Why and How to Care for your Dog in autumn
We know autumn is here as those cold nights draw in. Autumn is a perfect season to get outside and spends time with your dog. But dog owners should keep in mind a few possible threats.
Our pups' health and happiness should still be a concern. So take these safety precautions when caring for your dog this autumn.
Take care of your pet paws
Underneath, potentially dangerous debris will lurk as piles of leaves clutter the sidewalks. Your dog's paw pads might be cut by broken glass and sharp items concealed under the leaves, so it's still a safe idea to inspect your dog's paws regularly.
The salt used to de-ice the roads later in the season will irritate your dog's paws. Make sure to wipe your dog off afterward if you've been walking over road salt.
Wetter weather in fall also means wet paws. But for yeast and bacteria, wet paws are the ideal breeding ground. If you find a yeasty smell in your dog's hands or they look red and irritated, make sure to see a doctor.
Watch out for toxic mushrooms
We also see mushrooms pop up from the ground in autumn. Although, since certain mushrooms are particularly poisonous to dogs, owners should still be on the lookout. Varieties such as the Death Hat, the Autumn Gallerina, the Jewelled Death Cap, and Fly Argaric will make the dog incredibly ill if ingested.
If they prefer to scavenge for food while out and about, it is safer to keep the dog away from all the mushrooms.
Keep distance from decoration
Vacations mean decorations! But be careful to leave in the house irregularly shaped items and trinkets. If you would like to get into the seasonal mood, in the form of sampling, say, festive gourds or other fall props, dogs and cats do too. It may be dangerous to eat strange items and result in foreign body obstruction.
Keep warm
In autumn, early morning and late-night walks can be brisk and frosty. Be sure that, when out and about, the dog is relaxed enough in a suitable jacket. This is especially significant for puppies, small or short-haired dogs. Puppies can't hold their body heat much like adult humans. If the dog gets too cold, which can be dangerous, this may lead to hypothermia.
Maintain your dog's health
Our dog walks are usually much shorter during the autumn and winter months, with nights and damp, rainy weather. This could raise their chance of weight gain.
Try monitoring their food consumption to stop the dog from gaining weight. Stick to the food limit they prescribe and stop feeding them too many sweets or scraps.
Compensate by playing some enjoyable indoor games with their decreased workout and give them toys this will help to keep the mind of your dog busy too!
Be aware of fleas
During autumn, plenty of us turn our air heating back on, which is excellent news for annoying fleas. Fleas will find their way indoors as it gets cooler outside-feeling warm and laying their eggs on the fur of your dog. At home, the eggs will slip off the fur of your dog and lurk in your carpets, and under other nooks and crannies; they will shift from the stage of the pupae to the stage of the larvae and become mature, bloodthirsty adult fleas before you know it.