Beneficial Seasonal Alerts and Tips for Westport Pet Owners

Westport residents should start planning for winter weather now that autumn has officially arrived to New England. This includes both indoor and outdoor dogs who have different needs this time of year. Starting the new season off right by taking your pet in for a checkup at the vet will help guarantee that they get the attention and support they need to have a happy and healthy autumn and winter. If you want to provide your pet the finest care possible all year long, see your South Coast veterinarian about making any necessary dietary adjustments, heating up an outside enclosure, or keeping your pet indoors when the weather gets cold. Common pets like cats, dogs, and bunnies all have varied care requirements, which is why seasonal pet suggestions and professional help are so important.

Indoor and Outdoor Pet Care

There are new dangers for pets that want to explore during each season. In the summer, when your pet follows you everywhere, it might be difficult to keep his or her paws safe from the heat of the pavement. Some poisons see increased usage in the fall, while others see decreased usage. When the weather turns cold, homeowners, business owners, and farmers in the New England area work hard to prevent mice and rats from entering buildings by using rodenticides. These items are unfortunately appealing to dogs and can be fatal if ingested. Keep them in a secure location out of the reach of pets and kids to prevent accidental ingestion.

Vehicle owners preparing their vehicles for cold weather driving face additional risks when they use coolants for the engines. These items are both extremely poisonous and oddly appealing to pets. It’s important to quickly wipe up any spills, no matter how little they may seem. Keep refrigerants in a closed cabinet, out of the reach of children and dogs. Consider switching to propylene glycol-based goods rather than ethylene glycol-based ones because the former are more harmful. However, even these have safety concerns, so it’s important to properly store them and keep them out of the reach of dogs. Although they are far less poisonous, they are nonetheless dangerous to pets.

Increased Wildlife in the Fall Season

Southeastern Massachusetts is a great place to call home because of its abundance of animals and natural beauty. Unfortunately, if safety measures aren’t implemented, both dogs and young children might be put in harm’s way. If you don’t want snakes to use your yard as a hibernation spot or a place to hunt for food, you should do everything you can to keep the area free of leaves and other debris. If you want to avoid creating a perfect environment for the poisonous snakes in your region, it’s important to learn as much as you can about the many species that reside there.

There are additional animal dangers besides snakes. The presence of raccoons, squirrels, and other rodents in your property can cause a wide variety of issues. Fleas, ticks, and the illnesses they carry from wild animals to domestic pets are more likely to infest people and pets when those people and pets are in close contact. If your pet takes fleas or ticks into the house, they may spread to the rest of your household. Your South Coast veterinarian can advise you on seasonal pet care and preventative treatments during your next appointment.

Seasonal Tips for Pets in MA

Itching, scratching, and biting can become excessive as environmental allergies worsen. Consult your pet’s veterinarian if you observe any of these symptoms. Fall and winter are peak seasons for a number of skin conditions, including allergies and excessive dryness. Pet owners in Westport who notice these signs should take their animals in for an examination as soon as possible to rule out the possibility of fleas or other bug and parasite infestations.

Maintain your pet’s warmth during autumn. Dogs with short hair, thin coats, or no coat at all may benefit from wearing a sweater or jacket. Booties are also wonderful for the fall and winter seasons since they keep your feet warm and protect your toes from harm. If your pet spends time outside, make sure they have access to a warm, safe space when the temperature outside decreases. Your pet will appreciate having access to a warm garage, dog house, shed, or other location during extreme weather.

Dartmouth Veterinary Clinic Services

Preventing seasonal health problems in your pet is the greatest approach to safeguard them. To make an appointment with a trusted veterinarian in the South Coast area, call Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth. We’ve been here for a long time, happily helping pet owners in Westport and throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Call us at 508-996-3731 if you have any questions about your pet’s health, would like to make an appointment, or need seasonal pet care advice.