The seasons are changing and your dog will need to prepare for these changes as well. We have come up with three tips for transitioning your dog with the seasonal changes. Just like humans dogs can react to the changes of the season too. Keeping them happy and healthy through preparation can help make these changes easy and helpful.
The number one factor to these changes is stimulation in your dog’s allergies. If your dog has never had allergies lets hope it stays this way but if you notice any of these clinical issues you can have a wellness visit with your local veterinarian or try some of our helpful tips for transitioning your dog with the seasonal changes first.
Clinical Issues to Look For:
- Nasal and eye discharge
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Pruritis (itching/scratching, licking/chewing at body parts)
- Fur loss or color change
Allergies can vary depending on your breed of dog. If you know your dog is susceptible be ready and try some of the following easy steps to ease allergy issues: Keep the house clean, dust and vacuum regularly, change sheets and dog beds, use eye drops and have your dog groomed once a week or once a month, clean or replace household filters, keep windows clean, implement a healthy diet by cutting out artificial colors, preservatives, sugars and unhealthy fats. Consult your veterinarian if issues worsen. If your dog has never had allergies keep in mind that any immune deficiencies can spur on allergies so if your dog has become compromised due to age or illness they may experience allergies due to seasonal changes.
A healthy diet of pumpkin and squash can help transitioning your dog with the seasonal changes. It’s squash season and what better way to boost your dog’s immune system than through the nutrients that these food staples have to offer.
Remember a healthy diet low in artificial ingredients, colors, sugars, and fats help to boost immune systems and lessen allergies. Some dog lovers use pumpkin and squash as a stool softener so start your dog out slowly to see how they react. Dr. Jean Dodds recommends using 1 tbsp. For small dogs and 2 tbsp. for larger dogs to start. Pumpkin is rich in potassium, fiber, water, antioxidants, beta-carotene and vitamin E, A, copper, and magnesium. Pumpkin and squash are food staples that are readily available this fall so when you are enjoying them share them with your dog. They make yummy dietary changes for transitioning your dog with the seasonal changes in a positive way.
Our last tip is to keep moving. Don’t slow down your outdoor activities just because it’s not as warm outside. The fall is the best time of year to get out, the scenery is beautiful and the air is fresh so get out and move before the cold days of winter are here. Over the summer we posted an article called Dog-friendly Hot Spots in Newburyport and Plum Island Massachusetts, skip down to the second to the last paragraph for a list of fun places to visit with your dog in the Newbury and Plum Island areas this fall. Most of the areas stay open but use the article to find links to these places that offer exciting fall based activities and get up and out, your dog will love it. Keeping your dog active is a great way to stay motivated while transitioning your dog with the seasonal changes this fall.
