09/16/2025
Happy Fall
Fall news for dogs includes seasonal dangers like seasonal allergies, toxic mushrooms, and ticks, alongside opportunities for fun activities such as pumpkin patches, apple picking, and playing in fallen leaves. Prepare your dog for cooler weather by keeping them warm, cleaning their paws to remove allergens, and ensuring their diet is suited for the season. Be aware of potential health issues like Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI), which may be linked to woodland walks.
Fall Dangers to Be Aware Of
Allergies: Just like humans, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies to ragweed, pollen, mold, and dust, leading to itchy skin, watery eyes, and ear infections.
Poisonous Mushrooms: The damp fall weather creates conditions for toxic mushrooms to grow, which can be dangerous if ingested by your dog.
Ticks: Continue to check your dog for ticks, as they can be a problem in the fall.
Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI): This rare condition can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, and fever within 72 hours of a walk in woodland areas.
Dangers of Leaves: While playing in leaves can be fun, ensure there are no hidden dangers or toxic substances in the leaf piles, and watch for anything that could cause injury or illness.
Tips for Fall Health and Safety
Keep Them Warm: Protect your dog from quickly dropping temperatures by providing them with a warm place to sleep and ensuring they are dressed appropriately if necessary.
Clean Paws: Wipe your dog's paws after walks to remove allergens and dirt, which can prevent tracking them into the house and causing skin or ear irritation.
Nutritional Needs: Adjust your dog's diet to meet their changing nutritional requirements as the weather changes.
Dog-Proof Your Environment: Ensure your home and yard are safe for your dog, especially with the increased risk of falling acorns, mushrooms, or other debris.
Fun Fall Activities for Your Dog
Visit a Pumpkin Patch: Enjoy the festive atmosphere by visiting a dog-friendly pumpkin patch.
Go Apple Picking: Take your dog on a scenic hike to an apple orchard.
Hike and Play in Leaves: Enjoy the cooler weather with hikes in natural areas and let your dog play in piles of fallen leaves.
Bake Homemade Treats: Make some festive pumpkin-flavored treats for your dog to enjoy.
Watch a Fall Sporting Event: Attend a local football game where your dog can enjoy the atmosphere.