Dog Health and Safety - Fall

With days getting shorter, fall is upon us! Warm days and cool nights makes autumn my favorite season, and a favorite of many dogs that find the summer heat too difficult. With another change in season, time to offer some safety tips...

• Early fall can still have very hot weather. In a month or 2 we could be seeing freezing temps. Be thoughtful about this variability as you plan activities with your dog. Watching weather forecasts, and planning carefully, can prevent any potential problems. If it's hot, take water, seek shade, and try scheduling activities later in the day when temps will be dropping. If it's cool or cold, especially if the change was sudden, dogs will need some time to acclimate.
  
  
• When traveling in a car, remember that many days may be too hot to leave your pet in a car. My rule of thumb? If the sun's out and it's over 65 (FARENHEIT), it's too dangerous to leave a dog in a parked car.
  
  
• Swimming may still be an option depending on temps and your geographic location. But as temps drop, water will be getting colder. Cold water can cause hypothermia and be a serious health risk to any dog. Even if the water is still warm, cool autumn air can cause hypothermia once a dog comes out of the water. Watch your pet for signs of being cold or uncomfortable.
  
  
• With less sunlight and cooler temps, soil may retain more moisture. It's common in our area to see mushrooms sprouting up during the fall. While many are harmless, some are toxic and absolutely deadly. Owners should assume all mushrooms are toxic and be proactive in keeping dogs safe. Watch for and remove mushrooms from your pet's yard, and keep pets away from them when out on walks and hikes.
  
  
• Spiders are more commonly seen during the cooler moths of autumn. Most are harmless, but some are poisonous. Even non-poisonous bites can cause a great deal of discomfort. Be vigilant and keep your dog(s) clear of them.
  
  
• We use flea and tick prevention year round. These preventive measures may be optional depending on a variety of factors, including when things cool off and how cold things get. If in doubt, consult your Veterinarian for best recommendations for your specific area and dog.
  
  
• Many owners are tempted to stop heartworm prophylaxis once mosquitoes disappear. In our area heartworm is a risk year-round, so this is one medication that should be part of your dog's health regimen the entire year.
  
  
• Fall often means busier human schedules. After summer vacations, autumn is back to work and school for many. Busier schedules can mean less time for our dogs. Make sure the time you spend with your dog each day is "quality time". Exercise AND mentally challenging activities can keep dogs calm, and everyone happy!
  
  
• As days grow shorter, many owners will be walking their dogs after dark. Reflective vests/clothing for you and your dog can keep everyone safer if near traffic. There are tracer lights that can also be worn on a dog's collar. They can provide lighting on your walk, AND make your dog more visible in the dark.
  
  

Cool nights and warm days make fall a favorite time for many. Be mindful of how changing seasons can mean changing risks for your dog. Have a great time together, but keep everyone safe during training, travels, and recreation!