Are you and your pet prepared? As the autumn season draws near, we get ready for a shift in our daily routines. The daylight hours will gradually shorten, children will return to their classrooms, and the temperatures will begin to drop. While it’s common knowledge how humans adapt to seasonal changes, have you ever wondered how our canine companions cope with the transitioning seasons?
Walks in the Dark
As the daylight hours decrease, daily walks and outdoor time for our beloved pets becomes more hazardous. Enhance their visibility and safety by outfitting them with brightly colored collars and harnesses. For even better visibility, opt for accessories with reflective accents. Consider taking their safety to the next level with light-up collars and tags. These measures will not only prevent you from losing sight of your pets but also make them easily noticeable to drivers, cyclists, runners, and fellow dog walkers. Taking these measures helps ensure their well-being during nighttime activities.
Time Alone
Is your dog spending more time alone now that the kids are back in school? It’s important to ensure your dog stays happy while being home alone. One way to do this is by providing interactive toys, such as puzzle toys that hide treats, to keep them occupied. Kong toys with xylitol-free peanut butter, treat puzzles with training treats in them, and lick mats are great options to keep your pet happy and busy while you’re away. Interactive toys also keep dogs busy, making them less likely to get into trouble around the house. Toys that make noise, glow when moved, and that move on their own are sure to keep your furry friend entertained.
Remember to limit your dog’s space when they’re alone, as dogs often prefer smaller, confined spaces. This can help prevent unwanted behaviors like chewing or having accidents in the house. You can achieve this by using an appropriately sized kennel or by using a gate to confine them to a dog-friendly room in the house. Ensure the dog space is free of clutter, has an area for them to lay down, and provides access to water. Also, consider playing some relaxing music to help keep your dog calm and reduce outside noise that can lead to barking. Doing this will keep your dog safe and happy while you’re gone.
Winter Coats are Coming
As the weather gets colder, your dog may start to develop its winter coat. To control shedding, use shedding brushes designed to remove excess hair before it ends up on the floor. Regular baths can also help reduce shedding, and there are products available specifically designed to assist with this. Additionally, your dog’s paws and nose may become more sensitive as the air gets drier and colder. To protect them, consider using booties for their paws and applying a moisturizer like Bag Balm to keep their paws, noses, and skin to stay moisturized even in the driest conditions.
Include Your Furry Friends
Autumn is a delightful time of year! It heralds the start of the holiday season with pumpkin treats, festive costumes, and enjoyable fall activities. Don’t forget to involve your pets in the fun! Treats made with pumpkin and duck, or peanut butter and bananas, would be a great addition to the treat rotation for the holiday season.
If you choose to dress up your pet, remember to keep a close eye on them while in costume. While costumes are generally safe, accidents can still occur. Costumes aren’t the only way to involve your pet in dressing up for festivities – bandanas, festive collars, and bows (if your dog has the hair for it) are also great options.
Lastly, remember to show them lots of love. With changing schedules and the irregularity that comes with holidays, they’ll need some extra attention to feel safe and loved.