Autumn is a time of change not only for people, but also for their pets. Colder days, rain and shorter walks can affect the health and well -being of four -legged. That is why it is worth taking care of the dog’s proper preparation in advance for the time of the year – from taking care of health and proper nutrition, to protection against ticks, proper care and adaptation of physical activity to his needs and possibilities.
A healthy diet during the autumn aura
Proper nutrition is one of the main conditions for maintaining a pet in health and good condition. Remember that both deficiency and excess nutrients can cause various types of health disorders, which is why it is so important that the pet receives complete and balanced food, corresponding to its current needs. The demand for food depends on many factors, including the age of the animal, its physical activity, size, breed, physiological state or environmental conditions (e.g. ambient temperature). Autumn is a moment when it is worth paying special attention to this issue.
– Adequate dog nutrition in autumn is of great importance for his health. Optimal nutrition consists in providing all necessary nutrients and energy in appropriate quantities and proportions. If the pet moves less and spends shorter time for walks, then his energy demand decreases, we should reduce the caloric content of meals in this situation so as not to increase the risk of overweight and obesity. However, when, despite the rain and cold, our dog is still crazy about long walks, it may turn out that he needs the same energy in food as in the summer when he was more active. The key is to observe the animal and adapt the amount of food to its current needs. It should also be borne in mind that in the case of dogs a change of diet (food) is inadvisable. The most important here are proportions adapted to daily calorie consumption – explains Małgorzata Głowacka, a veterinarian and scientific expert on animal nutrition in Mars Polska.
If our four -legged friend is already a senior, then let’s pay special attention to the right choice.
– In older dogs, there are more often problems with joints that get worse when temperature drops, increase in humidity or pressure changes. That is why it is so important that their food includes not only all necessary nutrients, but also active ingredients, supporting joints, such as chondroitin sulfate. They are present in some feeds for seniors or may come from supplements. Maintaining the right weight and condition of the body is also a particularly important issue, because excess kilograms in combination with muscle weakness is a factor significantly burdening the musculoskeletal system – adds Małgorzata Głowacka.
Movement and activity regardless of the weather
Even if the autumn aura does not encourage long walks, the daily dose of movement is a necessity for the dog. Of course, the amount of time we spend outside may not be as big as in the case of summer days, but we should not forget about daily walks and home -made games with a pet. Movement is one of the basic needs of each quadruped – next to a sense of security, closeness to the guardian, proper nutrition and access to water and mental stimulation. It is important, however, that the activity is adapted to the condition and individual features of our animal, as well as age, where in the case of seniors we should pay special attention to their health.
Hair care and protection against cold
Autumn is also a lining period when the dog is preparing for winter, exchanging summer hair for winter. Regular combination makes this time easier and improves your pet’s comfort. Linening in dogs usually lasts several weeks and is a completely natural phenomenon. However, it happens that this process is disturbed – for example, due to inappropriate nutrition or too high temperature at home. If, despite the proper diet, regular care and providing the dog with appropriate conditions, we notice that the linen is prolonged or is extremely severe, it is worth consulting a veterinarian. This may indicate health problems that require diagnosis.
When the autumn aura is not conducive to walks, it is worth remembering to protect dogs from cold and moisture. Especially the breed devoid of dense undercoat, such as Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, dachshunds and pugs, are particularly sensitive to low temperatures and often need additional covering. In this case, the clothes should not be a fashionable addition, but real support in maintaining thermal comfort. Therefore, it should not restrict movement and have a hood – ears are used to communicate with each other, so they should not be covered. This applies primarily to small dogs that lose heat faster and consume more energy to heat the body.
Ticks are still dangerous
Early autumn is a time of increased activity of ticks, which pose a real threat to dogs. They can carry dangerous diseases such as babesiosis, Lyme disease, erlichiosis or anaplasmosis, which is why it is so important to effectively protect dogs from ticks. Currently, a wide selection of preparations is available-from a spot-on collar and drops, through spray, to oral tablets, and even a subcutaneous injection that works all year round. It is best to choose the right agent in consultation with a veterinarian who will take into account the needs of a particular animal. It should be remembered that protection will only be effective if the preparations are used regularly and as recommended by the manufacturer. It is also worth being aware that none of them gives a 100 % guarantee. Therefore, after each walk, you should carefully view the hair and skin of the pet, and in the case of finding a tick – remove it as soon as possible to reduce the risk of transmission of dangerous diseases.
Joyful autumn with a pet
Autumn does not have to mean giving up activity and common pleasures in the open air. On the contrary – it can sometimes be colorful walks, games in leaves and relaxing together. Appropriate concern for a pet will make it a time of year full of energy and health – for both the dog and his guardian.
