Allergies
Fall brings us cooling temperatures, shorter days, and a burst of pollens and other allergens, as fields are harvested and seasonal plants complete their reproductive cycle. Our pets' symptoms of allergies may include sneezing and watery eyes, licking and chewing on feet and skin rashes. In most cases, allergy symptoms can be relieved. Please make an appointment with your veterinarian for appropriate diagnosis and treatment and to rule out other possible causes of your pet's discomfort.
Colder Temperatures
Prepare your pet for changing temperatures. If your pet will be kept outside, you may need to increase food intake to maintain the higher caloric needs necessary for warmth. Provide adequate shelter, and a heated water container to prevent freezing. Pets that will be brought inside may also need protection from the dry, warm heat. Humidifiers and moisturizing sprays can be helpful. Cats will sometimes seek refuge in warm places such as the engine housing of a car. Serious injuries can occur when the car is started.
Separation Anxiety
As the season changes from summer to fall, so often our schedule changes too. Children return to school, parents spend more time at work. Our pets are affected by the change in schedule, and some may develop separation anxiety from longer hours spent home alone. Try to leave the pet alone gradually so the change in routine is not as noticeable. Some pets who suffer from separation anxiety require daily medication if their symptoms are severe.
Burning Leaves
We all know that autumn is a time for falling leaves. In areas where leaf burning is allowed, burning leaf piles may be a hazard to your pet. Please use extra caution when walking pets in your neighborhood and do not be as lenient with pets that are allowed to leave your yard. Scattered ashes and leaves left to burn out on their own may present a risk to your pet.
Holidays
As enjoyable as the Holidays are for humans, they can pose risks for our pets. Halloween can be particularly dangerous for cats. Please keep your cats indoors on Halloween night. If you have outdoor cats, lock them up if at all possible. Unfortunately cats, black cats in particular, have been associated with evil and witchcraft. Keep candy out of reach of pets, especially chocolate. This tasty treat is harmful, possibly deadly to pets.
After the Thanksgiving feast, please do not give left over turkey bones to your pets. These bones can get caught in an animals digestive tract and cause perforations in the lining, requiring surgery. Be sure not to give any fatty foods, such as ham or other pork products to your pets. These products can cause a very serious disease called pancreatitis. If you wish to include your pet in the festivities, perhaps bring a special animal treat for him to indulge in.
Holiday decorations can be a problem if you have a "mouthy" pet. Make sure strings or ribbons are not dangling, enticing chewing or swallowing of these objects. Beware of Christmas lights, as chewing on these can cause electrocution!
Flea Season
A lot of people think fleas are more active during summer, but fleas are most active during fall months. Flea preventative measures such as Frontline Plus should be continued until at least two hard frosts have taken place.
Farm machinery
Combines, tractors, and wagons make their appearance in the fall, as farmers are busily harvesting crops. Animals chasing or attempting to cross the road may not be seen because of the large size of farm equipment. Please use extra caution when driving in the fall, for everyone's sake.
Travel
Take pets into consideration. Are they staying at home with a pet sitter, boarding at a kennel or going with? If they travel with you, use proper restraint and keep an eye on them at all times. Frequent stops should be made to allow the pet bathroom and exercise breaks.
Shedding
Shedding occurs because animals need to build their winter coat. Brush your pets as often as possible. In addition to eliminating the shedding hair, brushing is a great time to bond with the animals. Some pets require brushing on a daily basis.
Exercise
When the weather becomes truly blustery, animals may not receive the exercise they need. This can lead to weight gain. Destructive behavior can also be the result of a bored pet. Exercise is stimulating both mentally and physically, so continue to exercise your pet when the weather permits. Bundle up!
Pest Control & Poisons
When it is necessary to control pests in or around your home, please be sure to place baits and traps where pets cannot reach them. Ingestion of rodent baits can cause internal bleeding; problems may not be evident until three or four weeks after ingestion. If you know that your cat or dog has ingested even a small amount of a poison, please seek veterinary attention immediately, even if your pet appears to be acting normally. There is an antidote available to counteract the effects of these types of poisons. Ingesting poison is DEADLY.
Perhaps a substitute is available that is equally effective in controlling pests that is not harmful to your pet.
Be extremely cautious when using antifreeze. With its' sweet taste, pets are attracted to it right away, and just a small amount can cause kidney failure or even death. Promptly and thoroughly clean any antifreeze that may have been spilled or has leaked from your vehicle. Antifreeze is very toxic to your pet. Medical attention should be sought immediately if antifreeze ingestion is suspected. |
