Fall Dog Health: Common Ailments to Watch Out For

1. The Common Cold

As the autumn mornings bring a touch of chill, it's not uncommon for dogs to catch a cold. This can happen when they're not dried off promptly after a rainy walk or if they've spent too much time in the cool ground. Many people consider canine colds to be trivial, but for puppies under seven months old, even a mild cold can lead to lung infections. Even adult dogs are not immune to the seriousness of a cold; treatment should be sought promptly to prevent complications.

When taking your dog for an early morning walk, consider dressing them up to stay warm. If they get wet, dry them off immediately upon returning home. Even if your dog has a thick coat, it's essential to take preventive measures. The most crucial aspect is to boost their immunity, which is also why providing a balanced diet is vital. Regular exercise will keep your dog healthy, so it's time to put away those cool mats in the doghouse.

2. Diarrhea

Dogs' digestive systems are quite delicate, especially during seasonal changes. Cooling down too much can lead to diarrhea, as some dogs have adapted to summer habits, lying on cool ground, and those who were previously on a raw food diet might need to adjust their meals. Eating cold food in the cooler months can cause chilling, so prevention is key.

If your dog has diarrhea but remains in good spirits and appetite, you can initially observe them. Keep your dog fasting for 12 hours; if they don't have diarrhea during this time, you can offer them a small, light meal. If they continue to have diarrhea and their spirits wane, it's time to seek veterinary care. As with cold prevention, ensure your dog stays warm and monitor dietary changes.

3. Canine Cough

This is a common disease that strikes during the transition from summer to autumn. It's a highly contagious respiratory illness that can come on suddenly. Initial symptoms include mild dry coughing, vomiting, increased thirst, and soon escalate to severe, continuous coughing, loss of appetite, fever, runny nose, and more. It's contagious, so if you have multiple dogs, be cautious about transmission. Isolate and treat any affected dogs immediately.

Keep your home wellventilated, disinfect the doghouse and toys, and avoid crowded dog areas. Encourage your dog to exercise in open spaces, and don't forget to supplement their diet with vitamin C.

4. Parasites

While preventing parasites is important yearround, the transition from summer to autumn is when dogs are most susceptible. Many dogs can develop fleas and ticks after the season change. It's crucial to keep up with regular deworming, maintain a clean environment, and be mindful that humans can bring larvae indoors. If you notice any unusual parasites on your dog, seek medical attention promptly.