Preparing your dog and cat for Autumn

Preparing for autumn with your dog or cat in the involves addressing specific seasonal challenges that can affect your pets. Here are some tips to help you keep your pet companions safe and healthy during the autumn season:

Mud and Wet Weather: Autumn can be rainy and muddy. Keep a shallow foot bath and towel by the door to wipe your pet's paws and belly after walks to prevent them from tracking in dirt or ingesting harmful substances. The incidents of Alabama rot (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy, CRGV) can start to show in November with bigger incidents from Jan-March. This presents as a skin lesions found on the lower legs, stomach or nose. See your vet immediately to check as this can be fatal if left. If your pet is worried about their feet being touched you can certainly work on helping them. There are some great portable cleaning devices now to rinse your dog before getting in the car or back in the home.

Pet Identification: Ensure your pet's ID tags and microchip information are up to date. The reduced daylight hours can increase the chances of pets getting lost or disoriented.

Fireworks and Loud Noises: As autumn leads to bonfire night and other festivities, some pets may become anxious or scared due to fireworks and loud noises. Create a safe, quiet space for them to retreat to and consider using calming aids or consulting with your vet for anxiety management.

Halloween Safety: Keep Halloween decorations, sweets, and chocolate out of reach of your pets. The excitement and noise of trick-or-treaters can also stress some animals, so consider confining them to a quiet room during peak trick-or-treating hours. Some dogs find urban walks stressful with the increase in Halloween decorations that have become popular.

Leaf Piles and Debris: Clear fallen leaves and debris from your yard regularly. Some pets may ingest or play with leaves, which can be harmful. Keep compost piles securely fenced to prevent access.

Toxic Plants: Be aware of toxic plants that may be present in your garden or nearby parks. Common autumn plants like mushrooms, toadstools, conkers (horse chestnuts) and acorns can be toxic to pets if ingested.

Seasonal Allergies and conditions: Autumn can trigger allergies in some pets due to pollen and mould. Watch for signs of allergies, like itching, sneezing, or skin irritations and consult your vet for treatment options.

Increased Wildlife Activity: Autumn is a season of increased wildlife activity. Keep an eye on your dog when they're outside and prevent them from running after foxes.

Antifreeze Awareness: Be aware that antifreeze (ethylene glycol) can be fatal if ingested by pets. Ensure any spills are cleaned up promptly, and store antifreeze containers securely out of reach. Be aware and prevent dogs from drinking out of puddles in urban spaces or close to garages.

Outdoor Activities: As the weather cools, continue to provide regular exercise for your pet. Just be mindful of shorter daylight hours and take precautions, such as using reflective gear during evening walks.

Coat and Bedding: Some pets may benefit from a warm coat or sweater if they have a sparse coat, thinner skin, or elderly during chilly autumn walks. Make sure your pet has a cosy, dry, and well-insulated sleeping area indoors.

Weight gain: some pets become quite sedentary during Autumn try to keep their activity up to prevent weight gain by playing in the home more often.

Have a happy cosy Autumn and stay as warm and dry as possible.