The fall is everyone’s favorite season, even your dog! Making sure you and your pup are prepared for what autumn brings is important for their safety, and your peace of mind.

Below we have a list of tips, tricks, and things to look out for to keep your pet safe and happy!

What to Watch Out For:

• Walks in the dark: With daylight becoming less and less throughout the season, your morning/evening walks will most likely be in the dark. Consider using a reflective collar/leash, or even a vest on your pet so they are more visible to drivers.
• Wild Mushrooms: We all know as the temperature starts to drop wild mushrooms grow everywhere here in the pacific northwest. Wild mushrooms can be very toxic to dogs, so try to keep them away from that nasty fungi!
• Cold and Flu Meds: Most medications for cold season can be very harmful for your dogs. Acetaminophen can cause liver failure, or the body to lose oxygen. Decongestants can cause kidney and liver damage, and in high doses can cause seizures or even death. It’s best to keep all medications out of reach of pets.
• Antizfreeze: Getting our cars ready for the colder fall/winter months is very important, but also can be dangerous to our pets! Antifreeze is actually sweet to taste for dogs and cats, and they won’t stay away if they get into it. If a large enough amount is consumed it can lead to kidney failure and/or death. So, keep your coolants up and away from your little furry friends!

Helpful Hints:

• Coat Care: Much like the spring time, fall season for your dog means more shedding! Dogs shed their summer coat to prepare for the winter, where they grow a thicker coat to keep them warmer in the cold months. Make sure to regularly brush your pets to alleviate massive amounts of dog hair in your home.
• Outdoor Dogs: Is your dog outside most/all of the time? If the answer is yes, you need to prep for some colder, wetter weather. Here in the Puyallup, Tacoma, and Seattle area we get our fair share of rainy days. If your dog is outside a lot, be sure to have a safe place for your dog that is sheltered from the elements. And lots of warm dry blankets!
• Halloween Parties: While you’re out eating spooky foods, drinking potions, or out trick-or-treating, your pup may be home feeling anxious. If your dog is not able to come with you, consider maybe daycare or boarding options. Check out our boarding options here and our daycare options here.

We hope you found our fall season tips for your dog helpful, and be sure to tag fall photos of your dog on Instagram @shaggyshackpetresort.

Have a pawsitively spooky season!