We all think we know our pets, especially dog owners, better than anyone else. This might be true, and no one is arguing against the unique connection that is created between a pet and their owners. At the same time, we belong to different species; sometimes, we cannot understand what our pet needs at a particular moment.
Table of Contents
As the season just changed into autumn, this is a great chance to learn what the most common pet animals need during this season, as we all want to give them the best possible care and get to know them better. This article provides an overview of some of the essential things animals need during this season to help you develop better and more informed care practices for your pet.
Fireworks, Chocolate and Darkness
For many people, autumn is a season of celebration but also of retreat and preparation for the holiday season. Many countries, at this time of the year, balance the presence of darkness with bonfires and fireworks during celebrations such as Guy Fawkes and others. This can be very atmospheric for us humans, but it can also be tremendously scary for animals with a more enhanced hearing system, such as cats and dogs.
The sound of fireworks can be extremely scary for them. This can be more true for dogs, as they have one of the most enhanced hearing systems on the whole planet. On the other hand, cats might be less scared of fireworks, but they can suffer from a change in routine, as autumn for many cats means spending less time outside.
Also Read: Tachypnea in Dogs? Discovering Causes and Treatment for Fast Breathing
Autumn is also a synonym for Halloween, and with Halloween comes treats and tricks, including chocolate. Chocolate is extremely dangerous for pets, most of all dogs and cats, but it shouldn’t be eaten by any kind of pet, really, as animals don’t quite have the enzymes to synthesize it. It could cause health damage and even death. During autumn, your pets need to be protected from damaging snacks.
In autumn, days get shorter and nights get longer, and even though your pets might not show it, they can feel the change. For one thing, when spending time outside, your pets should be more visible due to the decreased amount of light. Because of this, LED collars, especially for pet dogs, can be a great idea. Similarly, it is advisable to keep them inside during the evenings, but to balance this with some more activity time; you should schedule more things to do with your pet during the daytime.
Temperature, Nutrition and Potential Diseases
Temperature is another extremely important matter to consider when trying to give the best care to your pet this autumn. Not every animal is the same, of course, but it can be a useful general rule to remember that many warm-blooded animals suffer from the cold just like we do, even if they have fur.
Therefore, you can find out more about the ideal temperature for your pet by talking to your veterinarian. If you do not have a veterinarian, you can find a mobile pet vet near you. As dogs are some of the pets that spend the most time outside, you can just observe them to find out if they are feeling cold. Smaller dogs tend to feel more arduous, and because of this, it is important to keep them inside or to dress them according to the weather.
Nutrition is more important than ever in autumn because pets are less able to spend time outside, and they might also be more prone to seasonal diseases, which are not as common during the warmer months of the year. Another interesting aspect to consider when preparing to give the best care to your pets is being aware of common diseases such as lungworms.
Lungworms can be caught by pets coming into contact with infective lungworm larvae. These larvae can be found very often in nature, and during the autumnal months, it is not uncommon to find them around your garden. The interesting thing is that these larvae can survive without their hosts. Because of this, they can be found on toys and even water bowls, just because a slug passed by. The good news is that there are many things that can be done to prevent your pet from catching this condition and to prevent a developing infestation.
Fleas are another aspect to take into consideration, as they are very common during this time of the year as well as in spring. This can be tricky, though, as during autumn, we want to keep our pets warm and cozy. At the same time, fleas also love to live indoors and thrive in warmer temperatures.
That said, flea protection should be at the top of your list and should be given all year round, not just seasonally. A good way to prevent your pet from developing fleas is to wash your pet’s bed regularly and give preventive treatments against fleas. Such treatments can be found in stores and can also be prescribed by your veterinarian.
Bottom Line
In this article, we talked about some of the most important practices to take into consideration when taking care of your pet during the autumnal season. From temperatures to nutrition and from flea prevention to noise reduction, this is a great and concise guide to consider when in doubt of what to do to prepare your pet for the cold season.
If you have any more doubts, you should reach out to your veterinarian and trust their advice on the matter. Autumn can be a challenging season for us humans, as days get shorter and colder. But we must remember that our animal companions, whether dogs or others, also feel the changing of the season, and they should be cared for in the best possible way.
