Just like many of us humans, animals rejoice in fall’s coming too. The milder weather lends to more outdoor time, which is good, but it can also be not so good.
The Good: Outdoor Time
My Murph likes fall because it means more time sitting on the back deck, longer walks, and more frequent trips to the park. It’s easy to both sneak in more exercise and relaxation at this time of year.
The cooler weather also often revives Murph, making him a bit more perky and frisky. He’s more inclined to play tugga-tugga with his shaky ball in the yard or fetch with any sticks he might find. And more of his friends venture back out too since the weather’s no longer broiling. So there’s more social time for the both of us!
The Bad: Bugs, Bulbs, and Fruits
Since we’ll be outside more, we have to take the bug factor into consideration. Namely fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. The Weather Channel’s website is an excellent place to find the “forecast” for such menaces. For example, flea season in our neck of the woods lasts from March through December, and I can check when mosquito activity will be the highest and try to avoid being out at those times.
Nicer weather means many of us will also be preparing our yards for autumn and beyond. Which means planting bulbs. Where we live tulips and daffodils are common bulbs to plant right now. But both are toxic to pets. If you are planning to plant any be sure to keep them away from Fluffy and Fido.
One of the season’s most popular fruits is apples. But did you know apple cores “contain cyanogenic glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning,” making seeds and stems potentially toxic for both dogs and cats? Apple leaves aren’t very good either. So enjoy your apple cider and other apple treats but be sure when you dispose of apple remains that your dogs and cats don’t get any.
The Sniffly: Allergies
Humans aren’t the only ones who can suffer from hay fever, pollen, and other allergy symptoms at this time of year. Pets feel it too. They can suffer from the watering eyes and running noses as well, but symptoms can also manifest by way of itchy feet and skin.
Doing things like wiping your dogs feet after you’ve been for a walk, or even wiping off his coat will help reduce allergens carried into the home. Which will benefit both you and your pet.
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