Winter is coming but the leaves will start to turn a bright red-orange shade before the outdoors become engulfed in a blanket of snow. Note that the fall season can spell excitement for your lovable pup.
But the weather changes that follow might induce adverse changes to your dog’s health. So, it would help if you continue reading to know five ways to keep your canine companion healthy this fall.
1. Prioritize Proper Nutrition
Many dog owners don’t prioritize proper dog nutrition during fall or any other season. In return, the animal’s lifespan tends to become shorter than average, causing illnesses to appear at an early age.
One way to ensure your pet’s health is at its peak during fall is to let the animal maintain a healthy and balanced diet. For example, keep in mind that fall is also the time for Thanksgiving.
Since this holiday is around the corner, you can expect some food to show more during this period. One food, in particular, is cranberries.
Are cranberries safe for your dog to eat? One blog post from pethonesty.com reveals that cranberries are safe for dogs, but only in moderation.
These berries tend to be rich in antioxidants to support your pet’s overall well-being. But too much of it might cause unwanted side effects.
All responsible pet owners know that not all fruits are beneficial for their dogs. The most dangerous among them are grapes for your pet. It is worth mentioning that all sorts and sizes of grapes as well as the rasin are highly toxic to dogs and can bring serious and even fatal consequences.
Even the type of products that contain a small quantity of grapes is also extremely dangerous.
So, when it comes to caring for your dog and making sure that they have a healthy diet, always keep in mind that there are foods that you should and shouldn’t add to your pet’s bowl.
Otherwise, you might put the animal’s health at risk of acquiring side effects.
Still, you can’t control your pup’s well-being, and the poor animal might contract an illness despite a healthy diet. If your pet gets ill, you can administer the correct dog medicine.
But talk to your veterinarian first to avoid making mistakes.
2. Implement A Regular Exercise Routine
Regular exercise for dogs is an important component of keeping your pet healthy. If your pup sticks to a regular workout routine, the animal should be at a low risk of acquiring certain health complications, such as heart disease and arthritis.
Note that exercise for dogs involves aerobic activities and strength training routines. Also, if your pet is overweight or obese, losing weight may help improve the animal’s quality of life.
Moreover, exercising your canine companion will promote your relationship with your pet.
Aim to take your dog out on walks for about 30 minutes a day.
At this time, you can improve your bond with your pet, allowing both parties to feel happy and content. Exercising can also help lessen your dog’s stress, especially if you recently moved to a new home.
Also, exercise during the cold season is crucial. In the fall, the cold weather might stiffen your poor pup’s joints, increasing the risks of joint-related pain.
Walks and other exercises can help increase the production of synovial fluid, which is a lubricating substance that promotes healthy joint movement.
If your pet doesn’t have sufficient amounts of this substance, it can be challenging for them to stand, walk, and move around.
3. Visit The Veterinarian
To prepare your pup for the cold season, you can purchase items and supplies for preventative care for dogs. Some of these products include high-quality dog food, which should contain sufficient amounts of nutritious ingredients designed to support your pet’s immune system.
Another way to help prevent illnesses during fall (or any other season) is to include supplements to the animal’s daily diet. Supplements are important for the dog’s diet, especially to help with overall immunity. In some cases, a supplement may even help treat an existing ailment.
For example, a dog with diabetes may need a special supplement to reduce blood sugar levels, or a dog with heart problems may benefit from a supplement to increase good cholesterol.
However, keep in mind that preventive care for dogs can be expensive. So, consider adding your pup to a basic insurance policy. Ask your insurer for these plans to ensure you won’t ‘break the bank’ to secure your pet’s health.
4. Administer Preventive Care
To prepare your pup for the cold season, you can purchase items and supplies for preventative care for dogs. Some of these products include high-quality dog food, which should contain sufficient amounts of nutritious ingredients designed to support your pet’s immune system.
Another way to help prevent illnesses during fall (or any other season) is to include supplements to the animal’s daily diet. Supplements are important for the dog’s diet, especially to help with overall immunity. In some cases, a supplement may even help treat an existing ailment.
For example, a dog with diabetes may need a special supplement to reduce blood sugar levels, or a dog with heart problems may benefit from a supplement to increase good cholesterol.
However, keep in mind that preventive care for dogs can be expensive. So, consider adding your pup to a basic insurance policy. Ask your insurer for these plans to ensure you won’t ‘break the bank’ to secure your pet’s health.
5. Show Affection
Remember, mental health for dogs is just as important or even more essential than their physiological well-being. If you don’t care for your pet’s mental well-being, your pet might develop serious illnesses that can surface as a physical condition.
Hence, don’t forget to show love and affection to your four-legged friend every day of the year, especially during the fall. Let your dog feel your warmth through cuddling. Consequently, you can pamper your pet with treats.
Also, don’t forget to include a time in your day to play with your pooch. Some examples include playing fetch or training the animal to learn new tricks. These activities won’t only help strengthen your pet’s health, but they’ll also enhance the bond between both parties.
With the help of some gentle exercises and positive reinforcement, you can create an environment that makes it easier for your dog to maintain their healthy habits. You’ll know if your pet is enjoying their time with you if they wag their tail consistently. This incessant tail-wagging might also include a huge smile and lots of licking, so prepare yourself for that event.
Final Words
Remember, your dog is a family member. As a household member, you should treat this furry four-legged creature with utmost care and importance, especially during the fall season.
Let the methods mentioned above help keep your canine companion as healthy as possible during fall and throughout the rest of the year.
