Keeping Your Puppy Health & Happy This Fall
Pumpkin spice fills the air at your favorite café, the leaves are beginning to change color…autumn is upon us! As the weather cools, the outdoors beckons you, and it can be an amazing season to explore nature. Get ready to enjoy everything fall has to offer with a few quick tips to help your pup have a wonderful autumn.
Adjust Your Walking Schedule
Days are shorter, which means your morning and evening walks will be darker. Safe dog walking after dark requires just a few adjustments from your normal routine. To compensate for this, you can either switch up your routine and walk during other times of the day, or you can choose reflective gear and a flashlight for your dog and yourself. Ideally, try to choose a well-lit route. Avoid walking on the road, or right on the shoulder, especially at dawn and dusk since it’s the most difficult time for drivers to see you and your pup.
Fall Shedding Season
Even if your dog rarely sheds, you can expect at least some increased hair loss. Fall is when the summer coat sheds and is replaced by the warmer winter coat. Plan on extra grooming at home, since brushing your pup frequently will help contain the loose fur.
Be Active Outdoors
The crisp air and often beautiful weather make the outdoors enticing in autumn. The heat of summer has passed making fall the perfect time to get outside and get active again!
Go for long walks, explore the woods, spend time at the dog park, and play in the fallen leaves…the possibilities in fall are endless. You can also use the opportunity to brush up on basic commands that you might not have used as much during the summer.
Insects and Rodents in Autumn
Pests seek a warm, furry host as the weather gets cool. Keep a close eye out for fleas and ticks – their bites are no fun for your pet! Also, watch the temperature and prepare your pup accordingly. If your dog is especially small and sensitive to cold, it will be much more susceptible to chill!
Rodents also seek warmer homes in fall and winter, which means that some homeowners put poison out. Be extremely careful if you or your neighbors use such poisons, and stay vigilant when out and about with your dog. Sometimes puppies try to eat and chew everything they see, but these things are dangerous for your pet if ingested.
Have Fun!
Autumn is a beautiful, refreshing season – no wonder it’s a favorite for so many! While you’re enjoying your next mug of apple cider or pumpkin spice, get out for a walk and build some magical memories with your pup.
