Ah, autumn-leaves change to bright oranges and golds, a cold breeze or two passes through, and the smell of pumpkin spice wafts by our noses anytime we walk by a coffee shop – or any Home Goods for that matter.
As we enjoy the seasonal traditions that fall brings, we dog owners should keep in mind that the change of seasons may mean certain changes in care ought to be offered to our furry friends!
Once you feel those crisp temperatures and see those vibrant-colored leaves start falling, consider these tips to make autumn as enjoyable for your pet as it is for you:
1. Keep Your Canine Comfy in the Cool Temps
As you bust out the flannel, make sure that your dog is feeling as cozy as you are. While your home is still a warmer spot than the outdoors, you still should ensure that your dog has a warm and cozy spot to sleep each night. Even indoor temperatures can drop quite a bit in the evening, so a soft bed to avoid cold and hard floors is a must. This is especially important for senior dogs with arthritis or joint pain.
2. Stay Hydrated—Even Without the Heat
You may think that since you’ve already beat the heat, with summer long over and those crisp, cool temperatures on the rise, that worries such as dehydration are no longer a major concern.
However, you should still ensure that water is available to your pooch as soon as you’re done with that brisk fall walk, as the cool and dry air can dehydrate both you and your dog relatively quickly.
3. When in Doubt, Add Some Flash To Be Noticed & Stay Seen!
A mix of clouds, fog, and the shortened daylight hours might make it difficult for passing traffic to admire (and avoid) your adorable pup on your daily walks. You may even want to revise your walking routine and move it up in the day as the sunlight hours end earlier to ensure the maximum safety for you and your dog.
4. Fight Fleas Through the Fall
Think that cold temperatures mean that those pesky fleas are gone for good? Think again. Autumn is a crucial time of the year to treat for fleas, and no, cold temperatures do not guarantee that all fleas and ticks are gone until spring! Especially if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, straggling fleas could most certainly latch on to your dog and make your winter miserable.