Fall Pet Tips: Ways to Keep Your Pets Happy and Healthy This Autumn 2017

As the leaves change colors and temperatures start to drop, the fall season is a time of change for you and your pets. Here at Richview Animal Hospital in Etobicoke, we want to ensure your pet is in great shape this autumn. Check out some of the timely considerations you need to make for your pet to keep them happy and healthy. 

Do Pets Need Parasite Prevention in the Fall in Etobicoke?

While your pet needs parasite prevention year-round, fall is one of the more important times to consider pests and parasites. As the temperatures cool down, fleas and ticks are in search of a warm place to hop on, and your pets are a prime target. At the same time, you want to get your pet checked annually for parasites including heartworm, ringworm, and ear mites. Consider getting a pet wellness check and parasite prevention every year in the fall.

What Kind of Fall Foods Should Pets Avoid?

The fall season is the harvest season, and for pets, there is the opportunity to eat all kinds of new and tasty foods. However, there are certain foods that should never be given or in reach of pets. The first is chocolate, which is poisonous both to dogs and cats. Also, if you are feeding your pet food from the table or leftovers from dinner, take caution about the foods you are giving them. Too many sweets, overly processed foods, and foods high in fat are just as bad for your pet as they are for humans. Pets can suffer from obesity, heart disease, and other diseases common to humans, so protect your pet and stick to the pet food.

Should I Protect My Pet From Outdoor Weather at Night? 

If your pet has been spending the night outdoors during the summer months, it may be time to bring them back inside until next spring. The fall temperatures are going to dip below freezing periodically during the nights. Dogs and cats are not typically prepared for these kinds of sleeping conditions, even if they have a warm fur coat. If you cannot bring your pet indoors for sleeping during the autumn, provide them with a warm bed. Include a heated pad or affix a pet-safe heater in their outdoor dog or cat house. Consider putting a sweater designed for pets on your dog or cat as an extra layer of protection.

Meet Our Etobicoke Veterinarian

Here at our Etobicoke veterinarian, we are available for parasite prevention, nutritional advice, and pet wellness exams. Our goal is to help your pet live a long and healthy life, and regular vet care is a vital part of that process. Please call our office at 647-490-2844 for more information or to schedule a visit for your pet with our Etobicoke vet.