Seasonal Pet Care Tips
Our pets aren’t just furry companions; they’re members of our family. So, here are a few seasonal pet care tips to keep your precious pet safe, year-round.
Summer Safety
We love to get outdoors during summer—and our furry friends love the summer sun almost as much as we do! But, as we all know, the Australian sun can be particularly harsh during the hotter seasons. So, to keep your pets safe in summer, avoid outdoor exercise during the hottest parts of the day, make sure fresh water is available at all times, and invest in a high-quality, pet-safe sunscreen. Also, consider keeping smaller pets (like guinea pigs and rabbits) inside during the day, or ensure their hutch or enclosure is in an extra-shady spot.
Hot tip: hold the back of your hand against the footpath before taking your dog for a walk in summer. If it’s too hot to hold your hand there for more than five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s delicate paws.
Winter Warmth
Just as overheating in summer can be dangerous for your pets, colder temps in winter can pose a risk, too! During winter, make sure to provide cosy bedding and shelter from the wind and rain, especially if you have smaller pets or pets that are young or elderly. Also, to avoid matted fur, it’s important to brush and groom your dog/cat regularly as the weather cools down and their winter coat grows in.
Dogs still need exercise and stimulation, even when it’s cold or rainy. So, encourage indoor playtime and purchase your pup a warm winter coat to make walking more comfortable.
Mindfulness in the Milder Months
Autumn and spring bring about milder weather, which can be a fantastic opportunity for longer walks and outdoor adventures. But be aware that both seasons can have their fair share of hot and cold days, so take temperature-related precautions wherever necessary. Also, it’s important to keep up flee and tick prevention measures all year round, especially in the milder months when ticks can be more active.
Did you know that our pets can experience seasonal allergies just like us? During spring and autumn, you might see your precious pooch scratching or biting their skin, shedding excessively, or licking their paws. Swollen, leaky eyes are also common in dogs experiencing allergies. Stay on the lookout for any of these symptoms and contact your vet promptly if they occur.
Could you use some help looking after your precious pet? Here at Simply Helping, we offer a range of home care services, including pet sitting and dog walking, for older adults, people with disability, and people with a busy schedule! Click here to learn more and contact us today.