Are you ready for Fall?

Keeping your dog safe and happy during the Fall Season!

Keeping your dog safe and happy during the Fall season requires some extra attention and care due to the changing weather and potential hazards. Here are some tips to ensure your furry friend has a wonderful Fall:

1. Stay Warm: As temperatures start to drop, ensure your dog is warm enough, especially if they have short fur or are sensitive to the cold. Consider getting them a cozy sweater or jacket for outdoor walks.

2. Watch for Toxic Plants: Fall often brings out different plants, some of which can be toxic to dogs. Keep an eye out for mushrooms (certain ones are toxic), acorns, and certain berries that might be ingested by your dog.

3. Allergies: Dogs can have allergies too, and Fall can trigger seasonal allergies in them. If you notice excessive scratching, licking, or chewing, consult your vet for guidance.   

4. Fall Foods to be cautious of: Be cautious with Fall foods such as apple seeds, stem, leaves, skin, or raw seeds of pumpkins.

5. Antifreeze Awareness: With colder temperatures many people choose the Fall as the time to change their car's engine coolant. However, antifreeze is extremely toxic to dogs. Keep it out of reach and be cautious during walks where it might be spilled on the ground.

6. Flea & Tick prevention: A Flea & Tick Repellant Is especially important this time of the year. Once those leaves start falling from the trees, ticks can be at their worse! We prefer to use a more natural approach.

7. Leaf Piles: While leaf piles can be fun for dogs to play in, be careful as they might hide hazards like sharp sticks, insects (ticks), or even small critters. A natural yard flea and tick treatment for preventative pest-repellent which is safe around cats, dogs and people of all ages.

8. Outdoor Safety: As the days get shorter, it can get dark earlier. Use reflective gear, collars or rechargeable necklace and keep your dog on a leash during walks to ensure their safety. The use of rat and mouse poisons increase during the fall as rodents look for shelter from the cooler temperatures by attempting to move indoors. Rodenticides are highly toxic to pets and if ingested it could be fatal.

9. Stay Active: Fall weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Regular exercise is important for your dog's physical and mental well-being. Go for walks, hikes, or play fetch and have fun with Flirt Poles with Squeaky Toys to keep them active and engaged. There's plenty of interactive games such as tug, find the treats, puzzle games and fetch. Interactive games are an easy way to give your dog plenty of mental stimulation.

10. Grooming: With leaves falling, your dog's coat might pick up more debris than usual. Regular brushing can prevent matting and help you spot any skin issues. Many pets do shed more in the fall as their winter coat comes in. A furminator and/or a good slicker brush will definitely help.

11. Halloween Safety: If you plan to include your dog in Halloween festivities, ensure their costume is comfortable and their costume is safe. Keep them away from candy and decorations that could be harmful if ingested.

12. Heating Sources: If you use heaters or fireplaces, make sure your dog doesn't get too close. They might accidentally burn themselves or knock over a heat source. Always use a fireplace screen/baby gate.

13. Bedding: Provide a warm and cozy bed for your dog indoors. Make sure it's away from drafts and cold floors. For the older dogs a comfy orthopedic bed is recommended.

14. Vet Checkup: Schedule a Fall checkup with your vet. This is a good time to address any changes in your dog's health or any concerns you might have.

15. Mobility: Stock Up on Joint Supplements. As the weather cools down and the nights draw in, dogs are more likely to struggle with their mobility. 

16. Hydration: Even though it's not as hot as the summer, your dog still needs access to fresh water at all times.

17. Safe Fall Foods: 100% Organic Pumpkin which is not only nutritional, but it also supports healthy tummies which can also save you some visits to the vet. You can also use this as a daily pet supplement, for upset stomachs, diarrhea, constipation or use when transitioning foods to ease with digestion. We recommend Nummy Tum Tum 100% Pure Pumpkin. You can also try the Nummy Tum Tum 100% Organic Sweet Potato. We stuff the KONG - Extreme and PetSafe Freezable Treat Holding Chilly Penguin toys and freeze them overnight.

Remember, each dog is unique, and their needs might vary. Pay attention to your dog's behavior and preferences and adjust your care accordingly. If you have any specific health concerns or questions, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian.