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As the heat of summer becomes a distant memory and we welcome the crisp, clean air of autumn, you might be wondering if there are things you can do to prepare pets for fall. In this blog, our team at True Care Veterinary Hospital addresses common fall pet care questions and offers pet cold weather tips to help you keep your pets cozy and healthy as temperatures dip.
Get Ready for Fall Allergies
When the seasons change, our pets get exposed to a fresh crop of environmental allergens. Tree pollen, mold spores, and dust mites typically surge in the fall. If your pet seems itchy, sneezy, or otherwise uncomfortable, it may be due to seasonal allergies, which means a vet visit is in order. Allergies can lead to chronic ear infections, and all the scratching can cause serious skin infections.
Drier Pets are Warmer Pets
Rain and chilly temps make for a cold combo, so on rainy days, consider outfitting your canine companion in a rain jacket and paw booties for walks. And when you return, dry off your pet’s fur with a soft towel. And speaking of walks, adjust your dog’s routine to suit the changing daylight hours by gradually shifting the schedule by short increments.
Encourage Hydration
Cooler weather means drier air, which can cause pets to become dehydrated sooner during exercise or playtime. Prevent dehydration by keeping water bowls clean and fresh, and consider using a pet fountain to encourage the pets in your household to drink plenty of water.
Practice Diligent Pet Grooming
As your pet’s coat starts to thicken, it’s important to groom your pet often to remove the old fur that’s being shed to make room for the new coat. Grooming also helps prevent uncomfortable mats and can reduce the formation of hairballs in cats.
Pet Bed Location is Everything
Prepare pets for fall by making sure your pet’s favorite resting spot isn’t near a draft. Senior pets or those with arthritis might appreciate a heating pad made just for pets or a cozy orthopedic pet bed.
Stay Vigilant with Parasite Prevention
Don’t let cooler temps fool you! Fleas and ticks can survive well into the fall months and hitch a ride on your pet straight into your house. Use your veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventive year-round.
Schedule a Wellness Visit
No fall pet care plan would be complete without a clean bill of health! If it’s been a while since your pet’s last wellness exam, contact our office today to schedule your pet’s appointment. We’ll share more pet cold weather tips, make nutritional recommendations, and get your pet updated on vaccines and parasite control so your pet is prepared for colder days ahead.