Top Pet Health Tips for Fall Travel
As the year turns this corner, the season heralds cooler temperatures, a kaleidoscope of autumn leaves, and, depending on where you reside, even a sprinkle of snow. It's the perfect time to venture outdoors with your furry companion.
Be vigilant about ticks
This season doesn't signal the end of tiny pests lurking about.
In outdoor grassy areas and piles of leaves, these critters are still very much active, and some can even survive the winter.
Keep using tick prevention products, especially if you spend a significant amount of time outdoors with your pet.
Regularly check for ticks.
Be cautious of rat poison!
This time of year is when rodents are most active.
They're busy moving to warmer places, like your home.
Be careful with traps and rodenticides, including rat poison. No one wants rodents, but many of these poisons are extremely harmful to cats and dogs, even fatal if ingested.
If you notice your pet with a dangling tail that signals ingestion, make sure they vomit it up and keep a close eye on them. If you suspect your pet has eaten a small, gray, fluffy creature, seek veterinary care immediately.
Be wary of antifreeze!
As people prepare for the upcoming winter, they often use fluids like antifreeze to protect their cars from freezing. This is deadly for pets!
Ethylene glycol
This substance found in antifreeze has a sickly sweet taste that can entice pets to lick it. Just a tablespoon or two can be fatal to a small dog, and even less can be lethal to a cat.
Nourish your pet well
The temperatures are dropping outside, and the cooler weather means pets need more energy to stay warm. You may need to feed your pet a bit more food—food generates body heat, so pets that spend a lot of time outdoors exercising will need more food than during the summer.
However, not all pets require this; every pet's needs are different. Consult with a veterinarian or a knowledgeable expert.
It's crucial to ensure your pet doesn't consume any food that could make them ill; for dogs, this means avoiding chocolate, grapes, and raisins, as they are toxic.
