Things to be aware of in Autumn & Winter

As a pet parent, there are some things to be aware of during autumn and winter months to keep your pets safe, happy and healthy!

• Conkers, acorns & fungi:

These can all cause tummy upset and vomiting, and in some cases can be serious and deadly. Be vigilant around your doggie if they’re prone to picking things up in their mouth on walks!

• Halloween:

If possible, walk your dog earlier so they’re not overwhelmed by lots of people, noise and spooky costumes!

If your dog can be reactive to the door being knocked, leave a note on the door asking people to help themselves to the bowl of sweets instead!

• Fireworks (Bonfire night, New Years Eve etc):

We can help you to work on desensitising your dog to fireworks and other loud noises. 

Set your dog up with a dark, cosy space for them to access to feel safe. Keep curtains and blinds closed.

Try to keep music or the tv playing. Use a selection of enrichment activities such as licki mats, snuffle mats or kongs to keep them occupied.

Fireworks can happen any night from Halloween onwards, so try and walk your dog earlier in the day to prevent them getting spooked by any fireworks. In case of fireworks being set off late afternoon/early evening during your walk, keep your dog on lead such as a long line. 

• Sticks:

As tempting as it is, and as much as some dogs can be obsessed with them, throwing sticks can potentially be dangerous. They can cause cuts in the mouth, get wedged and stuck or cause splinters in the mouth. Even more serious, sticks run the risk of puncturing your dog's eyes or body if it becomes lodged in the ground when they run to get it. As an alternative, use a frisbee or ball. 

• Grit: 

Rock salt used to grit roads in the winter months can be harmful to your dog, and can cause dehydration and liver failure. To protect your dog from this, rinse their paws when you return home from your walk to prevent them licking grit on their feet or use boots for dogs (introduce these to your dogs carefully using positive reinforcement).  

• Short, dark days:

Invest in some high vis items (collar, lead, flashing lights for attaching to your dog).

Days are getting shorter, be aware that some dogs may actually feel on edge out walking in the dark so if possible walk them before it’s too dark or implement positive reinforcement techniques (Or get yourself a dog walker, and they can walk your doggie for you before you’re home from work!!). 

• Fleas!

With central heating being used again, this can cause any flea eggs that have gotten on your pet, to drop off and hatch in pesky fleas! Make sure your pets are up to date on flea treatment to prevent this!

• Anti freeze:

Be careful of any spillages when topping up the antifreeze in your car. Some can have a ‘sweet’ smell to them that your dog may end up licking or stepping in.

Signs of antifreeze poisoning are: difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures and can be fatal. 

We hope these help and that you’ve discovered something new!

Paul & Alice