Whether you enjoy fall amidst the colorful trees or from beneath your cozy blanket, pumpkin spice latte in hand, there are great ways to enjoy the season with your canine companion by your side.  In this week’s blog, we share a few ways for you and your furry friend to make the most of your autumn.

Hiking

For dogs who love the great outdoors, hiking provides an opportunity to get exercise in a new and novel setting.  All Virginia State Parks allow leashed pets on their trails and at campsites, though there may be restrictions about public facilities and swim areas!  They also encourage you to bring proof of rabies vaccination, to prevent any potential inconvenience. You can find a full list of tips for enjoying state parks with your pet HERE, and  always call ahead or visit the website of the trail you plan to visit to make sure it is pet-friendly.

 

Sweater Weather

Sweater weather is here, and as temperatures continue to drop, your pets might need to bundle up too.  Some of our animal companions love getting cozy with a sweater or appreciate a rain jacket on a wet day, but remember that others finding wearing clothing stressful and uncomfortable.  Make sure any clothing allows your pet a full range of motion and will not get snagged on anything he or she walks past.  Read your pet’s body language to know when Fido loves his sweater and when he’d rather curl up beside you for warmth instead.  If you have additional concerns about your pet’s response to cold weather, please consult your veterinarian.

Pumpkin

Fall is the season of pumpkin everything, and Fido can get in the festive fun too!  Check your local pet store for pumpkin treats of all types so you and your best friend can sample the season together.  If you like to experiment with pumpkin recipes at home, make sure that Fluffy sticks to store-bought treats and food, as the additional sugar and spices in your food might lead to an upset tummy!  If your pet has diabetes or kidney disease, check with your vet first about seasonal treats.

Seasonal Dangers

As the weather changes, it’s always good to check in about potential new seasonal hazards to your pet’s safety.  For example, while playing in the leaves can be a lot of fun, don’t forget that decomposing leaves could contain harmful bacteria or mold.  As with any time of year, make sure your pets aren’t consuming plants that might be dangerous.  You can help your friend make the right choices by encouraging them to chew on toys or growing cat grass for your feline family members instead.  You can find a full list of toxic plants on the ASPCA’s website.  And just because the weather is cooling off does not mean you should stop your pets’ preventative flea and tick medication; fleas and ticks can pose a threat throughout the year.  For questions about flea and tick prevention, contact your veterinarian.

So regardless of how you enjoy the autumn season, there are plenty of ways to do so with your animal companion by your side.  If you are still looking for that special animal someone, visit our adoptions page to see who is available today!