vet bills.
Autumn means that the sun sets earlier. If you're taking your dog out for an evening run, invest in some reflective gear to be sure cars can see you. There is lots of reflective gear for pets, too, including collars and vests.
While the asphalt may be cooling, your pet's paw pads can still be sensitive. To help keep this delicate area in good condition, invest in some doggie booties as a preventive solution or a paw stick to help condition their paw pads after a walk or a run. This will also help protect them from any ice and snow in the winter months.
As tempting as it is to dress your dachshund like a hot dog, flickering lights, loud crowds, and tangles of decorations can be a nightmare for your pets. Instead of worrying about them getting tangled in a fake web or getting spooked by a mask, leave them home where they can curl up in their bed with a blanket.
This is another place where reflective gear comes in handy. If you tend to walk your dog in the woods around wildlife, be mindful of hunters. Wearing a bright reflective vest alerts them that you're not an animal and minimizes the chance of a hunting accident.
Ready to enjoy some fall weather with your pet? Check out the next Save mailer for pet supplies that will help you protect and have fun with your pet this fall season. Whether you need new food, flea and tick medication, or safe chews, Save will help you prepare for the fall nights ahead.
