Summer and its characteristic warmth have left to make way for autumn and its beautiful colors. With the arrival of the first cooler days, but still pleasant, this season is not without risks for our pets. To keep your guard up, here are the things to watch out for during the fall season.
External parasites are always there!
During this time of year, outdoor getaways are particularly enjoyable, both in terms of the scenery and the mild temperatures at the beginning of the season. However, ticks and fleas are still around! It is therefore extremely important to continue to treat your dog and cat against these parasites and to inspect them on their return from walks to check for the presence of ticks.
Also, if the temperatures are cool outside and thus slow down the proliferation of fleas, the interiors are not harmed. Indeed, heated houses are perfect sites for the hatching of flea eggs. So think about treating your home at the same time as your pet. We can never repeat enough that 5% of parasites are found on your pet and 95% in its environment!
Also, don’t forget to deworm your four-legged friend regularly to prevent infestation by internal parasites such as worms. As a reminder, it is necessary to deworm dogs and outdoor cats every 3 months, and every 6 months for an indoor cat or a dog that presents less risk of contamination. The frequency depends on your lifestyle.
Our tip to never forget the 4 annual doses of deworming for your cat ? Give him his pill at each change of season!
The loss of hair called moulting
At the end of the hot summer months, dogs and cats moult. They lose their summer hair and put on their winter coat.
If the dog’s dead hair falls out on its own or when it scratches itself, it’s a bit more complicated for the cat. For cats, shedding is a risky time to watch carefully.
Indeed, when the cat grooms itself with its raspy tongue, the dead hairs are captured and then swallowed. Once in the stomach, the hairs gather and form clumps: hairballs. They are then traditionally evacuated by the natural ways, in the stools.
However, when your cat is moulting, the number of dead hairs is considerably multiplied. The evacuation can then be more complicated.
Thus, hairballs can cause vomiting and/or gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation. In severe cases, this can lead to obstruction.
The best way to prevent this is to brush your cat.
The hair removed from the brush will not go to his stomach!
The opening of the hunt
As every year, the opening of the hunt takes place during the month of September.
For the walks, the best is to walk in adapted places where hunting is not allowed.
However, if you decide to go to a hunting area, you should be particularly vigilant with your faithful companion and respect the indications on the hunting signs.
It is more than advisable to keep him on a leash to avoid any wandering or running away. Also, you can equip him with fluorescent accessories such as a harness, vest or coat to make him more visible.
Joint pain in older pets
Changes in temperature and humidity can also cause pain in senior dogs and cats, especially arthritis. There are many signs of pain: difficulty getting up, limping, difficulty overcoming obstacles such as climbing stairs or getting on the couch…
During this season, it’s a good idea to take your pet to the veterinarian for a check-up. His diagnosis may lead to a treatment in the form of a cure to relieve the ailments of your dear companion.
Also, as the days will progressively get cooler, offer him a bed adapted to the corner of the heating to rest.
There are orthopedic memory foam beds specially adapted to sick or elderly animals. They fit your pet’s body perfectly without any pressure and relieve his joints and spine. If your small dog is cold, consider putting a coat on him to protect him from the cold.
Finally, be sure to take it easy on your pet during these periods without depriving it of outings or playtime! If you know your pet well, you’ll be able to identify the right days for him. It is then good to adapt to his rhythm and modulate the activities according to him.
