If you are like me, you look forward to the fall weather after an extremely hot Oklahoma summer. The cooler weather and the beautiful colors that the trees bring are just a few of the things I enjoy most about the fall season. With the fall around the corner, I thought it would be a great time to bring up some of the things we, as owners, need to be a little more mindful about when prepping our house, yard, etc. for the fall season. I am of course referring to things that can be harmful to our pets that we do not necessarily think about on a daily.

• As the cooler weather starts knocking at our door, so do the rodents. Only they do not normally knock at our house but let themselves in as they please. Rodenticides are one of the biggest things that many of us place out around our homes during the fall season. We as owners know the dangers of using certain items around our pets but we are not around them every second of the day, unless you work from home. But even then, most stay at home parents are working and not watching their pets. It only takes a few minutes for your pet to ingest products. If you do suspect that your pets might have gotten into anything, contact your veterinarian immediately as many can be extremely fatal.
• Many owners also prepare not only their house and yard for the colder months but their cars as well. Antifreeze/coolant is also very harmful for your pets and should be done away from any areas they can be exposed to it. When you’re done with your vehicle, make sure your area is properly cleaned and that nothing is left where your pets can reach any left over products on shelves or inside trash cans. These chemicals contain a chemical inside that to your pets has a sweet taste and will intrigue them to consume more.
• It is a common thought for many owners to think that as the colder month’s start that we do not need to treat our pets for ticks or fleas because they will die off with the cold weather. Well this is not necessarily true. Many of the parasites will go to live where it is warm and that perfect place is normally on your pets. This area provides food along with a nice warm place to stay during the cold weather. It is important to continue to treat your pets during the colder seasons as your veterinarian recommends for them. This will help protect your pets from the many health issues that fleas and ticks can provide.
• The fall weather also brings the wonderful holidays that we all look forward to each and every year. These holidays are a big one for travelers and many owners do not bring their fur babies with them when they travel. The colder seasons are the busiest times for the boarding facilities and many owners book months in advance. We recommend that even if you do not board with us, that you reserve your holiday travel dates early to guarantee your pets a spot.
• The holidays also bring the amazing food! Many of the foods that we have at the table are not food that needs to be shared with our furry family members.

If we as owners take the time to provide the very best care for our pets, they will continue to live the best life they can. Most importantly, the best life with us! These simple things are ones that do not cost a butt load of money, just a little time to be responsible and careful for our four legged family members. I hope these few fall tips help keep your pets safe and healthy during the colder months. Have a wonderful rest of your day!