With the changes of the weather and seasons comes a whole new list of things to be on the lookout for when it comes to keeping your furry friend safe. But don’t worry, we have you covered on the dos and don’ts of fall pet care. Check out our top 10 list of things to keep in mind as the leaves start to fall and sweater weather takes full effect!

1. Back To School

Fall is back to school and with that comes stocking up on items such as glue sticks, markers and pencils. While these items are considered to be of low toxicity to pets, gastrointestinal upset and blockage can occur if ingested. Keep all school items out of reach of pets to make it safer and less expensive for you. While supplies are increasing around the house, playmates for your pet are decreasing. With the kids back to school (either virtually or physically), there is less playtime for your pet throughout the day, which means more naps and way more energy at the end of the day when you’re tired and ready to put your feet up. Back to school is a GREAT TIME to hire a local dog walker! Going Mutts Pet Services can take your dog for a 30 minute walk, give some playtime or just drop in for a potty break and water refresher while the little ones are at school and you’re stuck in the office.

2. Weather Changes 

Temperatures start to drop in the autumn months, which means keeping your pets in mind during the evenings. With it getting darker earlier, be mindful when leaving pets outside and bring them in earlier in the evenings if the air is brisk or make sure they have a warm blanket at night to sleep on if it is going to be a colder night. Check out our friends at Basset & Lab in Lancaster for some warm and cozy sleep items.

3. Walking in the Dark

As the days get shorter, you may find that your early morning walks and evening walks are done while it’s dark out; wear bright colors and make sure your pet is wearing a reflective collar or blinking light so you are both visible to cars. Consider buying a reflective leash, collar or coat to make sure your pet is visible. Check out some reflective gear from Pet Supplies Plus on Lititz Pike in Lancaster, PA. If the dark seems to be too much for you and your furry friend, you can always hire a local dog walker to take care of your dog during the day! Whether it be a walk, playtime or just a check in for a potty break, contact Going Mutts Pet Services to help keep your pet (and you) from getting the night time scaries.

4. Tick Checks & Fur Coat Care

Moving from summer to fall should put a halt on shaving your pet and letting their coat grow out to help with the colder weather coming. While many pets shed more in the fall as their winter coat comes in, do brush your pet regularly to help with the shedding so your vacuum won’t get clogged! Also, keep in mind that fall does not mean the end of tick season. Many species of ticks can survive well into the winter, so exercise caution while playing in those fallen leaf piles since ticks thrive in damp environments. Continue to use your bug repellent and always always ALWAYS thoroughly check your pet for ticks after returning from the outdoors. 

5. Mushrooms

Fall is the season of the wild mushrooms, so watch out for those highly toxic mushrooms that can sprout up in your yard and out on the trails. While 99% of mushrooms have little to no toxicity, the 1% that are highly toxic can cause life-threatening problems in pets, so it’s best to consider ALL mushrooms something your pet should steer clear of while outside. If your pet does end up digesting a mushroom, call your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. Click here to learn more about what the toxic mushrooms look like and how it can affect your pet if ingested.

6. Wildlife

 It’s almost hibernation season, which means that wild animals – bears, skunks and snakes – are out and about, busily preparing for their winter snooze. This can increase the possibility of bites to those unlucky pets who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you and your pet are in the woods, be conscious about these creatures and always mind your distance! 

7. Fall Foods

8. Decorations 

The changing of seasons not only means changing out your clothes, but also those house decorations! Who doesn’t love putting candles in the window with glitter filled pumpkins, signs and foliage all over the house? Your pets will probably be your number one fan with the decor change because it is new and looks munch worthy! Do keep all small decorations out of your pets reach to avoid them eating something that can be a choking hazard or even toxic to them. Candles are a great addition to the fall theme of your home, but be sure to keep lit candles in a place that cannot be reached by your pets. Your curious furry friends can cause big problems if lit candles are left unattended and within their reach.

9. Antifreeze

With some people getting their cars ready for winter, keep in mind that antifreeze and other car products may contain ethylene glycol which has a sweet and inviting taste for dogs and cats. Ingesting a large enough amount of this stuff can lead to kidney failure in your pet, so be sure to clean up ANY spills on the garage floor and lock up ALL car products away from wandering and curious pets. 

10. New Routine

 Household routines and schedules often shift with summer gone and kids back in school, which means dogs may need some time to adjust to a house that is emptier. Some dogs may exhibit signs of destructive behaviors, excessive barking or house soiling due to separation anxiety. Be conscious of what you leave lying around when leaving your dog for the day. You can experiment with giving a treat before leaving and a treat upon returning to help with showing your pup they aren’t being left and good things still come to them. Another solution that can help with an anxious or destructive pup is using a local dog walker for a walk during the day or a daily check in with playtime! Going Mutts Pet Services can help with your needs to help ease your dog into the ‘work’ routine. Contact us today to discuss how we can help with your pet care needs during this work transition! 

So before you deck out the house with fall decor and race to make huge leaf piles for Fido to jump in, keep in mind that with the changing of seasons comes new safety issues to be aware of for your pet. Knowing how to keep your furry companion safe from seasonal hazards can help keep everyone ‘falling’ in love with the new season!

Sources:

https://www.fourpaws.com/pets-101/home-yard-beyond/5-safe-ways-to-prepare-fall-food-for-dogs

https://www.tasteofthewildpetfood.com/health/fall-pet-safety-a-checklist-for-the-changing-season/

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/autumn-safety-tips