Here at Mutts and Hounds, we LOVE Autumn. The rich colours, the long, crisp walks and of course the opportunity for snuggles in front of the fire with our dogs! There's lots to consider as a dog owner in the cooler months so we've compiled a few tips to keep your four-legged friend happy and healthy this season.
1. Consider a coat
If you have a breed that has short hair, it’s worth thinking about a coat for those Autumn walks. Dogs feel the cold as much as we do and although a nice layer of fur is helpful, shorter haired breeds (such as smooth haired Dachshunds, Greyhounds, Whippets etc) will benefit from the warmth a coat will offer. We have a selection of luxury coats at Mutts and Hounds that are perfect for keeping your dog cosy and dry this Autumn.
2. Watch out for poisonous plants
Some Autumn berries and mushrooms are poisonous to dogs. If you think your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have, take a photo of the item if you can and contact your vet immediately. Acorns, conkers and oak tree leaves can also upset your dogs tummy, so take care when walking through fallen leaves.
3. Prepare your dog for bonfire night
If you have a dog that gets anxious at the noise of fireworks, try and prepare them for bonfire night by introducing similar noises to them. Playing these noises and sounds to them can teach them not to be fearful. Try to gradually increase the volume of these sounds, in the hope that this will make the actual event easier for them to cope with. Rewarding with treats and praise for calm behaviour is also a good way of helping your dog.
4. Don't forget about fleas
Although it’s important to ensure your pet stays warm and cosy during Autumn, fleas can thrive indoors when we turn the heating on. This means that flea protection should be given all year round, not just seasonally. It's also important to wash your pet's bed and toys regularly to kill any live fleas and their eggs.
5. Take care with comfort food
Autumn cooking includes comforting stews, roast dinners and apple pies. Don’t be tempted to give your dog too many leftovers especially if they're particularly fatty. Most importantly, never allow your dog to have turkey or chicken bones as they can be a severe choking hazard. Try offering your dog some low calorie foods and treats instead to keep your dogs weight at a healthy level.