A change in seasons means a change in behavior and this fall, make sure to consider these pointers to guarantee a better holiday season for you and your dog. Consider dog health in cold weather.
Ticks might not be your number one concern but don’t let the cold weather deter you. It’s important to use tick repellent if you are often outdoors with your dog and to check them for ticks regularly. Also be sure to remove leaf and garden litter because colder temperatures will not scare ticks off completely.
Mice and rats in search of shelter are another chilling addition to fall. However, mouse traps and rodenticides can be harmful to your dog if consumed. If you want to use pest control that is safe for your pets you can ask your veterinarian which methods are best.
With the coldness making people and dogs alike searching for warmth, it is crucial to feed your dog more than normal. Don’t go overboard and give them rich foods that have high-fat content because this can lead to stomach problems and be sure to avoid foods known to be toxic to dogs such as chocolate, grapes and raisins.
With the season comes a handful of other hazards that your dog might consume, including toxic mushrooms, antifreeze and holiday decorations. Be cautious of the surrounding environments your dog will be in to avoid any accidents in the upcoming months.
The Pet Health Network elaborates further on these subjects and provides plenty of helpful links on ticks, foreign body ingestion and the dangers of rodenticide, toxic mushrooms and antifreeze in this essential article.