Weekday: 8:30am to 6:00pm | Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed
Weekday: 8:30am to 6:00pm (open until 8pm Tuesday & Thursday) | Saturday: 9am to 2pm | Sunday: 9am to 12pm
As the leaves turn and the temperatures drop, it’s not just your wardrobe that needs adjusting—your pets could use a little seasonal TLC too! Autumn brings cooler weather, shorter days, and some hidden hazards for our furry companions. Here are some essential tips to help you keep your pets safe & healthy.
With Halloween in full swing, there’s often chocolate, sweets, and treats around the house. Keep these out of your pet’s reach:
Instead, treat your pet with autumn-safe snacks like small bits of plain pumpkin or sweet potato.
As temperatures drop, especially in the early mornings and evenings, short-haired, very young, senior, sick or arthritic pets may benefit from an extra layer such as a light coat. Make sure it fits well and doesn’t restrict movement. It will help to keep them active, which is good for physical health and keeping their mind active, improving their wellbeing.
It is a common misconception that parasites die off in the winter. They are a year-round threat to our pets and us! Larvae can be activated from our central heating, causing infestations, and also tend to hitch a ride on our pets, arriving in our homes. We risk assess pets so that we are protecting them and the environment, and our pet health plan is the most cost-effective way to ensure they have everything they need to stay healthy. Find out more here!
With shorter daylight hours, you may need to adjust walking and feeding times. Cats are at higher risk during winter, often hiding under wheel arches for warmth, even in sheds with toxic chemicals and frequently are startled by headlamps, increasing their risk of being involved in road traffic collisions. Perhaps try adjusting feeding times so cats arrive home before dark, and also consider walking the dog during daylight for safety and visibility, and make sure they still get enough exercise even if the weather isn’t ideal. If this isn’t possible, there are numerous gadgets available for pet safety, such as GPS trackers, reflective collars or LED lights.
Whilst out walking your dogs, there will be a number of hazards on the ground. Be mindful for the following:
As they are all toxic to pets (not an exhaustive list!).
Fireworks can be very frightening for pets due to their loud noises and sudden bursts of light. To help them stay calm, create a safe, quiet space indoors where they feel secure. Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound, and play soothing music. Your pet will appreciate your company, so where possible, avoid leaving them alone. If you are walking your pet, try to do so in daylight and ensure that microchips are up to date. Should they run, you have the best chance of being reunited. For pets who struggle to cope, speak to your vet, who will be able to offer advice on other helpful products which you may like to consider. We also have a pet behaviourist at our practice who can work with you and your pet ahead of time to make fireworks less frightening through desensitisation, for example.
Just like humans, pets can react to autumnal allergens such as mould, dust, and pollen. If your pet is sneezing, scratching more than usual, or developing red eyes or skin irritation, talk to your vet.
Make sure your pet has a warm, draft-free place to sleep as temperatures dip. Consider orthopaedic beds for older pets who may feel the chill in their joints, such as those who have been diagnosed with arthritis.
Autumn is a beautiful time to enjoy the outdoors with your pets, from colourful hikes to cosy couch cuddles. With a little preparation, you can ensure your furry friend stays safe, warm, and happy all season long.
