Wednesday, September 26th, 2018
September spells the beginning of fall. The air is crisper, the days are shorter, and the leaves are starting to shed their spring colors and transform into warmer hues of red. Autumn is brisk and beautiful — but with all the amazing things the season brings, come different hazards that could endanger your cats and dogs. Don’t worry, though! We’ve rounded up a list of things for you to watch out for, as well as tips for you to keep your pets protected.
Ticks
As much as it sounds fun to go on walks, hikes, or even just outside to play among the leaves that have fallen on your yard, keep in mind that September is tick season. Anyone who’s ever encountered ticks knows that their bites spell trouble: from irritation and itching to more serious problems like Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis. That’s why you should always make sure your pets always have their tick repellants (collars, sprays, and vaccines) before bringing them out. And right before you let them back in, carefully check their skin for any ticks that might have latched on.
Sudden Temperature Drop
When you’re on the couch, keeping warm with a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa, don’t forget your outdoor pets. The temperature drop may be more bearable for us indoors, but it could be dangerous for the pets we leave outside. Remember to keep them in, or to at least bring them in at night. Now would also be the perfect time to let them grow out their fur before winter hits.
Anti-Freeze
We all know that anti-freeze is lethal, but its sweetness has been proven to be irresistible to cats and dogs. Always check your cars for leaks and keep your bottles away from reach.
School Supplies
September also spells the start of class for most kids, meaning their school supplies are bound to be lying around the house. Remember to keep them out of reach, as well. Project materials like glitter and glue may be non-toxic to your pets, but accidental ingestion could still spell tummy trouble for them. Your dog could also take a liking to chewing on pencils and sharpeners, which also make them potential choking hazards.
Holiday Festivities
Autumn means Thanksgiving — which is exciting for us, but not so much for your pets. Your guests could be strangers to them, and the constant presence of new faces could cause anxiety. People coming in and out of the door could also lead to your cats and dogs accidentally running off into the street. To prevent this, keep your pets in a comfortable but secure area in your house. Don’t forget to keep them away from the kitchen, too — some Thanksgiving treats like chocolate and onions are hazardous to their health.
Loneliness
Part of this season’s festivities is going out to visit friends and family. This is a great time to bond and reconnect, but don’t forget about your pets! If you’re going to be away for a while and can’t take them with you, make sure to keep your pets together so they don’t get stressed. If they aren’t going to have any company, arrange for a dog walker or sitter to come and check in on them.
We at Pet Nanny are ready and waiting to help you for any pet-related concerns. Follow us on our social media accounts or give us a call at 734-981-6108. Alternatively, you can use our on-line contact form and we’ll get in touch with you!
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