08/06/2024
Fall will soon arrive in all its glory! It is a wonderful time of year! With beautiful leaves and cooler temps. Pumpkins, gourds, and Indian corn. Sweaters, hoodies, and snuggly throws come out. We host bonfires, with weinie roasts, s’mores, and apple cider. And we looked forward to the coming holidays of Trick or Treat and Thanksgiving. But, fall can also hold dangers for your pets.
Many believe that fleas begin to die off in the fall and stop using flea treatment. The truth is, fleas reach their peak in the fall! Because of this, flea infestations are actually more common in the fall than in spring or summer. To help avoid this, continue with your pets flea treatments year around.
The days get shorter and the nights get longer. This can result in less activity, fewer walks, less time outside. It can cause depression, just like in humans. It can also lead to weight gain. Make sure your pets still get plenty of exercise. If walking them at night, make sure you are both seen. Put on reflective collars or safety vests that can be seen in the dark and carry a flashlight. Pay attention to the number of treats given or any overeating habits. Have some toys to keep them entertained, and give them a little extra attention. The time spent petting them also helps to calm us humans.
The damp piles of raked, fallen leaves can be the perfect place for fungus/mushrooms to grow. Many of these are poisonous to your pet. Check your yard often, as these mushrooms can pop up overnight. Pick any that you find a dispose of them where your pet cannot get to them.
The season also brings ragweed, pollen, mold, and dust that leads to itching, scratching, and ear infections. Regular baths with a gentle shampoo can rinse away these types of allergens. Also, keeping paws clean by wiping them off when the pet comes back inside, can prevent allergens from being tracked all thru your home. This will also help us humans that have allergies.
Fall also comes with lots of the yummy foods we enjoy. Many of these are harmful to your pet. Chocolate, some nuts, fatty foods, grapes and raisins, onions, to name a few. Pancreatitis is very painful for your pet. As a rule, just do not feed your pet people food.
We wish you a wonderful fall! May you and your pets enjoy the beauty and splendor the season brings.