The Ultimate Fall Pet Checklist

By Taquera Woodson, Social Media Intern and Deniza Marcinkevica, Manager Business Development, Skytails.com

As temperatures drop and the days are shorter, it’s not just humans who feel the change; your pet does too. Seasonal changes can affect everything from your pet's health, skin, and activity levels. It is important to prepare your pet for the fall to make sure they are comfortable and their well-being.  For pets that spend a lot of time outdoors, the transition to fall can bring on new challenges from cold weather and the wet ground. Fall is a season of allergies, fleas and ticks. For indoor pets they may become less active due to daylight hours and that can affect their physical health and mental stimulation. Preparing your pet for the fall is more than just keeping the warm.

Check and Update ID Tags & Microchip Info: Fall weather can be unpredictable, and pets tend to escape durin storms and the holiday.

Cold-Weather Protection: Some pets get cold more than others like small, short-haired, or senior pets. Use pet sweaters or jackets for walks in cold weather. Provide warm bedding or heated pads indoors. If your pet spends time outdoors, provide insulated shelters that are dry.

Protect Paws from Cold, Wet & Salt:  Protect your pets paws from cold pavement, wet leaves, and salted sidewalks that can dry out or damage their paw pads. Wipes paws after walks apple paw balm or wax for protection, and trim fur between toes to prevent ice buildup.

Flea & Tick Prevention:   Pet parents tend to stop treatments in the fall but parasites can survive in the colde months. You should contine monthly flea and tick medication, check for ticks after walks in wooded and grass areas, and wash bedding regularly. 

Adjust Food & Activity Levels:  When the weather is cold pets spend less time outside and pets need to exercise. Monitor your pet’s weight and energy levels, adjust feeding portions as needed, and keep pets active indoors.

Yard & Garden Safety Check:  Check fallen leaves, toxic plants, and mushrooms because they are a risk to plants. Rake up dampp, moldy leaves, remove any mushroom or toxic plants, and keep garden tools and compost out of reach. 

Watch for Dry Skin & Seasonal Shedding:   Fall brings dry indoor air and shedding to your pets coat, brush your pet regularly, use moisturizinf shampoos and a use a humidifier if your home is dry.

Pet Proof Seasonal Decor & Treats:  Decorations can be dangerous to pets, avoid candles or danglng cords, chocolate, grapes, onions and food from reach, also use costumes that are comfortable and not restricting. 

Be Aware of Fall Allergens:  Pets can have seasonal allergies in the fall. Watch for excessive scratching, licking, or sneezing, wipe your pet down after walks to remove pollen, and ask your vet about allergy treatments. 

Prepare for Holiday Travel or Boarding:  Fall includes trips and holiday visits. You should plan ahead by booking pet-sitting services early, pack a travel kit, and if guests are visiting create a space for your pet to relax. 

Conclusion 

By creating a fall checklist your are not only protecting your pet’s health, you are making sure they are safe, supported and loved all season. Its important to make mindful changes so that you and your pet can the season. 

SkyTails Connection 

As the “paw-liday” season approaches, your to-do list is probably filling up with seasonal fun like pet gifts, cozy gear, grooming gear, and travel plans. As you check off your fall pet checklist make sure your pet is healthy and safe. Fall is a great time to think ahead and prepare. Alongside your checklist it is important to have extra expenses set aside for vet visits, medications and the proper items for the fall season. With SkyTails you can plan the future and save for everything your pet might need without having financial stress.

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