Autumn Pet Care & Safety Tips
Written by: Only Natural Pet Team
Autumn is a beautiful season, but if you're a pet parent, it's important to be aware of the changing season's impact on your pet's health. Some seasonal hazards that can cause problems for pets at this time of year. This post will share some autumn dog and cat care tips to help you keep your pet healthy and safe this fall.
Diet Tips for Skin and Coat Health
The colder temperatures in autumn can be tough on your pet’s skin and coat. But with some extra love, you can help keep them healthy as the seasons change. Common skin and coat problems at this time of year include flaky skin, cracked paws, and a dry, dull coat. Some pets may also suffer from itchy skin as the temperatures drop.
Protect your pet's skin and coat by feeding a healthy diet with all-natural ingredients. Good pet food should contain a high-quality protein source and other important nutrients like fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Only Natural Pet PowerFunction Skin & Coat for dogs and cats is an excellent option for pets that suffer from skin and coat issues. The holistic vet formulated food contains a unique blend of ancient grain inclusive PowerFood, wild caught salmon chunks, and superfood bites – featuring sweet potatoes, goat milk, real vegetables, and fruit. It's naturally rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that moisturize and nourish your pet's skin and coat.
Paw & Pad Health
If your pet suffers from cracked and dry paws in autumn, consider using Only Natural Pet Paw Balm. The petroleum-free balm is made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, mango oil, shea butter, and beeswax. These effective natural moisturizers soothe your pet's paws while also protecting them from the elements.
Manage Seasonal Shedding
During autumn, many pets (especially double-coated breeds) experience seasonal shedding. These animals naturally shed their summer coat to make room for protective winter fur. To manage this natural process, brush your pet regularly to avoid matting and tangles that can lead to painful skin irritations like hot spots or infections.
Choosing the right brush or comb for your pet can be challenging. It's important to remember your pet's coat types, brush or comb durability, and design when finding the best option for your pet.
Fatty acids for pets can be supportive in your dog or cat's winter coat shedding, as well as supporting healthy skin. Fish oil, especially wild-caught, is naturally high in EPA and DHA fatty acids to support skin & coat health along with overall health.
It's also a good idea to bathe your pet regularly to help manage seasonal shedding. Washing your pet with lukewarm water will help stimulate hair follicles and loosen dead hair caught in their coat. Just make sure the weather will be warm enough for them to dry off and you're supportive of any bath anxiety they might have.
We recommend using a pet-friendly shampoo that's made with safe, natural ingredients. Only Natural Pet Hypoallergenic Shampoo is a great choice for dogs. It's packed with soothing, skin and coat nourishing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and aloe.
Safety Tips for Seasonal Hazards
There are several seasonal dangers that pet parents should be aware of in the autumn months. In this final section of the post, we'll highlight a few of the most common fall hazards and share some tips to help you keep your pet safe.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze poisoning is a common cause of pet death during the autumn and winter months. It has a sweet taste that appeals to pets, but even small amounts can be deadly. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include vomiting, lack of coordination, lethargy, and seizures. Left untreated, antifreeze poisoning can lead to kidney failure and death.
Remember to keep antifreeze stored in secure containers that pets can't get into to protect your pet. It's also worth noting that antifreeze can leak from car radiators and is often found in garages, driveways, and sidewalks.
Be vigilant when walking your pup and wipe their paws after they've been outside. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment advice.
Rodent Poison
If you live in an area prone to rodents, it pays to be cautious and keep your pet away from rodent poison. Rodent poison contains dangerous chemicals like Warfarin or Bromethalin. Pets who ingest these poisons can suffer serious internal bleeding leading to vomiting, lethargy, and ultimately death.
If you suspect your pet has ingested rodent bait, contact a veterinarian immediately for treatment advice. If possible, bring any remaining bait to the veterinarian's office so they can identify which chemical was used in its manufacture. This will help them determine the proper course of treatment for your pet.
Poisonous Mushrooms
Mushrooms are another autumn hazard that can be deadly to pets. Even though many mushrooms are non-toxic, and some are even supportive of health, some varieties contain toxins that are harmful to animals.
Mushrooms like Amanita phalloides (Death cap), Galerina autumnalis (Autumn skullcap), and Amanita virosa (Destroying angel) contain amatoxins which cause severe damage to the liver and kidneys.
To keep your pet safe from mushrooms this autumn, make sure they never have access to wild growing varieties or unidentified fungi that may be poisonous. If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic mushroom, contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment advice.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning include vomiting, tremors, and seizures. Left untreated, mushroom toxicity can lead to death in a matter of days.
One Last Pet Care Tip
Remember that the days are shorter now, which means there's less light to see where you're going when walking your four-legged friend.
Make sure they have form fitting harnesses, sturdy leashes, and always wear reflective gear during dusk and dawn so that drivers can spot them easily.
