There are a lot of things to enjoy as a dog owner. The endless cuddles, undying love and a sense of companionship. In return, however, you’ll need to ensure you’re giving your pooch the attention they need throughout the year.
Each season brings fresh challenges for our furry friends and if you’re not vigilant, it could cause your dog to fall ill and require care from a professional. So, If you’re one of the 12 million households with a dog in the UK and are looking for top tips for keeping them safe all year round, we can help.
Continue reading our guide below to make navigating the different seasons a little easier. We hope this will keep you and your pooch feeling a little happier throughout the changing seasons.
Spring
As flowers begin to bloom and the weather starts to improve, your dog will face fresh challenges. One of the most important is to keep them away from certain plants that may be starting to surface as they can be toxic for dogs.
The clocks going forward can also mess with your dog’s body clock, which may leave them feeling fatigued. You can prepare them for the clocks going forward, however, by waking them up slightly earlier in the build-up.
Summer
While summer walks may seem exciting for you, they can cause your dog a lot of stress. One of the most common issues is dehydration from the heat, so ensuring you have cool water for them at all times is essential. Your dog may also struggle to walk on surfaces that have been heated by direct sunlight, so be prepared to pick them up or buy them some boots to wear on your walks.
Autumn
There can be a lot of commission caused by celebrations like Halloween and Bonfire night, so knowing how to calm your dog is a must. Some of the easier ways to do this include:
- Putting the TV or radio on to drown out the noise
- Avoiding giving them more attention than usual as this can indicate something is wrong
- Giving them calming medication
- Walking them before the festivities begin
The darker nights in autumn will make you and your dog harder to spot by cars, which could lead to an accident. That’s why you and your dog should wear high-visibility equipment to stay extra safe.
Winter
Like humans, dogs are more likely to get ill during the colder months, so keeping an eye out and spotting symptoms for illnesses like Canine Cushing is imperative. This could help you eradicate the illness quickly and get your pup back to its happy, healthy self.
You won’t want your dog to get cold on your winter walks either. Dog coats can help to keep them toasty while you’re out walking in winter.
