Each time the seasons change, it’s important to think about your pet’s needs. Fall weather is beautiful, but the pollen can set off allergies in your pets, while the colder temps can trigger joint pain and other issues. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to address your pet’s needs as you welcome fall and winter days.
Learn about the best ways to help your pet adjust to the changing seasons below.
1. Manage Seasonal Allergies
Did you know that pets can have allergies much like humans? During seasonal changes, pollen counts can increase, leading to allergy symptoms like itching, excessive licking, sneezing, or watery eyes. These symptoms are uncomfortable enough on their own, but Prevention points out that they can lead to more serious issues if left unchecked. For example, infections may occur if your pet overgrooms himself.
Fortunately, there are a few different ways to handle allergies. Giving your pet a bath with hypoallergenic anti-itch shampoo is a good starting place. You can also adjust the times you take your pet outside, as pollen levels fluctuate at different times of the day. Additionally, it will help to sweep or vacuum your house regularly and change your air filters out. As an added benefit, this will help with your own allergies too.
2. Treat Pain Naturally
As the temperature drops, pets with arthritis or sensitive joints may experience more pain. Keeping your pets indoors more often can prevent them from being exposed to cold temps, but it also might help to get warm gear for times you do need to go outside. A dog sweater, for example, can be a great solution — especially for breeds with short coats.
Another natural remedy for pain is pet-friendly CBD oil, which has proven to be effective for managing chronic pain. Not only that, but it’s also great for keeping anxiety at bay and reducing inflammation. If you’re considering CBD oil for your pet, keep in mind there are specific formulas for different types of pets, as the recommended dosage can differ based on your pet’s size and breed. Regardless, it’s important to check reviews and read ingredient labels to make sure you’re getting the best quality for the price.
3. Do a Deshedding Session
Seasonal changes also trigger shedding in your pets. Handle Woof Care says pets commonly shed their summer coat in order to transition to a warmer winter coat. This happens even with indoor pets. If you have a breed of pet that sheds excessively, you’ll want to invest in the right kind of brush and stick to a de-shedding routine to keep hair under control.
4. Schedule a Routine Vet Visit
When’s the last time you took your pets to the vet? Most pets should go to the vet once per year for a routine wellness check, but more frequent trips might be required if you have a senior pet. If you haven’t gone yet, think about scheduling an appointment before the year ends. Routine vet visits help with disease prevention but also serve as an opportunity to get your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date.
5. Get New Beds
When the cooler weather rolls in, it’s also a good time to think about your pet’s bedding materials. Getting a new, comfortable bed is the perfect way to pamper your pet for the cold months ahead. If you have noticed more joint and mobility issues as of late, you might also want to consider building a pet ramp or other devices to help him get around.
While you’re upgrading your own pet’s bedding materials, now is also a good time to think about other animals in need. If you’re looking for a good way to give back, consider helping the Parma Animal Shelter by donating shelter beds or sponsoring a cage.
Fall and winter weather can be tough on our furry friends, but thankfully there are a lot of great ways to get them ready for colder days. In addition to trying natural remedies for pain and allergies, now is a good time to think about vet visits, new beds, and opportunities to give back to other pets in your community.
