Autumn can be really fun for Man’s Best Friend, but it can also be perilous. Seasonal meals and trappings, weather, and even decorations could endanger your canine companion. Read on to learn as a local Lawrenceville, GA veterinarian discusses autumn dog care.
Is It Ok To Dress Your Dog?
Dogs with thin fur are often more comfortable with a jacket or sweater when it’s cold out. Fido may also look cute in seasonal decorations, whether it’s a Halloween costume or a Santa outfit around Christmas. This will ultimately be determined by a number of factors.
Fit: Make sure that your dog’s attire fits him properly. If it’s too big, he may trip or become entangled in it, causing him to injure himself. A costume that is too small can limit his movements and breathing, and could also cause sores or blisters. Plus, your pooch will most likely be uncomfortable and stressed in something that doesn’t fit him well.
Take your dog’s dimensions before ordering an outfit or heading to the store. measure his torso, tummy, and neck circumference, as well as his shoulder height and spine length. It’s probably a good idea to take a photo of the numbers and save them to your phone so you always have them with you.
Material: avoid putting your pet in anything hot, itchy, or otherwise irritating. Flammable fabrics are likewise strictly prohibited. Choose a breathable and comfy material. Keep in mind that many dogs will try to eat or chew almost everything. This can be cute, but it’s also very dangerous. Many common household products are toxic or pose major choking concerns. This is something to think about while choosing decor, but it also plays a role when selecting your dog’s wardrobe. Avoid anything with little elements, like buttons. Your dog may try to eat them. We would also advise against anything with zippers. Your pet’s fur could get snagged. Ouch!
Temperament: You should also consider your pet’s personality. Some of our canine companions are pretty bombproof and won’t blink an eye if you put a costume or jacket on them. Others are very tense and/or reactive, and they will be upset about wearing clothes. Do not push your pet to wear an outfit if he is visibly unhappy with it.
Coat: Consider the length and thickness of your pet’s fur. A dog with thin fur may benefit from an extra layer of warmth, whereas a dog with a thick coat, such as a husky, can quickly overheat. That is not to say Fido cannot join in the fun! He may be better off with something simple, like antlers or a bandana.
Keep a watchful eye on Fido when he is clothed. If he begins to seem uncomfortable, take a picture and remove the outfit. It’s not worth offending or frightening your loyal pal!
We also recommend that you get Fido used to his clothing before the event.
Helping Fido Cope With Guests
Company can cause stress in dogs for a variety of reasons. For starters, many puppies are naturally protective of their homes and humans, barking or growling when strangers approach. That’s fine if you only have a few visitors, but a constant stream of dressed visitors may be a little much. There are pet-calming products available, such as shirts, snacks, collars, and sprays. Ask your vet for tips on these.
Another alternative is to put Fido in a quiet back room. Give him comfortable bedding and a toy or chew to keep him occupied, and turn on the television or radio to drown out the noise.
What Are the Other Autumn Safety Concerns?
Costumes and trick-or-treaters are not the only things to be concerned about. Our canine buddies never run out of opportunities or ways to get into mischief!
Here are some other things to be cautious about:
- Food Those sweet goodies can be dangerous—and perhaps fatal—to our canine companions. Many of the seasonal candies contain substances that are hazardous to dogs. That list includes chocolate, caffeine, raisins, and xylitol, sometimes known as birch sugar. Your dog may also choke on smaller hard candies and candy wrappers. Keep that candy dish out of paws’ reach!
- Decorations Keep your canine companion in mind when decorating. Anything small or pointy is a possible hazard. Heavy chewers can potentially choke or hurt themselves on fragile or weak materials, such as the cardboard-and-plastic sign. Anything with a cable or batteries is also dangerous for Fido, as are long and stringy materials such as ropes or cords. You should also exercise caution while handling flames or candles.
- Darkness When taking your pet out after dark, make sure to wear bright, luminous clothes. If you have a yard where Fido can chase squirrels, do not leave him outside unaccompanied. There’s just too much likelihood of mayhem.
- Comfort Take steps to protect your pet from the cold. Good grooming practices and comfy bedding will help your canine pal stay warm and cozy. Contact your Lawrenceville, GA veterinarian for further information.
Book An Appointment At Our Lawrenceville, GA Pet Clinic
Happy Halloween! Is your pet due for a checkup, vaccinations, or parasite control? Please contact us, your local Lawrenceville, GA pet hospital, at any time.
