Cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, and crisp evening walks make fall a great time to get outside with your pets! But a new season also brings a few things pet parents should keep in mind.
Here are some simple ways to keep your furry BFF happy, healthy, and safe during all your autumn adventures.
🐾 Don't Forget About Fleas & Ticks
Summer may be ending, but flea and tick season isn't necessarily over. Pets can still pick up unwanted hitchhikers while exploring trails, parks, tall grass, and leaf piles.
Continue your pet's veterinarian-recommended flea and tick prevention, and give them a quick check after spending time outdoors.
🍄 Watch What They Sniff & Snack On
Fall walks bring plenty of exciting new smells, but keep an eye on what your pet investigates. Wild mushrooms, acorns, decomposing plants, and other things found outdoors may be harmful if eaten.
When in doubt, don't let your pet eat something you can't confidently identify as safe.
🍁 Check Those Leaf Piles
Jumping into a pile of crunchy leaves can be a blast, but take a quick look before your pup dives in. Sticks, sharp objects, mushrooms, wildlife, and other hidden surprises may be underneath.
Freshly raked leaves in your own yard are a much safer option for that adorable fall photo!
🌙 Prepare for Earlier Sunsets
The days start getting shorter during fall, which may mean more walks around dawn or dusk.
Reflective collars, leashes, harnesses, or lights can help make you and your pet easier to see when you're out after dark.
🎃 Keep Fall Decorations Pet-Friendly
Pumpkins, candles, cords, decorative corn, and other seasonal décor can be tempting to curious pets.
Keep candles and electrical cords out of reach, and watch pets around decorations that could become choking hazards or cause problems if chewed.
🍫 Keep Seasonal Treats for the Humans
Fall brings plenty of delicious goodies, but many human favorites aren't meant for pets. Chocolate, raisins, certain sugar-free products, and foods containing ingredients such as onions or garlic should stay safely out of reach.
And while pumpkin can be pet-friendly, pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice treats made for people are a different story!
🥾 Pack for Fall Adventures
Heading to a trail, pumpkin patch, or park? Bring the essentials:
- Fresh water and a portable bowl
- Secure leash or harness
- Waste bags
- Treats
- Identification
- Any necessary weather or safety gear
It's also a good idea to check that your pet's ID tag and microchip information are current before heading out on an adventure.
🧡 Enjoy the Season Together!
Fall is full of opportunities to make memories with your furry BFF. A little preparation can help keep those pumpkin patch visits, leaf-pile playdates, and crisp evening walks safe and fun.
So grab the leash, pack some treats, and get ready for a season full of tail-wagging adventures! 🍁🐶🐱