Here are some tips for the changing of the seasons to ensure your pets stay happy, healthy, and safe!
1. Avoid mushrooms and molds. Mushrooms and molds can be dangerous for pets. Prevent them from eating them while roaming on walks or hikes or playing in your yard. If your dog eats a mushroom or mold, try to collect a sample (but be careful not to touch it with your bare hands) and bring it to your vet.
2. Be cautious of snakes. During this time of year, some snakes are preparing to hibernate for the winter. Such circumstances may also make snakes a bit more aggressive. This can lead to more frequent bites delivered to dogs and cats.
3. Beware of ticks. It’s still tick season, and playing in the cool autumn leaves is one of the many ways your pooch could come into contact with them. Consider augmenting your tick treatments by using a natural tick repellent to help protect your pet.
4. Let them have their fur coat. If you have a dog that you shave during the summer, let them start growing their coat back in the fall. Just like you need your Fall/Winter coat, they’ll need theirs too.
5. The changing of seasons is a great time to check your pet ID tags and microchip. Just take 5 minutes to ensure all your pet’s information is up to date and in proper order.
6. Take some stress out of planning for holiday trips by booking your pet’s accommodations for when you are out of town ahead of time.
7. Fall celebrations, such as Thanksgiving and Halloween, often mean people are coming over to visit your home. If you have a pet that has special needs or is wary of new people, be sure to tell your guests about your pet before they come over.
8. Make sure your pets can’t escape through the main entrance of your home. This is especially important if you plan on having several guests in and out of the house this holiday season. It may be worth investing in a gate or creating some barrier between the door and your pet, especially if you have a pet prone to bolting.
9. Be careful with holiday treats. Aside from known hazards like, chocolate, cooked bones, raw bread dough, and many fruits and vegetables can also be life-threatening to pets.
10. Be careful with decorations. Many shiny new ornaments look like entertaining toys to your pets. Make sure decorations are displayed far enough away from your pets. Many of them contain toxic metals and can become choking hazards