Prepare pets for the fling into fall
By Pet Connection Staff
September 29, 2009
It’s not just people who get a new spring in our steps at the first hint of fall in the air. So do our pets. But there’s more to getting our animals ready for cold weather than enjoying the change of season. From Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori in this week’s Pet Connection feature:
Every year at this time we seem to get a little extra bounce in our step, and our pets do, too. But even as we’re enjoying the brisk beauty of fall, we need to remember it means winter is around the corner, and with it, an awareness of seasonal challenges for our pets.
That’s why we’re focusing here on how to enjoy the season, but also how to prepare pets for what’s to come next — winter.
The weather — heat in the summer, cold in the winter — is certainly important to outdoor pets. We don’t agree with the practice of keeping dogs and cats outdoors all their lives — these pets are often lonely and bored, and are more likely to be suffering from physical neglect.
That said, we realize some people won’t bring animals in the house, no matter what. If you’re one of those people, you must provide adequate outdoor shelter. And the time to review your pet’s shelter is now.
And don’t forget that just as the leaves turn in the fall, many dogs begin the furry equivalent and begin “The Big Fall Shed.” Fortunately, Gina’s got tips on how to handle it.
In “The Buzz,” Dr. Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon point out that dogs and trucks don’t mix:
At least 100,000 dogs are estimated to die each year by falling or jumping from the back of pickup truck beds. If a dog survives a fall, broken bones, joint injuries and severe abrasions are the most common injuries, according to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. To protect pets, WSU veterinarians recommend putting a shell on the pickup, or having your dog ride inside a crate strapped down securely. Tethering a dog isn’t considered much of an improvement from allowing him to ride loose — there’s just too much risk to the pet.
Want more? Read the entire Pet Connection for this week, or see it just how we send it to our client newspapers in this PDF file.
Who is the pretty tortie in the photo? Does she belong to one of the writers here? She’s beautiful!
Comment by Ingrid King — September 29, 2009 @ 7:43 am
Isn’t she gorgeous? The picture was taken by a friend of mine, retired Sacramento Bee photojournalist Dick Schmidt. The cat belongs to a friend of his, if I recall.
I thought she was just PERFECT to go with this article, since she was already dressed in the colors of autumn. :)
Comment by Gina Spadafori — September 29, 2009 @ 8:42 am
Maybe this cat is getting an early start to begging for her share of the turkey dinner on Thanksgiving—ha, ha!
Beautiful cat and goes well in the setting.
Comment by Colorado Transplant — September 29, 2009 @ 10:41 am
She really IS gorgeous. And the picture definitely catches up on the topic of autumn. :)
On another note: If I own a pet and I love my pet - why would I keep it outdoors during the cold season? That’s just cruel. You wouldn’t keep your kids outdoors all day and night either if it’s freezing outside.
Comment by Pet Lover — September 30, 2009 @ 3:18 am
Thanks for reminding pet owners to make sure to provide adequate shelter for their pets during the winter months.
I prefer to keep my furry family members indoors and cozy all year round.
Comment by Kim — October 1, 2009 @ 9:56 am