This time of year brings new things to be on the lookout for when spending time in the yard with our pets. As we welcome less humidity and enjoy more time outdoors, here are some seasonal reminders:
FALL ALLERGIES: Seasonal allergies can be miserable for people and pets. If the family dog is scratching, licking his paws or losing patches of hair, check with your veterinarian to see if allergies are the culprit.
Our dog, Romeo, has pretty severe allergies that are managed year-round with medication. However, he needs a little extra help in the fall and spring as he has a terrible time with the pollen. Red swollen ears, licking his paws, chewing on his legs, scooting — he is doing all of these things. He always spends the least amount of time outside as possible, but especially when the season allergens are at their height.
PREVENTION FOR ALL SEASONS: Cooler weather does not mean it’s time to stop the heartworm, flea and tick prevention. We live in a humid subtropical climate with long, hot summers and short, mild winters, so prevention is important 365 days a year. Warm weather, mosquitoes and fleas hang around all year long in our region, regardless of season.
TICKS: Fall also means an uptick in deer ticks — the kind that spread Lyme disease — and they are just as harmful to humans as they are to pets. It is so important that all prevention medicines be given to pets year-round.
MUSHROOMS: We are starting mushroom season, and they will literally pop up overnight in the yard. Most mushrooms are harmless, but a few are very dangerous to pets. Since it is hard to tell which ones are OK and which could be poisonous, it is best to keep pets away from all mushrooms.
ACORNS: Ingesting acorns can cause digestive issues, can be a choking hazard and can damage teeth. Also, be careful that they do not get lodged in paw pads.
SNAKES: Snakes are on the move in the fall as they prepare for hibernation, so yard checks when the pets are out to make sure unwanted visitors are not lurking in the bushes.
SHEDDING: Pets’ coats change with the seasons. Expect more than usual shedding as they lose their summer coats to make way for their winter coats to come in. Frequent brushing, a lint brush and some patience during this time will help with the extra hair you may be seeing everywhere.
POISONS AND ANTIFREEZE: This is the time of year when we break out the chemicals. Keep all poisons for rodents and car fluids out of reach of pets. Make sure they do not lick any liquids on the street or in driveways as they could be fatal.
GOOD FALL NEWS: Pets love pumpkin. Adding a little canned pumpkin to a dog’s meal can help the digestive system, and the antioxidants and essential fatty acids in pumpkin seeds help promote healthy skin, fur and urinary health. A little goes a long way, so just mix in a tablespoon or two at mealtime.
Events
NOV. 12: Animal Rescue New Orleans will have adoptable dogs at the GNO Out of the Darkness Walk in Lafreniere Park from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The walk is an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected lives. If you're looking for support and/or resources, or want to register for the walk, visit www.afsp.org.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager of Animal Rescue New Orleans, a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more info on ARNO, visit www.animalrescueneworleans.org.
