As the leaves start to fall and pumpkins get carved, caring for your pet will mean more than dressing them up for Halloween. From holiday guests to sugary treats, fall can take a toll on pet wellness. Fortunately, with some simple precautions, you can keep your dog or cat healthy all season long. 

Follow These Tips to Protect Your Furry Friend This Fall

Safeguard Against Ticks

Even though the temperatures are dropping, tick season isn’t over yet. As your pet runs around the yard and rolls in fallen leaves, be sure that they are wearing a tick collar or their tick medication is up-to-date. By staying on top of this pet wellness step, you can help your pet avoid tick-borne illnesses.

Beware of Holiday Treats

Chocolate, raw dough, grapes, and other common holiday foods can be harmful to your pet, so be sure to keep them out of reach. It’s also important to keep your pets from eating raw meat during holiday meal prep. You might be tempted to give that cooked soup bone to your dog, but refrain from doing so. Bones can splinter and hurt their mouth, digestive system, and throat. If you have children, be sure that they know not to sneak food to your pets during family gatherings. 

Keep Their Fur Coat

If you trimmed your pet’s fur during the summer, let their natural coat grow in. Your pet needs their fur for warmth while they spend time outside. Just be sure to brush or bathe your pet regularly to remove any leaves or other debris from their fur. 

Bring Your Pet Inside

As winter gets close, avoid leaving your pet outside for too long. The nights can get especially cold, and your pet needs to come inside to warm up. This is particularly important for puppies, kittens, senior animals, and pets with weak immune systems. 

Plan For Your Travels

The holidays are a busy time for boarding facilities and dog sitters, so be sure to make arrangements for your pet ahead of time. If you plan to bring your pet with you on your holiday visit, make sure that your host is comfortable with an animal in the house and prepare a travel kit for your pet. Your veterinarian will also have advice on how to maintain pet wellness while traveling. 

Your pet is a special member of your family, and you need pet wellness professionals you can trust to care for all of their health needs. TLC Pet Care Centers in Cincinnati, OH, has been providing exemplary care for over 30 years. This team of veterinarians and staff provide specialized and preventative care for cats and dogs, as well as small reptiles, mammals, and birds. They also offer boarding services for when you are away. To view a full list of their services, visit their website. You can also call (513) 683-2300 for the East location and (513) 825-4011 for the West location to make an appointment for your pet today.