Top Tips for Dog Care During Early Autumn Transition

As the summer's scorching heat gives way to the delightful comfort of early autumn, pet owners often find themselves relaxing their guard. However, without proper precautions for their furry friends, a host of health issues can sneak in, casting a shadow over the serene days...

First: Common Cold

While autumn temperatures may not be too low, the significant difference between day and night can easily disrupt a dog's temperature regulation, leading to a cold. Therefore, on autumn nights, it's crucial not to let your dog sleep directly on cold concrete or tile floors, as they did during the summer. Instead, provide a cozy dog bed with soft padding and ensure they get used to it in advance.

Additionally, it's advisable to have a stock of cold medicine on hand, especially for puppies and senior dogs with lower immunity. Since colds in dogs can come on suddenly, having medication readily available is essential. Should your dog catch a cold, be cautious not to administer human medications, as this can lead to poisoning.

Second: Obesity

Dogs tend to have a lower appetite during the summer, but as the cooler autumn weather sets in, their appetites can skyrocket. Many pet parents believe that their dogs need to "fatten up" for the winter, but nutrition should be balanced. Excessive fat accumulation can lead to the following issues:

Intestinal Damage: Sudden overeating can place a heavy burden on a dog's digestive system, and consuming too much highfat food can lead to indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Obesity: Excessive energy intake can cause rapid weight gain, potentially leading to conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, which are severely detrimental to health.

Third: Estrus

September to November is the peak estrus period for female dogs, and male dogs can also be affected by the pheromones released by females, leading to their own estrus. During this time, female dogs may experience a "period," so pet owners can use disposable dog panties to prevent blood and discharge from staining furniture. When taking your dog out for a walk, be sure to keep a tight leash to prevent unwanted mating with passing male dogs, which could lead to accidental pregnancies and physical harm.

Male dogs in estrus can become highly territorial, resulting in them marking their territory by urinating everywhere. Pet owners should promptly clean up any urine to prevent their dogs from developing a habit of urinating indoors. Additionally, when taking estrus male dogs out, be sure to keep them on a leash to avoid them chasing estrus females or fighting with other male dogs over territory and mating rights.

Fourth: Seasonal Moulting

Autumn is not only the estrus season for dogs but also the time for seasonal shedding. Dogs will shed their fur like dandelions, so if you have a longhaired dog, make sure to brush them more frequently to prevent mats from forming. For dogs with heavy shedding, consider feeding them fish oil, egg yolks, or hairnourishing supplements to alleviate shedding and promote hair growth.

No matter the season, pet owners must remain vigilant in caring for their dogs. If you notice any signs of discomfort, it's important to take your dog to the vet promptly or consult with our online veterinary doctors in advance.