Autumn Tips for Keeping Your Dog Happy and Healthy

Autumn Tips For Keeping Your Dog Healthy & Happy

As the vibrant colors of autumn roll in, it’s a great time for both you and your dog to enjoy the cool breeze, crunchy leaves, and fresh outdoor adventures. But with the beauty of the season comes a few challenges for our furry friends. Here are some essential tips to keep your dog happy and healthy during autumn.

1. Prepare for Cooler Weather

The drop in temperature can be refreshing for dogs, but some may need extra warmth, especially smaller breeds or those with thin coats. Consider investing in a cozy dog sweater or jacket for walks, especially in the mornings or evenings when it’s colder.

2. Watch Out for Seasonal Hazards

Autumn introduces new potential hazards that dog owners should be mindful of:

  • Fallen Leaves: While fun to play in, leaves can hide sharp objects, insects, or mold, which can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
  • Mushrooms: Some wild mushrooms that pop up in damp autumn conditions can be toxic to dogs. Keep an eye on where your dog is sniffing and avoid areas where mushrooms grow.
  • Acorns: Acorns and conkers (horse chestnuts) are also toxic if ingested by dogs, leading to digestive upset and, in severe cases, poisoning.

3. Adjust Your Dog’s Diet

As temperatures drop, some dogs may naturally burn more calories to maintain body heat. If your dog is spending more time outdoors or engaging in extra activities, you might need to adjust their food intake to meet their energy needs. However, be mindful of overfeeding, as autumn can also be a time when dogs are less active, which could lead to weight gain.

4. Be Aware of Fleas and Ticks

Although it’s getting cooler, fleas and ticks remain active in autumn, especially in wooded areas or tall grass. Continue your dog’s flea and tick prevention regimen throughout the fall to protect them from bites and possible infections like Lyme disease.

5. Maintain Regular Grooming

Dogs shed their summer coat in preparation for winter, so autumn is the perfect time for regular brushing to help remove loose fur. Grooming also helps improve circulation and skin health, preventing mats and tangles. Bathing should be done as needed, but avoid over-washing, which can dry out your dog’s skin.

6. Hydration is Still Key

Even though the temperature is cooler, dogs still need plenty of fresh water. When outdoors, they may not seem as thirsty as in summer, but they still need to stay hydrated. Ensure water is available at all times, especially after autumn walks or play sessions.

7. Keep Your Dog Active

Autumn offers the perfect weather for outdoor activities like hiking, running, or just longer walks in the park. The cooler weather makes it easier for dogs to enjoy outdoor time without overheating, but be cautious about the amount of daylight. With the shorter days, make sure to walk your dog during daylight hours or use reflective gear for safety.

8. Create a Warm Indoor Environment

When the outdoor chill becomes too much, ensure your dog has a warm and comfortable space inside. Provide extra blankets or a cozy dog bed to snuggle into. If your floors get cold, placing rugs or mats can help your dog stay warm and comfortable.

9. Watch Out for Halloween Hazards

As Halloween approaches, be mindful of chocolate and other candies that are toxic to dogs. Keep treats and decorations out of reach, and if you’re dressing up your dog, make sure the costume is comfortable, breathable, and doesn’t restrict movement or vision.

10. Enjoy Seasonal Fun

Autumn is a great time to bond with your dog through seasonal activities. Go on nature walks, visit a dog-friendly pumpkin patch, or let your dog play in leaf piles (supervised, of course). The cooler weather and stunning scenery make autumn a perfect time for creating new memories with your canine companion.

By following these autumn tips, you can ensure that your dog enjoys the season safely and comfortably. Whether it’s snuggling up indoors or exploring the outdoors, your dog will appreciate the care you take to protect and nurture them as the weather changes.

Signs of Arthritis In Your Dog

One of the most common issues found in older dogs is arthritis. It’s not just something that affects humans, but something that you should try to recognise as a pet owner. When you learn what it looks like in your dog, you can do something about it sooner and help your pet to live a much more comfortable life. 

Education is important as a pet owner and learning to understand when your dog is in pain can help you to put together a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Help from veterinary clinics such as The Moores Orthopaedic Clinic is a good place to begin, but you have to begin at home, too. Yoru dog deserves the best possible care and here are the signs that they’ve been dealing with joint pain and arthritis. 

Image source: Pexels

  1. Your dog is getting older. Older dogs are more prone to development of arthritis due to wear and tear that happens over the years. Dogs are naturally bouncy, happy creatures but the pressure this bounce puts on their bones is a LOT! As they get older, they decrease in their levels of activity and you need to watch out for this because dogs will always slow down before they fully stop. Those physical activities they once enjoyed will no longer be the everyday occurrence in your home and you will notice it pretty quickly. 
  2. They look stiff. Stiffness – especially after resting and sleeping – are common as indicators of arthritis in dogs. You may notice them struggling to get up or limping, moving more slowly and generally having a slowed gait. You might also notice their symptoms more pronounced as they try to move in the morning or in the late evening. If your dog has had a period of inactivity, that will also show a more pronounced limp.
  3. They no longer want to jump or climb. A good sign that your dog is dealing with the pain of arthritis is that they no longer want to jump onto furniture, climb the stairs or attempt to get into your bed anymore. These are activities that require significant movement of their joints but when they’re in pain, that isn’t possible anymore. Pay attention to this if your dog is beginning to avoid doing any of these.
  4. They are starting to walk unevenly. A change in gait is another serious sign of arthritis in your dog. You might notice they walk with a stiff or uneven gait and a noticeable limp. This change in movement can indicate pain and discomfort as they favor other legs over the one that is hurting the most. If you do notice this, booking an appointment with an orthopedic center is important. So that they can be scanned or X-rayed to find out the extent of the damage. 
  5. Their joints are swollen. A physical sign of arthritis in your dog is swelling, especially if those swollen joints are warm to touch. Feeling their joints for any unusual swelling or warmth indicates some inflammation, and it can help you to ascertain whether arthritis is something that they are dealing with. Often this is a symptom that accompanies the pain and discomfort they’re feeling, so book an appointment as soon as you can.