Fall Has Arrived

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The first day of Autumn was officially September 22nd and the St. Louis area's weather is cooling off and becoming more like jeans and long sleeves weather.

Autumn is a beautiful time of year with crisp air, fall colors and the scent of falling leaves, but it also presents unique problems for pets.

Here are some fall tips I found at bringpetshome.org:

Ticks: Although tick nymphs peak in the spring months, the number of adult deer ticks is higher in the fall than it is during any other part of the year. Deer ticks are the ticks that are responsible for spreading Lyme disease—which can be just as much of a danger for your pet as it is for you. If you’re worried you might have a dog tick problem, there are several things you can do to help. Dog tick and flea preventative drops will help keep the bugs away, but if you don’t choose to use them, consider paying more attention to your lawn care. Ticks prefer to live in long grass, so giving your lawn a good manicure, and keeping your pets confined, can help keep your dog tick problem under control. And, there are also Lyme disease vaccinations that can protect your pet from infection.  Talk to your vet and find out how and when to vaccinate your dog.

Temperature: Fall is a tough time for pet care because the temperature is so variable. Depending on the weather where you live, you could need to worry about anything from heatstroke to frostbite. In particular, you’ll always want to make certain that your dog or cat has enough water. Just because the weather has gotten cooler doesn’t mean that your pet doesn’t still need a lot to drink.

Halloween: Halloween time can be fun time for both you and your pets, but you’ll also want to plan ahead and take some safety precautions. The chocolate which is found so plentifully at Halloween can be extremely toxic for both your dogs and your cats. Also, candies containing xylitol are very dangerous for dogs. Pet Halloween costumes can be cute, but you’ll want to be certain that they don’t have small parts which pose a choking hazard or impair your pets breathing or hearing. If you have a black cat, plan to keep it indoors around Halloween time. People have been known to play some nasty tricks on black cats around the holiday and you’ll want to keep your kitty safe.

Finally, fall is a good time to remember that keeping your pet’s coat in good shape isn’t just a matter of vanity; it’s also a matter of health. Some good grooming tips include regularly brushing your pet to avoid matting and always making certain your pet is completely dry after a bath. These grooming tips can help your pet avoid “hot spots” and other skin irritations that can contribute to poor health.

Quick Tip: If you have a long haired dog or cat, it’s important to brush them regularly to avoid serious matting that can cause your furry friend real discomfort and negatively affect their health. If you cannot commit to regular coat care, then talk to your veterinarian or groomer about whether or not it might be a good idea to keep Fluffy shaved. He won’t be fluffy anymore but it could improve both his temperament and his well-being.