As a pet owner, you want your companion to be as healthy as possible. That’s why veterinarians recommend familiarizing yourself with the health risks of each season. At Westside Veterinary Hospital in Statesboro, GA, they’re more than happy to explain what steps you should take to protect your best friend throughout the year. To ensure they remain healthy and happy during the fall, the experts at this animal hospital offer the following tips.

3 Veterinarian-Approved Tips for Fall Pet Care

1. Be Wary of Ticks

Contrary to popular belief, ticks can thrive during the fall. Some even survive in the winter months. Therefore, you should still check your dog or cat for ticks after they’ve been outside. The team at your pet hospital can demonstrate how to do this. If you’re raking up grass clippings, leaves, or other lawn debris, dispose of them quickly; otherwise, ticks will have a nice cozy spot to hide.

2. Feed Them More

Even though they don’t hibernate, during the colder months, your pet needs more energy to stay warm. Start feeding them more than you normally do around this time of year. If you’re not sure whether they’re consuming a safe amount of food, ask an expert at your animal hospital to discuss your pet’s nutritional needs.

3. Be Careful With Holiday Treats & Decorations

During fall, many families begin prepping for the holiday season. This means installing decorations and leaving out sweet treats. With this in mind, make sure your pet can’t reach hazardous decorations—like candles or lights—and place potentially harmful foods in spots they can’t access.

To learn more, get in touch with Westside Veterinary Hospital in Statesboro, GA. The veterinarians there will always be happy to answer your questions. For the best results, bring your pet in for an exam to confirm they’re prepared for the colder months. Contact the hospital online for more information, or call (912) 489-1998.