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Seasons Are Changing! Don’t Forget About Your Dog!

Seasons Are Changing! Don’t Forget About Your Dog!

October 10, 2013 by Conor Davis
Categories: Holidays,Training,Tips

Autumn has arrived! Here in Alabama, the days are warm and the nights are cool. Just as we are affected by the change in temperature, the time shift, and the shorter days - so are our dogs.

The cooler days can be both wonderful and problematic.  Taking the proper precautions will ensure your dog has a safe and enjoyable time.
Autumn is perfect for going for walks in the woods! But, remember: if you put on clothes for comfort or safety, you may want to dress your dog in something warm and highly visible (orange) too – you certainly don’t want hunters to think either of you are deer! You may also be thinking about dressing your dog up for Halloween. Every Halloween, both of our daycare locations have a costume contest for the dogs. We find that all dogs fit into one of four categories in regards to dressing up:

  1. Some dogs adore being dressed up,
  2. Some don't seem to have an opinion,
  3. Some detest it, but endure it,
  4. And finally there are those that simply refuse to “dress up”.

Don’t forget that “dressing up” does not just refer to costumes; it refers to sweaters, raincoats, hats and boots. In colder parts of the world, dogs are more comfortable wearing clothing due to the environment.

It is possible to help even the most reluctant dogs tolerate, if not enjoy, being dressed. To help your dog enjoy the season to the fullest, use these tips to help your dog enjoy dressing up:

  1. Find ‘something’ that your dog will sell her soul for (treat, toy, praise, petting).
  2. Show her a bandana and as she sniffs it give her the special treat,
  3. Place the bandana on her as you give her the reward.
  4. Walk her around acting as if she just saved a child.

Take each step slowly until your dog willingly accepts what you are doing. Then move on to hats, then t-shirts, and eventually bulky items, only when she is comfortable. Make this fun and soon she will be wearing anything you want her to wear. You will find additional help in our podcast series on accepting gentle handling. (Additional Info:Podcasts Accepting Handling and Gentle Restraint Part 1, Accepting Handling and Gentle Restraint Part 2)

Here are a few more things to keep in mind as the weather starts to turn:

  •  Damp, cool weather can cause an arthritic dog to be more uncomfortable. If necessary, talk to your vet about medication or supplements to help.
  • When using your fireplace or space heaters, dogs will want to sit in front them and warm up just as much as we do. It is your responsibility to make sure they aren’t sitting too close, or sitting in front of them for too long and overheating.
  •  My dog loves to lie by the wood-burning fireplace. The problem is that she doesn’t understand sparks, so I have to make sure she doesn’t lie too close.
  • Watch the cords on space heaters - you don’t want your dog to chew on it or get tangled in it!    
  • Outdoor dogs can be particularly challenged by sudden temperature changes. Make sure they have a place they can curl up and get warm, like a doghouse. (Also, if there isn’t supplemental heat, make sure the doghouse isn’t so large they cannot use their body heat to get it warm.)
  • The more time your dog spends outdoors unattended the more you need to be aware of these dangers:
    • Acorns and nuts
    • Increase in chemical use such as antifreeze, rat poison and deicers
    • Increased wildlife activity
  • Seasonal plants like mushrooms and holly  

Since plants vary in different corners of the world check with your veterinarian or online for specific dangers in your area.

 

With the cooler weather comes shorter days. We’ll also be setting the clocks back an hour soon. A lot of dogs are really good at telling time and will notice the time change. Those stories about the dog that met the school bus every day are true! Except that twice a year the dog was either an hour early or late. My dogs (and my horse) know what time to line up for dinner and they can get cranky (especially the horse) when the time change effects feeding time.

The time change also means less time in the evening for exercise. If you notice a change in your dog’s behavior, like getting into things or jumping, it is probably decreased exercise causing it. Here are some ideas to increase her exercise level:

  • The Doggy Stair Master – playing fetch on stairs
  • Hide and seek
  • Tug-of-war (with rules)
  • Freeze Tag

Listen to our podcast “Good Games to Play” (Additional Info: Podcast Good Games to Play) for instructions and more ideas.

This time of year I always pay close attention to our daily walks and the time we spend playing in the yard just to make sure their activity level stays the same. 

Next week I will talk about how to enjoy time with your dog in social settings. Your dog will enjoy the season more when she is included in your activities!

 And Check out These Additional Resources
Podcasts:
Accepting Handling and Gentle Restraint Part 1
Accepting Handling and Gentle Restraint Part 2
Good Games to Play

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