Fall Pet Safety Tips

Dogs Having Fun!

The perfect time of year for vacations, outdoor activities and to spend quality time with friends and family is of course fall!  Fall is also the time of the year that temperatures fluctuate between hot and cold, so it's really important to protect your pet from these elements.  The following tips will help keep your dog safe throughout the fall season: 

1. Keep cool, fresh water in a readily available place for your pet.
2. Avoid exercising your dog too hard on really hot days.  Instead, take your dog on easy walks.  Bring water and share it with your dog during the walk.
3. Keep your dog on hot materials such as asphalt and sand – they will burn its paws.  
4. Take your dog with you when you park your car - Never leave a pet in it since the temperature gets up over a hundred degrees in a very short time period.  Even partially opening the window will not be enough.
5. Make sure it has a shady place to rest when you go to the park, on a trail or other outdoor activity.  Use a tree, tent or other structure for the shade.
6. Make sure to monitor the sun exposure during the peak hours of the day 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Dogs with light coats are particularly suspectible to sunburns.
7. If you take your dog to the beach, make sure you are aware of the currents before letting it swim.
8. To prevent damage to your dog’s coat, wash it after saltwater swims.  
9. Minimize the use of fertilizers and other chemicals in your yard to prevent your pet from accidentally coming into contact with them.
10. Use preventive medicines and take precautions against common parasites such as mosquitoes, ticks, and heartworm.

You can ensure you and your pet have a long, enjoyable fall together just by taking a few precautions.

By Samantha Summers - City Pet Site / Fun Pet Club Staff