The Paw Print Genetics Blog

Fall brings some wonderful changes; brisk evening walks with your dog, autumn decorations, curling up on the couch to watch your favorite Halloween flicks to name a few. With the changing of the seasons comes some notable adjustments for your dog too. Below are a few things to help you and your dog prepare for the upcoming autumn season.

Keep an Eye Out for Wildlife

Be extra vigilant this time of year of your dog’s off leash whereabouts. If you live in a more rural area where wildlife is prominent, it may be second nature to keep your eyes peeled for deer, moose, coyotes or even bear. Don’t forget about the smaller animals like porcupine and skunks, all very busy with their winter preparations. These animals could pose unwanted threats to your canine.

Cooler Temperatures

Colder temperatures and shorter days often mean less time spent outside, which could decrease the amount of exercise your dog is getting. This could be especially perilous on older dogs with arthritis. Protexin Veterinary recommends short and consistent exercise for arthritic dogs, if possible, such as shorter walks multiple times a day rather than long winter walks. Additionally, moist heat therapy can decrease pain and promote good blood flow and healing.

It is also that time of year when many of us will break out the antifreeze to keep our vehicles running smoothly. Take extreme caution in keeping your pets away from this harmful substance, as pets are attracted to the sweet smell of the chemical ethylene glycol found in antifreeze.

Also, be sure to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations on tick, flea, and heartworm prevention.

Rodenticides

With temperatures dropping, rodents will be searching for warmer housing. If you use pesticides to keep rodents away from your home, make sure you place deterrents in pet free areas, as these chemicals are often lethal to your animals. Mouse poisons are formulated to attract rodents and can unfortunately entice your dog or cat as well. Even if you do not use these products, but your animals spend unsupervised time outside, it is helpful to be aware of the dangers these chemicals pose.

Back to School

With many children doing schoolwork online and at home this fall, you may be finding more school supplies on your floor than usual. Be mindful of where small items like markers, crayons and erasers are placed in your house and keep them out of reach from your dog. Don’t let your dog eat your homework!

Halloween Costumes & Candy

Halloween is right around the corner, and you have been dying to try out your pup’s lion mane costume to capture that perfect smile for the camera! With all the fun, spooky activities, the last scare you want is realizing your dog has eaten the fabric or buttons from their costume. Not to mention the candy corn and chocolate marshmallow Jack-O-Lanterns they may think would be a perfect dog treat. Go for the trick instead! Consult with your vet if you believe your dog has ingested harmful substances that could be toxic to their system. It is a good idea to never leave your pet alone in their festive wear, and make sure your dog can move about freely and is not restricted in any way.

As we head into the holidays, remember to take care of yourself too and make it a habit to relax when you can. Your dog can sense any stress you may be feeling, so unwinding benefits you both. Rest assured, 2020 is soon coming to an end but it is not over yet! Most importantly, we hope you have a safe and fun autumn.

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Reference: (https://www.protexinvet.com/article/329-how-to-help-manage-stiffness-and-mobility-difficulties-in-your-pet)