8 Care and Safety Tips for Dogs in Fall
Each season brings new fun activities – and new concerns. Just as humans have to prepare for different seasons, there are certain things pet owners can do to help take care of their dogs in fall.
The good news is that it is easy to have fun with dogs in fall! The weather is great for exploring and eating outdoors in Dallas. You won’t have to worry (as much) about heat exhaustion. You and your four-legged friend can enjoy festive events and holidays.
Use the following 8 care tips for dogs in fall to stay safe and have fun all season long.
1. Treat for Ticks and Fleas
Don’t let the cooler weather trick you into thinking you can pause on your flea and tick preventatives.
Even though ticks are most active in warmer months in Texas, they can still be found in the autumn months.
Since dogs tend to spend even more time outdoors during the fall, they have more chances of picking up fleas or ticks.
Make sure you are using your preventatives and checking for ticks and fleas regularly.
2. Watch Out for Poisons in Your Home
As the temperatures drop, pests start making their way into homes to find warmth.
As a result, many homeowners use rat and mouse poisons.
ASPCA explains, “Rodenticides are highly toxic to pets and, if ingested, the results could be fatal. If you must use these products, please do so with extreme caution and put them in places inaccessible to your pets.”
In addition, if you perform fall car maintenance and change your engine coolant, be cautious.
Ethylene glycol-based coolants are appealing to dogs, but they are highly toxic. If some drips on the garage floor and your dog licks it up, you’ve got a serious problem.
Consider using propylene glycol-based coolants, which are less toxic, instead.
3. Brush Your Dog Daily
Dogs in fall shed their summer coats to prepare for their winter coats.
That means you will wind up with a lot of dog hair on your clothing and furniture – unless you brush your dog daily to help the process.
4. Maintain Your Yard
Do you suffer from fall allergies? Your dog may, too!
According to Better Homes and Gardens, “If you see your pet itching more than usual, you might want to check with the vet to identify any possible allergies. Keep leaves raked and grass cut short to eliminate irritation to your pet’s skin.”
In addition to keeping the leaves and grass cut short, you should also pick up your dog’s poop. Allowing dog poop to sit and fester is unsafe for your entire family.
We can help you scoop the poop!
Another danger for dogs in fall – mushrooms.
ASPCA explains, “While 99% of mushrooms have little or no toxicity, the 1% that are highly toxic can cause life-threatening problems in pets. Since most toxic mushrooms are difficult to distinguish from nontoxic ones, the best way to prevent pets from ingesting these poisonous plants is to keep them away from areas where any mushrooms are growing.”
[Related Read: What Every Dog Owner Should Know About Common Dog Allergies]
5. Give Dogs More Food
When the weather is cooler, dogs need more food for energy and body heat.
Keep an eye on their food dish to determine if they would benefit from a little extra food on cooler days.
6. Check Your Pet’s ID
It is easy to “set it and forget it” when it comes to pet identification.
However, if you have moved, it is important to update your dog’s microchip information and pet id tags.
With the holidays approaching and potential travels or boarding nearing, now is the time to make sure all your pup’s information is up to date.
7. Be Careful with Holiday Décor and Meals
As you prepare to celebrate the different upcoming holidays, keep your four-legged family member in mind.
Do the decorative gourds look a little too much like dog toys or tempting foods? Are there extension cords in places your dog can chew on or get tangled in?
Likewise, be careful about what “special holiday dishes” you let your dog sample.
According to Petplan insurance, “Pets are 32% more likely to experience food poisoning during Halloween week.”
Thanksgiving and Christmas also include foods that are dangerous for dogs. It’s best to stick with your dog’s regular kibble.
8. Plan for Holiday Care Now
If you plan to travel over the holidays, start planning for your dog’s holiday care now.
Whether this is a pet sitter or a boarding facility, go ahead and book it.
If you wait, you might have to settle for an option that is less than the best for your pup.
[Related Read: Alternatives to Dog Boarding Facilities This Holiday Season]
When it comes to maintaining your yard this fall, you also need to scoop your dog’s poop. Alternatively, you could pass that dirty chore off to Super Scoopers. We offer weekly poop scooping services, so you and your pup can safely enjoy your yard this fall.