The fall season is the perfect time to enjoy scenic hikes through the forests with your dog. As you both take in the landscape filled with shades of red and orange, it’s important to consider how this seasonal transition affects your furry BFF. Just like us humans, our dogs can benefit from a little extra preparation, like having the right dog gear, to ensure you both have an enjoyable and safe autumn. Grab your cup of warm apple cider and let’s take a look at these six tips to help prepare your dog for fall.
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- Check for Ticks and Fleas — The weather may be cooling down, and the fall leaves may be dropping on the ground, but what remains are tricky pests that pose health risks to your furry friend. Even during the fall, ticks and fleas remain active and can transmit illnesses like Lyme disease and cause itching and discomfort. To take preventative measures with your pup, always practice regular inspections after any outdoor walks. Inspect both yourself and your dog to see if there are any signs of ticks or fleas. Speak with your vet about preventative treatments to address any concerns you have.
- Update Their ID Tags and Microchips — Looking for a new ID tag for this season? Consider getting your dog one of the trendy Disney dog tags as a durable and stylish way to make sure your dog stays identifiable. Make sure both your dog’s ID tags and microchips are updated. During the fall, you’re going to be going on more outdoor adventures like hikes and leaf-strewn walks. Before you take your dog to the pumpkin patch, have peace of mind with a well-maintained ID tag that has your current contact information. As much as we don’t want to think about losing our dog, having up-to-date microchip and dog ID tag details will ensure your dog can easily be identified and returned safely in the event they do get lost.
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- Watch for Seasonal Allergies — Just like humans, dogs also get seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergens like pollen, mold spores and ragweed become more prevalent in the fall with seasonal changes. Any of these triggers can cause your dog to experience uncomfortable symptoms such as skin irritations or sneezing. Stay vigilant and watch out for signs of allergies from your dog, like watery eyes and excessive scratching. You can help remove allergens from your dog’s coat with regular grooming, especially after walking them outdoors.
- Adjust Their Exercise Routine — Another way to help prepare your dog for fall is by adjusting their exercise routine. Daylight hours diminish, and the weather starts to cool down, so it’s best to tailor any outdoor exercise to suit the changing weather conditions. You don’t want your dog to be too hot or too cold, either. When in doubt, swap the scenery and switch to stimulating indoor activities like puzzle toys to keep them occupied during cold or rainy days.
- Practice Fire Safety — While home fires can happen at any time, the American Red Cross revealed that fires generally increase during the fall and winter, most common on weekends and around 6 or 7 p.m. Most home fires start in the kitchen, and the second leading cause is from heating sources like fireplaces and wood stoves. Our dogs are curious by nature, so they can easily knock over heaters or come into contact with any open flames. It’s important to educate all family members at home to practice fire safety measures by installing smoke detectors and securing heating sources to protect your dog and everyone else, including themselves, from accidents and ensure fire safety during the fall months.
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6. Get Them Cold Weather Gear — Consider getting your dog cold weather gear if you’re going to do any long hikes or prolonged outdoor activities with them. While some pet parents think only short-haired dogs need jackets, long-haired dogs can certainly benefit from dog jackets to stay warm. Try a weatherproof dog jacket like a water-resistant parka. For their paws, get them dog paw wax to protect their paws and dog booties as an additional protective layer.
The final leaves are falling, and winter’s chill is just around the corner. Autumn may be a fleeting season, but it’s still important to prepare for these transformative months. By following any of these tips, you’ll be able to adapt to changing conditions and make the most out of the volatile weather conditions. Whatever adventures you and your pup embark on these next few months, make sure your dog is prepared with a Tile for pets. This trackable dog ID tag is powered by Bluetooth and made of silicone. So whether you’re taking a road trip or just hiking through the forest, you’ll rest easy knowing exactly where you can find them at all times.
