Autumn Health Tips for your Dog

Temperatures continue their steady drop and and leaves are now nearly yellow. Autumn is a magical season and a great time to spend time with your dog but can also bring some challenges to look out for.

We have 5 Health Tips for this Autumn:

1. Watch out for the Leaves
   Extra care is needed when taking your dog to the open. Autumn provides the ideal conditions for mould spores growing on rotting leaves. Decaying leaves can carry bacteria which in some cases if ingested by your dog can cause gastrointestinal problems. Ticks present in woodlands are also a problem for dog owners, as they can attach to and infest dogs. It is worth having a look at the interactive UK Tick Threat Map to find the level of risk in your area and search for the types of ticks and tick-borne diseases that are prevalent in different areas across the UK. It is important that you continue using and checking your dog’s skin frequently.[amazon_link asins=’B076CPMJSM’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’superpetmarke-21′ marketplace=’UK’ link_id=’d68eddb9-e111-11e7-bf0b-9b213d2ae746′]
2. Avoid Conkers and Acorns 
   Be careful when walking you dog in the woodland at this time of year. The ground is normally full of potential harmful conkers and acorns, that can cause indigestion problems to your dog. Signs of vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain are common after consumption. They can also cause intestinal problems and in some rare case poisoning. If you experience any of these issues, speak with your vet.
3. Chocolate and Treats
   Calorie intake during Autumn increases and the consumption of treats need to be regulated to prevent your dog from being obese. Chocolate is prohibited as it contains a compound called Theobromine, which primarily affects the nervous system, cardiovascular system (heart and circulation) and urination. This compound can be toxic for dogs and can cause medical complications. A safe and delicious alternative to this is the Coachies Training Treats, which have been a favourite among dog owners for 10 years! These treats are free from artificial colours, flavours and added sugars, so that you dog maintains a balanced diet. Another option is the all time classic Kong, which can be stuffed with irresistible Kong Snacks and small amounts of Kong Cheddar Cheese to keep your dog entertained.
4. Fur Shedding
   It is common and absolutely normal for dogs to loose hair during seasonal changes. Although the amount and frequency of hair that is shed often depends upon dogs health and breed type, it is best to keep shedding under control by brushing and cleaning your dog’s fur in regular intervals. Invest in a good grooming kit like Kong’s ZoomGroom and brush your dog’s fur regularly to remove any loose fur. Bathe your dog using only specially formulated shampoo to remove dirt, unpleasant odours and excess fur. This process can reduce the amount of dog hair to your furniture and make your dog’s coat shine!
5. Activities
   You may have a jam packed schedule this time of year but you need to make sure your dog stays physically active and mentally busy. Nina Ottosson’s Casino is a great way to keep your dog busy, as it requires from dog to dislodge the removable bones and then pull open the sliding compartments to reveal hidden treats. Depending on your dogs personality and age other toys may be even more suitable, but it’s important to give your dog access to a wide range of toys for stimulation.