Preparing Your Dog for the Change in Seasons: Fall Dog Care Tips

As the crisp autumn air starts to roll in and the leaves begin to fall, it’s not just time to update your wardrobe—it’s also time to think about your dog’s health and wellness. The fall season brings a new set of challenges for our four-legged friends, and for pet parents, it’s important to be proactive about these changes. October, which is Pet Wellness Month, serves as a reminder to prioritize pet health as we prepare for the seasonal shift.

Whether you have an active pup who loves fall hikes or a senior dog who needs extra comfort in cooler weather, here are some essential fall dog care tips to keep your dog happy, healthy, and cozy as the temperatures drop.

Protect Those Paws

As the weather cools, your dog’s paws will be more exposed to cold, damp ground, and this can cause them to become cracked or irritated. Fallen leaves and wet, muddy areas can make things tougher on their sensitive paw pads. It’s crucial for pet parents to pay special attention to paw care during the fall season.

Tip: Regularly check your dog’s paws for signs of irritation. Moisturize their pads with a dog-friendly paw balm to prevent dryness. If you're taking long walks on rough terrain or cold surfaces, consider dog boots to provide extra protection. Healthy pets have healthy paws, so don’t overlook this simple but important step.

Adjust Their Diet for Seasonal Activity Levels

As the fall season progresses, your dog’s activity level may change. The cooler weather, shorter days, and busier schedules may mean fewer outdoor adventures for your pup. If your dog is less active during this time, it’s important to adjust their food intake accordingly.

Tip: Consult your vet about adjusting your dog’s diet based on their breed, age, and activity level. Adjusting your pet’s nutrition is essential for their overall wellness in the cooler months.

Watch Out for Seasonal Allergies

Just like people, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies during the fall season. Mold, ragweed, and other allergens become more prevalent as the weather cools. This can result in itchy skin, watery eyes, and sneezing for your dog, affecting their comfort and overall pet health. Regular baths with hypoallergenic shampoo or specialty treatments designed to soothe can help wash away allergens from their coat and skin, making for healthier pets during the allergy season.

Tip: Watch for signs of discomfort, such as excessive scratching, licking, or sneezing. If your dog seems affected by seasonal allergens, consult your vet about safe allergy relief options.

Routine Hygiene Care is Essential

Bathing

Fall is a time of beautiful season changes but it also means your dog may be exposed to damp, muddy conditions that can affect their coat and skin. Make sure to use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo to remove dirt, debris, and any potential allergens they may pick up outside to ensure they stay comfortable and feel great all season long. Most dogs benefit from a bath at least once a month but some dogs may need baths more frequently depending on their breed or activity level. Be sure to dry them thoroughly after each bath to avoid any moisture-related skin problems, which can be common during colder weather.

Ear Cleaning

Cold weather can make dogs more susceptible to ear infections, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors in damp or chilly conditions. The cooler temperatures can cause moisture to get trapped in a dog’s ears, particularly in breeds with floppy ears, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. Additionally, increased exposure to allergens or debris during fall activities can irritate the ear canal, further raising the risk of infection. Regularly cleaning your dog’s ears is essential to prevent this buildup of moisture, dirt, and wax, reducing the likelihood of infections. Keeping your dog’s ears dry and clean not only helps avoid painful ear infections but also ensures better overall ear health throughout the cold season.

Don't forget the rest!

Maintaining a regular hygiene routine is important year-round especially as the temperature starts to dip. On top of bathing and ear cleaning make sure you are trimming their nails regularly and and keeping up with their dental hygiene with routine teeth brushing. This is crucial for keeping your dog clean and healthy during the fall season. Clean, well cared for dogs are happy and healthy pets!

Prepare for Fleas and Ticks

Even though the weather is cooler, fleas and ticks can still thrive in the fall. Ticks, in particular, can be more active in this season as they seek out hosts before the cold sets in. Flea and tick prevention should remain a top priority for pet parents during this time. Talk to your vet about options for your pup.

Tip: Keep up with regular flea and tick treatments, even if you think the cooler weather is keeping them at bay. After outdoor activities, like hikes in wooded areas or walks through leaf piles, thoroughly check your dog for ticks. Focus on areas like the ears, armpits, and between the toes. Protecting your pet from these pests is key to maintaining their health.

Maintain a Cozy Sleep Space

As the temperatures drop, your dog will need a cozy, warm space to rest and sleep. For many dogs, a simple bed may no longer be enough in the cooler months. Ensuring they have a comfortable, draft-free area to sleep in is essential for their wellness.

Tip: Invest in a high-quality dog bed with added blankets to keep your pup warm during chilly fall nights. Older dogs, especially, may benefit from orthopedic beds that provide extra support for their joints, as cold weather can exacerbate arthritis or other joint issues. A warm, comfortable sleep space is crucial for keeping your pet’s overall health in check as the seasons change.

Prepare for Halloween Hazards

Halloween can be a fun holiday for pet parents, but it can present several dangers to our furry companions. From toxic candies to overwhelming costumes and decorations, it’s important to be mindful of your dog’s safety during this holiday.

Tip: Keep Halloween treats like chocolate and candy far out of your dog’s reach. If the excitement of trick-or-treaters or costumes becomes overwhelming for your dog, provide them with a quiet, safe space to retreat to. Keeping your dog calm and safe during Halloween ensures their well-being and prevents any unnecessary health risks.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, it can become more challenging to maintain your dog’s exercise routine. Dogs still need regular physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy, so it’s important to find ways to keep them active during the fall season.

Tip: Take advantage of the cool weather by going on walks, hikes, or outdoor games like fetch. If it’s too cold or wet outside, you can keep your dog engaged indoors with interactive puzzle toys, hide-and-seek, or brief training sessions. Regular physical and mental exercise helps maintain a healthy pet both mentally and physically.

Celebrate National Pet Wellness Month by Prioritizing Health

October isn't just the start of fall, it's National Pet Wellness Month, and there’s no better time to prioritize your dog's wellness and care. During this season change make sure to keep up with their wellness through good routine hygiene, preventive care, and regular vet visits so they have a happy and healthy fall.

By following these fall dog care tips and staying mindful of seasonal changes, pet parents can keep their dogs happy, healthy, and well-prepared for the cooler weather ahead. We understand that life gets busy, but providing the best routine care for your pup doesn't have to be a challenge — that’s where Scenthound comes in! As your trusted partner in dog wellness, we offer essential hygiene services like bathing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, teeth brushing, and more. Plus, our specialized treatments help address common seasonal concerns like shedding and itchy skin. Visit a Scenter near you to get your dog on the path to wellness, with all the care they need to thrive this fall!