For any pet owner, the changing seasons can bring a new set of responsibilities and challenges. From parasite prevention in spring, heatstroke in summer to antifreeze awareness in winter, there’s a number of factors to be aware of at different times of the year. As such, specific seasonal pet care is essential for your pet to stay healthy all year round, and it’s important to be prepared for changes in weather, humidity, and temperature. So what do you need to know about seasonal pet care? And how can you keep your pet healthy all year round?
How can seasonal pet care keep your pets healthy all year round?
Seasonal pet care involves being aware of the different risks that can negatively impact your pet’s health during different weather and temperature conditions, throughout the year. These are our tips for effective seasonal pet care:
Pet care tips for Spring
Allergies- It’s not just humans that suffer with hay fever, as this can also affect your pets. Springtime pollen is a particularly common trigger for allergic reactions in pets. If you notice excessive scratching, licking, sneezing, or watery eyes, you should be sure to consult your vet. They may suggest antihistamines or other medications to make your pet more comfortable.
Parasite prevention- The warmer spring temperatures mean that fleas, and ticks become more active. As a result, it’s important to start or resume regular parasite treatments early into the season. This will protect your pets, especially if they spend time in grassy or wooded areas.
Shedding season- Spring is the time of year when many pets will shed their winter coat and regular grooming can help them with this process, keeping their coats healthy. For long-haired breeds, in particular, more frequent brushing can be beneficial.
Watch for toxic plants- Some springtime plants like daffodils, bluebells, and tulips can be toxic if ingested. This means that it is important to supervise curious pets in the garden and avoid leaving them unsupervised near flowerbeds.
Pet care tips for summer
Avoiding heatstroke- Summer weather brings high temperatures, especially during heatwaves. While it’s nice to enjoy a BBQ or some time at a local park, heatstroke is deadly for any pet, and is unfortunately more common than you may think. The signs include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, or collapse. You should seek veterinary help immediately if you suspect it. To prevent heatstroke, you should also never leave a pet in a parked car, even for a few minutes. You should also ensure that any walks are taken during the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late evening), and always provide access to shade and water.
Protecting pets’ paws- In the summer months, the temperature of the pavement can become extremely hot under the sun. If you can’t hold your hand on the pavement for more than a few seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. Make sure you walk pets in the coolest parts of the day, and walk on grass or shaded paths where possible.
Regularly grooming- The heat of the summer can make your pets uncomfortable. Regular brushing can keep their coats free of knots, and help your pet stay cool. You should avoid shaving too close to the skin, especially in dogs, as fur can protect against sunburn. For cats, they usually manage grooming themselves, but elderly or long-haired cats might need some assistance.
Being aware of water hazards- Heading to the nearest water body is a popular activity during the summer. But while some dogs love a good swim, not all water is safe. You should be cautious of lakes or ponds with blue-green algae, or beaches with washed up palm oil, as both of these are highly toxic. You should also thoroughly rinse your dog after swimming and supervise them at all times.
Keeping hydrated- Dehydration is another seasonal pet care issue to be aware of in the summer. To avoid this, and to help keep your pet cool, you should be sure to provide plenty of fresh, cold water throughout the day. You can even offer frozen treats made with pet-safe ingredients or use ice cubes in their water bowl.
Summer holidays and travel- If you’re holidaying in the UK with your pet, you should make sure their microchip details are up to date, and pack essentials like their food, water bowls, leads, bedding, and any medication. You should also double-check that your accommodation is pet-friendly before travelling. Going abroad? You need to seek expert advice from your vet and make sure all paperwork and vaccinations required by the destination country for your pet are up to date pre-travel.
Pet care tips for Autumn
As temperatures begin to drop and daylight hours decrease, there are a whole new set of responsibilities for pet owners. For your seasonal pet care in autumn, you should:
Consider joint care – If your pet suffers from arthritis or stiffness, cold and damp weather can make the symptoms worse. It’s important to provide a warm, dry place to rest You should speak to your vet for recommendations and advice.
Being aware of ticks and fleas- activity peaks again in the Autumn. Carry out tick checks after walks in the countryside. If you do notice any ticks, it’s essential to remove these carefully with a proper tool, and monitor the area for swelling or infection. The warmth of central heating going on can trigger a revival of a previous flea infestations as flea pupae can lie dormant until the right warm and humid conditions occur to stimulate hatching
Fireworks and loud noises- Bonfire Night and Halloween are stressful times of the year for many pets. Creating a safe space in the home where your pet can retreat can be a good way to manage their anxiety at this time of year. You can also try playing calming music, using pheromone diffusers, or asking your vet about anxiety support can help.
Mind the calories- Colder, wetter weather may mean less time outdoors and less exercise for your pet. As a result, it’s easy for pets to gain weight at this time of the year. To avoid this, you will need to monitor your pet’s weight and adjust their food intake if needed to prevent unhealthy weight gain.
Darker nights- The shorter autumn days mean that being outside in the evening and early morning can lead to reduced visibility. Using reflective collars for cats and dogs can be an effective option to keep your pet safe and visible during the darker nights.
Seasonal dangers- Autumn comes with its own set of seasonal hazards. You will need to keep an eye out for mushrooms, conkers, and acorns, which can be toxic if ingested. In the garden, you should be sure to clean up fallen items, and be vigilant when walking dogs.
Pet care tips for Winter
Ice and grit hazards- Ice, snow, and salted pavements can all irritate paws. After your pet has been outside, it is important to rinse and dry your pet’s feet. This will remove any grit and prevent the skin on the paw pads from cracking, as well as preventing your pet from licking and potentially ingesting harmful chemicals.
Keep cats safe- Cats that spend the night outside in the bad weather may seek warmth in dangerous places like car engines or sheds. Always check before starting your car or closing garage doors. If you know the weather will be particularly bad, try to keep your cat inside for the night.
Keep pets warm- Short-haired pets, older pets, or small breeds will significantly benefit from a warm home and bedding that is warm, dry, and away from draughts. For dogs, particularly short haired breeds, they may benefit from a well-fitted dog coat on cold days.
Stay active indoors- When it’s too cold or wet to go out, it can be important for your pet to stay physically and mentally stimulated. Puzzle feeders, indoor games and toys, and even short training sessions can all be beneficial for both cats and dogs. This can help to beat boredom and maintain a healthy weight.
Beware of antifreeze- Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is extremely toxic, but it is also attractive to pets because of its sweet taste. Even small amounts can be fatal. As a result, if you’re trying to de-ice your car in the morning, be sure to clean up any spills immediately and store products securely.
Each season brings new experiences and adventure opportunities for you and your pet. However, there are also a range of seasonal pet care responsibilities to be aware of, to keep your pet healthy, happy, and comfortable, no matter the weather. Here at Pet Shield, we have more than 50 years of experience, and we provide expert pet advice and a range of products to combat pet parasites.