As autumn approaches it is important to understand how to keep your dog healthy in this beautiful season. Follow our tips to ensure that both you and your dog enjoy the most colourful season of the year.
1) An increased need for food as the summer heat lessens up?
Several decades ago your veterinarian may have recommended a slight increase in your pet’s food consumption as the weather cooled and your pet required slightly more calorific intake to regulate his/her system. Today however,things have changed. With a shocking number of pets catergorized as obese and most dogs are primarily house pets,this isn’t a concern for most pet parents. If you do have a very fit working dog, a small increase may be a wise idea; with this said,an increase around 10% is probably all that is necessary. This does not mean an extra meal or an unlimited pass to treats.
2) School project supplies pose risks to curious pets.
School glues,permanent markers and pencils can all cause upset stomachs. Heavy-duty glued can cause serious blockages in GI tract and even require surgery to remove them. Make sure your children’s projects stay covered up and are not accessible to your dog. Dogs seem to like the flavour of glue
3) An apple a day?
As it turns out,apples are not the cure to health for Fido. If your dog likes to graze the ground for food,consider leaving your dog at home during your stroll in the apple orchards. While the flesh of rope apples doesn’t pose a problem for dogs,apple stems,leaves and seeds are not so gentle. They can cause GI upset, decreased oxygen in the blood,decreased heart rate,difficulty breathing,seizures,coma and even death. With reasonable preparation, the flesh of apples can make a suitable treat for dogs to enjoy the flavour of this fruit.
4) Autumn is a prime season for mushrooms.
Whilst most are non-toxic, dogs are highly susceptible to mushroom poisoning because of their wandering and scavenging behaviour. Unfortunately dogs are unable to sniff out the toxic ones, so the best way to avoid trouble is to keep pets away from areas where any mushrooms are growing. Dogs should be prevented from consuming mushrooms when they are being exercised. Profuse bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, fever and elevated heart rates characterize the initial phase of mushroom toxicity. Without treatment, the pet will succumb to liver and kidney failure within 3-7 days.
5) Snakebite season is here.
Autumn is the season where snakes (especially adders here in Norfolk) prepare for hibernation and are more likely to strike, increasing the possibility of bites to naive and curious dogs. Be aware of adders in your area and avoid areas they most often inhabit. It is best to stay clear of an area where you know adders are present.
6) The Autumn seasonbrings highly caloric food and drinks that don’t end with the Halloween sweet bowl.
Sharing human treats can be dangerous and even deadly. Stay away from desserts, candies, fatty meat and trimmings, bones, gravies etc. Don’t forget garlic and onions are toxic! Many dog parents aren’t aware of the many dangerous things that can happen, such as acute and life-threatening pancreatitis, a condition brought on when a pet ingests highly fatty foods.
7) Consider adding pumpkin to your dog’s diet if you are looking for a healthy nutritious treat.
Pumpkin, both raw and canned, is safe provided your pet is not suffering from a chronic condition such as kidney disease or diabetes. As far as our healthy pets go, seeds and flesh of fresh, raw or cooked pumpkins are safe. Fresh pumpkin is more nutritious then canned. If you choose to go with canned, make sure it doesn’t have added sugar or sweeteners. An easy way to have some handy dog treats around that will last several weeks is roasting the seeds in the oven.
I know you must have some advice I’ve missed-after all, pet parents don’t always fess up to their vets. No judgement here; the snake tip is my personal addition to the collection.
For further tips and advice feel free to contact us on:
fetchdogwalkingltd@hotmail.com
Enjoy the fall
Woof!
Damion