Making Autumn Cozy and Safe for Your Pets

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, it’s time to prepare your home and yard for autumn. This season brings new challenges and opportunities to ensure your pets stay comfortable and safe. From creating cozy spaces to adjusting their diet, here’s how to get your home autumn-ready for your furry friends.

As the weather cools, pets may need a little extra warmth. Make sure your home is a cozy haven for them.

• Warm and Calming Bedding: Add extra blankets or a plush calming bed to your pet’s favorite resting spots. For dogs, a round, donut-like bed with raised edges or a rectangular bed with bolstered sides. For cats, a round, donut-like bed or a cavelike “hooded” bed. If your pet has sore joints and muscles, consider an orthopedic bed with memory foam.

• Climate Control: Keep your home comfortable, especially for older pets that are more sensitive to the cold.

• Safe Heat Sources: Use warmed blankets or towels, and ensure space heaters are out of reach. There is no such thing as a safe heating pad for pets. Heating pads can cause serious thermal burns to pets, so if you must use one, there are some rules you must follow:
  • Always provide padding between the heating pad and the animal, such as a folded towel or blanket.
  • Always set the heating pad ONLY on the lowest setting.
  • Your pet must be able to move off of the pad if they are too hot. Immobile animals, those that are sedated or otherwise mentally compromised, or very young pets are at the highest risk of getting thermal burns from heating pads.
  • Use of the heating pad is only under your direct supervision.
  • Never use microwavable heating pads or hot water bottles.

Creating these comfortable spaces helps your pets stay warm and cozy as the nights get cooler.

Your pet’s dietary needs may also shift with the change in season. Consider these adjustments:

Increase their caloric intake slightly if they spend much time outdoors, as they may burn more energy staying warm. However, be mindful not to overfeed indoor pets, as they may be less active during the cooler months.

A warm home is cozy in cold weather, but it can also be too dry! Indoor forced air heat lowers the humidity and can dry out skin and eyes. Pets with poor blink function and/or dry eyes often have worsened clinical signs in the wintertime. Breeds with short noses and prominent eyes (such as Persian cats and Shih Tzus) are at higher risk of having dry, irritated eyes in cold weather. Consider using humidifiers in your home during cold months.

Autumn brings unique challenges. Here are key points to keep in mind:

• Beware of Toxic Plants: Fallen leaves and seasonal plants like chrysanthemums and Auturm Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) can be toxic if ingested. Keep your pets away from these hazards.
• Watch for Wild Mushrooms: Many wild mushrooms grow during the fall, and some are toxic to pets. It’s best to prevent your pets from eating any wild mushrooms, as identification can be tricky.
• Watch Out for Wildlife: As animals prepare for winter, encounters with wildlife may increase. Supervise your pets outdoors to prevent any dangerous interactions.
• Check for Pests: Fleas and ticks can still be a problem in the fall. Continue preventative treatments to protect your pets. In cold weather, spiders and insects may seek cozy warmth inside your home.
• Antifreeze: Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is highly toxic to both dogs and cats. Even a small amount can be lethal, causing kidney failure. Only ½ teaspoon can kill a small cat. Be mindful of leaks in your garage or driveway and clean up any spills immediately. Use pet-safe antifreeze when possible. The best recommendation of all is to keep your cat indoors at all times.
• Outdoor Chemicals: Fall is a time when fertilizers and pesticides are often applied to lawns. Keep your pets off treated lawns and clean their paws after walks

Pets thrive on routine, and the transition to autumn can be smoother with consistent schedules. Stick to regular feeding times, walks, and play sessions. This consistency provides comfort and stability for your pets, helping them adjust to the seasonal changes

Autumn is a beautiful season to enjoy with your pets. By preparing your home and yard and being mindful of seasonal changes, you can ensure your furry companions stay healthy and happy. For more tips on pet care and preparing for the seasons, visit our Pet Health Harbour blog.