Autumn Safety Tips For Dogs
Autumn can be a wonderful time for dog owners. It is cooler out and there are a variety of seasonal activities that dogs and their owners can participate in. Even though summer has several hazards dog owners need to watch out for, autumn has them too. We are a professional dog training facility in Deep River, Connecticut and we are very excited for the change to fall weather. Check out our article this week on autumn safety tips for dogs.
Stay visible on evening walks.
One of our first autumn safety tips for dogs is to stay visible during evening walks. In a perfect world, we would all like to be able to walk our dogs when it is still light out. Unfortunately, Autumn brings shorter days and if you work later, you may have no choice but to walk the dogs in the dark. Before heading out into the autumn evenings, you should consider getting a reflective vest or leash for your dog. It doesn’t hurt to get one for yourself too. It is also a good idea to not wear dark clothing when walking your dog in the evening.
Don’t forget about autumn flea problems.
Just because there were fleas around in summer doesn’t mean they won’t appear in fall. As the weather gets colder, adult fleas will want to make their way inside to your warm house. Fleas lay eggs in your dog’s fur and the eggs will then fall off your dog and lurk in your carpets. Before you know it, you may end up with a full-on infestation. To prevent this problem, make sure your dog is on year-round flea prevention. Remember that ticks also stick around into autumn as well.
Keep up with your dog’s exercise routine.
With cold and dark nights, your dog’s usual walk may end up significantly shorter. This increases their chance of weight gain. To avoid this, take proactive steps such as monitoring their food intake. Stick to their normal food allowance and avoid giving them treats or table scraps. You can give your dog indoor exercise by playing some fun indoor games that will not only exercise their bodies but also their minds.
Be wary of what your dog eats in autumn.
There are a variety of edible hazards dogs may run into around the season of autumn. Watch for spills of antifreeze as the weather gets colder. Antifreeze tastes sweet so dogs may want to lick the liquid up. If you do notice a spill, clean it up right away. When Halloween comes around, keep your dog away from all the sweet treats as chocolate is known to be highly poisonous to dogs. Finally, don’t feed your dog table scraps around Thanksgiving.