Autumn has officially arrived. The evenings are getting darker, the air is getting colder, so here are a few tips to make sure that your pet is safe from harm as the nights draw in.
Parasites in autumn
Our first tip is to not forget to continue treating your pets for fleas and ticks. These pests are active all year round. So, rather than becoming dormant as it gets cooler, the heating being turned on and fires being lit can encourage them out of hiding to breed.
Harvest mites can also be a problem in autumn. These parasites live in dense greenery and are most active at the warmest part of the day. They are usually found in large numbers – an infestation looks like red/orange-coloured dust or sand - and feed on skin cells. The mites typically feed for 2 or 3 days and then drop off, leaving an itchy skin rash that can last for several weeks.
Harvest mites not covered by products designed specifically to kill them, although some flea treatments can be effective, so, if possible, walk your dog at cooler times of the day and in areas that are less grassy. There is no licensed preventative treatment that acts specifically on harvest mites, so if you do see signs of the mites, you should visit to your vet for advice and treatment.
Your pet’s physical health in autumn
Be aware of Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) too. SCI is an illness that appears in the autumn, the symptoms of which appear 24 to 72 hours after a woodland walk and include vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. If you notice your dog displaying these symptoms you should seek veterinary assistance since affected dogs can become fatally ill.
Lastly, a fairly common ailment as a result of the changing seasons – as with humans – is aching joints. If your pet suffers from joint issues, including arthritis, we recommend reading about the ways in which you can help to manage the condition and asking your vet for tips.
Your pet’s mental health in autumn
When it comes to pet mental health in autumn, firework season is probably a big cause of stress and anxiety. Halloween can be, too.
Some pets don’t appear to mind being dressed up but many find the experience uncomfortable. Their experience of Halloween is made even more stressful by the fact that the doorbell keeps on ringing and strangers keep on appearing.
Another psychological stressor is the new school year. Once the school holidays are over the change in routine from having a house full of people might mean your pet need some adjustment, so if your dog or cat has been exhibiting signs of separation anxiety, it’s important that you discuss this with your vet.
Autumn hazards
Autumn also brings new vegetation and foods; as well as party foods for the various seasonal festivals, whether it’s sweets and chocolate for Halloween or other potentially harmful foods for Diwali. We’ve described the dangers of chocolate in an earlier post, but it’s always good to go over the list of poisons and hazards in cats and dogs that we need to be aware of, such as drugs, household items or plants and flowers.
Autumn weather
During the colder months, you may want to consider purchasing a coat or jacket for your dog for when you take them for a walk. This is to help keep them warm but also help them stay visible in the darker evenings. Bright colours and reflective details are great for this.
Bedding is also important, particularly for older pets with arthritis or achy joints. There are many different types of beds available, so make sure you have a bed that is the right size for your pet and consider adding a heating pad, joint care supplements and/or giving them a joint-supporting diet, when needed.
When you groom your pet, also pay attention to their paws. With reduced activity, their nails and claws are likely to be longer than usual because they haven’t been worn down. If you are worried about clipping your pet's nails or claws, either visit a professional groomer or seek advice from your vet.
Cold weather and small pets
Small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs tend to lose heat quickly, so if they have hutches outside, make sure their accommodation is properly insulated, dry and protected from the elements. If moving them to a shed or garage, make sure the space is safe, well ventilated and, in the case of a garage, not in use by vehicles.
Never use hot water bottles or electric blankets as an alternative heat source because small animals can burn easily.
Add extra bedding or insulation such as a blanket or piece of carpet over the top of their cage. Ensure, though, that there is good ventilation in their habitat. Part of the covering can hang over the front to protect against the elements, while still allowing adequate ventilation.
Make sure that hutches or cages are raised from the ground. This will help prevent them from becoming damp and cold, and it will also improve air circulation.
Lastly, pay attention to the room temperature. The recommended temperature for rabbits is around 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, while 17 to 20 degrees Celsius is ideal for guinea pigs.
As always, if you are unsure about something, or have any concerns about your pet’s health, do speak to your vet, who will be happy to help with any queries you may have.
