As the leaves change color and the weather cools down, it’s a great time to review your pet’s overall wellness (and yours, too - especially if you’ve put off any appointments due to travel or a busy summer schedule ;) ).
Here’s a quick checklist you can use, to help your furry family members stay healthy and happy during the autumn season.
1. Make Sure Your Pets are Up to Date on Their Check-Ups
Why It’s Important:Regular wellness visits are an important part of preventative care. During these visits, your vet can catch potential health issues before they become serious. We can also ensure that your pet’s vaccinations and parasite prevention are up to date, as well as discuss any other concerns you may have. Autumn is a great time to reassess your pet’s health needs as you prepare for the colder months.
What to Do:
Review when your pet's annual or semiannual exam is due and get it scheduled! Ensure your pet gets a thorough examination to identify any early signs of illness or discomfort.
Discuss any changes in your pet’s behavior, diet, or health: Fall is a transitional season, and your pet might experience shifts in behavior or appetite that are worth mentioning.
Get any necessary vaccines or boosters: Certain vaccines may need updating, especially if your pet will be spending time in boarding facilities or around other animals.
2. Continue Flea and Tick Prevention
Why It’s Important:Even as the weather cools down, fleas and ticks remain active, particularly in areas with a lot of foliage or where the weather stays mild. These pests can make your pet itchy and uncomfortable - and can carry diseases like Lyme disease or tapeworms that can affect your pet’s health.
What to Do:
Use vet-recommended flea and tick preventatives: Continue using your regular flea and tick treatments throughout the fall to prevent infestations.
Regularly check your pet for fleas and ticks, especially after outdoor activities: After walks in the woods or playing in leaf piles, inspect your pet’s fur for any hitchhikers. Remember Lyme disease does not occur immediately after a tick bite. The tick must be attached to its host for at least 24-48 hours to transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Timely removal is key, but there’s no need to panic, just because you found a tick. Need help removing a tick? Here are recommendations from the CDC on tick removal.
Treat your yard as needed and clear away debris like fallen leaves where pests can hide: Removing leaf litter and trimming bushes can reduce the number of hiding spots for these pests.
We have some of the flea products we recommend available on our Amazon recommendations page. Please call your vet if you have any questions about whether or not these products are right for your pet/situation.
3. Adjust Feeding Amounts
Why It’s Important:As the days get shorter and cooler, your pet’s activity levels may decrease. Less activity means they may require fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight. Conversely, if your pet is more active during the cooler months, they might need extra calories.
What to Do:
Monitor your pet’s weight and adjust their food intake accordingly: Keep an eye on their body condition to avoid unwanted weight gain or loss.
Consult your vet if you’re unsure about the right amount of food for your pet: Your vet can provide guidance on how to adjust feeding amounts based on your pet’s age, breed, and activity level.
4. Prepare for Cooler Weather
Why It’s Important:Just like humans, pets need protection from the cold. While some pets are more resilient to cooler temperatures, others, especially short-haired or smaller breeds, may need extra warmth to stay comfortable.
What to Do:
Provide a warm, comfortable sleeping area for your pet: Make sure their bed is in a draft-free area and has adequate padding or blankets to keep them cozy.
Consider a pet sweater or jacket for short-haired or small breeds when outside: A well-fitted sweater or jacket can help keep your pet warm during outdoor activities.
Introduce booties for dogs to protect their paws during winter walks: Booties can shield your dog’s paws from cold, ice, and salt used on roads and sidewalks.
Be sure your pet has access to fresh water that won’t freeze as temperatures drop: Check water bowls frequently to make sure they don’t freeze over, especially for pets that spend time outdoors.
5. Watch for Seasonal Allergies
Why It’s Important:Fall can bring an increase in allergens like mold, dust mites, and certain types of pollen, which can trigger allergies in pets. Symptoms might include excessive licking, rubbing eyes and/or ears, or red, irritated, or scabbing skin.
What to Do:
Look out for signs like excessive scratching or red, irritated skin: If your pet seems uncomfortable, it might be due to seasonal allergies.
Watch for dust and mold in your home, which can trigger allergies: Keep your home clean and dry, especially in areas like basements and attics where mold can grow.
If symptoms persist, schedule a vet appointment: Your vet can recommend treatments like antihistamines, special shampoos, or dietary changes to help alleviate your pet’s symptoms.
6. Be Cautious with Holiday Treats and Decorations
Why It’s Important:As the holiday season approaches (Halloween is the first major offender with chocolate), there are more opportunities for your pet to get into trouble with festive foods and decorations. Many common holiday items can be toxic or dangerous to pets.
What to Do:
Keep chocolate, grapes, raisins, alcohol, marijuana, and other toxic foods out of reach: These foods can cause serious health issues, so make sure they are stored safely.
Make sure decorations are pet-safe and can’t be chewed or swallowed: Small decorations and strings of lights can be enticing to pets but pose choking hazards or can cause blockages if ingested. Never use tinsel: it’s too easy for your pet to ingest, leading to serious and potentially life-threatening emergencies.
Supervise your pet during holiday gatherings to prevent accidental ingestion: With more people around, it’s easier for a pet to sneak a harmful treat, so keep a close eye on them.
7. Maintain Regular Exercise
Why It’s Important:Regular exercise is essential for your pet’s physical and mental health. Even as the weather cools, your pet needs to stay active to maintain a healthy weight and prevent boredom.
What to Do:
Continue daily walks and playtime: Bundle up and stick to your routine, as your pet still needs their daily dose of exercise.
Find indoor activities or games if the weather is too harsh: Tug-of-war, fetch, and hide-and-seek are great ways to keep your pet active indoors.
Use interactive toys to keep your pet engaged: Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing balls can provide both mental and physical stimulation, especially during long indoor days.
By following this autumn pet health checklist, you can help your furry family members to stay healthy, happy, and comfortable as the seasons change. Regular check-ups, proper nutrition, and being mindful of fall’s unique challenges will keep your pet in top shape.
Happy Fall from all of us at Small Miracles!
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