Summer is over and autumn is just around the corner: during this time of year, sudden temperature changes are common due to the change of season, and just like us, our animal friends can be affected.
But how can we manage it?
Here are a few tricks and tips to prevent the discomfort our four-legged friends may experience during this period.
1: When temperatures start to drop, limit outings and longer walks to the middle of the day, when it’s warmer. This way, our furry friend will be less affected by the temperature change.
2: If it rains or they get wet, dry their fur and paws: bathing them during this season isn’t absolutely forbidden, but you must make sure they’re thoroughly dry before taking them outside.
3: If your furry friend is small, use the padded, waterproof coat: contrary to popular belief, this accessory isn’t an unnecessary indulgence; it’s important for small dogs, especially if your dog is used to living indoors during the colder months. Because the high temperatures inside apartments don’t encourage the growth of an undercoat, they aren’t adequately protected from the cold or rain when outdoors. So, wearing a waterproof coat in the rain keeps them from getting too wet and staying wet for a long time.
4: Make sure they don’t stay in places that are too warm when they’re indoors: when the temperature drops outside, it can be very pleasant to be in a warm home, but make sure it isn’t too hot, as this is not good for our furry friends at all. The dry air indoors can dehydrate animals’ airways and cause respiratory illnesses. It also increases the likelihood of significant temperature fluctuations when moving between rooms or between indoors and outdoors.
Despite all the precautions we take, our pets can still get sick.
The symptoms of seasonal ailments they may experience are similar to those of common seasonal illnesses, such as tracheitis, laryngitis, rhinitis, and even pneumonia, with coughing, a runny nose, and red eyes. They may also have gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and fatigue.
But what should we do if our pet gets sick?
1: Have your pet examined by a veterinarian if these symptoms persist for more than two days or if our furry friend seems particularly unwell.
2: Avoid self-medicating: human medicines are not suitable for animals and can even be toxic. The same goes for veterinary medicines if used improperly. Consult your veterinarian and carefully follow their instructions for administering any treatments or medicines.
Here are some tips to help our four-legged friends feel as good as possible during seasonal changes.
Although we can’t stay outside and play for as long as we did during the summer, just being together with our furry friends is enough to make us feel good!