In the last couple of weeks, the extraordinary summer we’ve had this year has faded into autumn and we’re seeing much lower temperatures. So what are the seasonal issues you should look out for with relation to the happiness of your pets?
Generally speaking, pets are pretty hardy and can cope better than we can with chilly temperatures, but as a responsible owner you have to ensure they are comfortable.
Damp, chilly days
The temptation is to keep them inside throughout the winter and although this isn’t completely necessary, it’s wise to bring the dogs in overnight if you keep them outdoors just so that they aren’t exposed when temperatures hit rock bottom. This is something that can happen unexpectedly so don’t assume everything’s fine up to a certain point.
Dog walking obviously keeps your pooch very happy and this is often even more the case in autumn and winter. They get the chance to put in some real exercise without overheating and they usually take to the cold very well. However, it’s important that you dry your dogs well after long walks so that the cold doesn’t stay with them.
Flea grief
Then there’s the problem of fleas. Why is it that pet owners seem to struggle more with fleas in autumn and winter than in summer? It’s arguably all about the central heating. Eggs hidden in the carpets and rugs around the house will hatch when the central heating goes on because conditions are more favourable for fleas. The best tactic to keep your dogs and cats happy and healthy is to treat them with flea products and to give the house a deep clean before the central heating goes on.
Firework season!
Now, all pet owners approach late October with some trepidation because of certain celebratory traditions. You have to expect that fireworks will be going off from late October right through to mid-November as people arrange parties and get-togethers around Guy Fawkes Night and Halloween.
Dogs and cats get incredibly spooked by fireworks and the most important thing as a pet owner is to provide that all important reassurance for them. Even if you’re not in the habit of letting your pets in the lounge, it might be worth making an exception when firework season is at its height. This way your pets will take solace in the fact that they’ve got their owners around even if the celebrations still cause them stress.
There are other ways you can prepare for Guy Fawkes Night. Consider making a little den that’s dark, warm and comfortable in the quietest part of the room so there’s somewhere dogs and cats can hide when they feel anxious. It’s possible to get hold of soothing diffusers that are plugged into the wall too. The pheromones these little gadgets emit have a calming effect on animals and they are available from pet shops.
Comfort food
Celebrations in autumn and winter often lead to another dangerous habit. Again, we’ve got a case of humans making life difficult for pets! The trouble is that owners are often driven to be more indulgent with relation to their pets when the temperatures drop and when the house is full of food for parties and so on.
Pets don’t tend to be all that good at controlling themselves when there’s extra food on offer, so whatever you give is likely to be gobbled up willing. Try not to change your feeding habits. Pets don’t need to fatten up for the winter – not when they’ve got warmth, shelter and the security of daily meals.
Stick to your normal routine when it comes to feeding your pets and when there are plenty of leftovers after parties and other events resist the urge to pass them on to your pets. They certainly won’t turn them down so it’s up to you to be vigilant about diet! If you must treat them when everyone else is getting treats around Christmas time, then do so responsibly – with healthy treats that benefit their teeth and do them no harm.