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Autumn Pet Care - Keeping Our Cats & Dogs Healthy In Autumn

As the vibrant colors of summer foliage gradually give way to the warm hues of autumn, our beloved pets are also faced with seasonal changes. The crisp air, falling leaves, and shorter days signify that it's time for pet owners to adapt their care routines to ensure the well-being of their furry companions. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore essential aspects of autumn pet care, covering everything from potential hazards to exercise routines. Poisonous Plants and Natural Hazards for Pets Autumn brings about a shift in our surroundings, and with it, a new set of potential dangers for our four-legged friends. Here are some key points to consider: Poisonous Plants: As certain plants flourish in the autumn months, it's crucial to be aware of which ones can harm your pets. Common toxic plants include autumn crocus, mushrooms, and some types of ivy. Keep your pets away from these plants to prevent accidental ingestion. Mushrooms: Fallen leaves can conceal wild mushrooms that may be toxic to pets. Regularly inspect your yard and walking routes to ensure your pets don't come into contact with these potentially harmful fungi. Chemicals: Autumn often involves more intensive yard work, such as leaf raking and garden maintenance. Be cautious with chemicals like fertilisers and pesticides, which can be toxic if ingested by pets. Store them securely and ensure they are pet-friendly. Antifreeze: Antifreeze, commonly used in cars during colder weather, is extremely toxic to pets. It has a sweet taste that may attract them. Ensure your vehicle isn't leaking antifreeze, and store it safely out of reach. Chocolate: Chocolate and sweets are a minor hazard all year round, but with halloween just around the corner you may find that your dog is brought into contact with human treats and sweets more often. Chocolate is especially toxic to dogs and cats, but other sweets containing Xylitol also pose a risk.   Fireworks and Other Noises in the Autumn In the UK, autumn is synonymous with various festivities, including Halloween and Bonfire Night. These celebrations often involve fireworks and loud noises, which can be distressing for pets. Here's how to help your furry companions cope: Socialise pets from a young age: Socialising our kittens and puppies from a young age can help them get used to strange situations, noises and people as they grow up. Safe Haven: One of the reasons crate training is so important for puppies and dogs is that it gives them a safe space to retreat to when they want to feel safe.Make sure your dogs and cats both have places of their own that they can easily get to when they feel more anxious or stressed than usual. A hooded cat bed or cat tree with hideaway is perfect for cats who love the privacy of a covered sleeping area. Remember, cats like to be high up and feel safer from a height. Provide a tall scratch post tree for them which they can retreat to when they want to feel at ease.  Distraction: Provide toys, treats, or puzzle feeders to keep your pets distracted during noisy events. Identification: Ensure your pet has proper identification, including a collar with an up-to-date tag and a microchip. The stress of loud noises might cause them to bolt, so being prepared is crucial. Consult A Vet: If your pet has severe anxiety during fireworks or other loud events, consult your veterinarian. They can recommend strategies, such as medication or behavioural training, to help your pet cope. Use a calming plug-in diffuser: Pet calming products can greatly influence stress levels in our pets. Calming products come in a number of forms: plug-in diffusers, sprays and pet wipes for different applications. Try plugging a diffuser in a week or two before bonfire night or Halloween to help keep them settled and stress-free.      Exercising Pets in the Autumn Maintaining your pet's exercise routine is vital throughout the year, including in autumn. Exercise in and of itself may not seem like a hazard, but fewer daylight hours and colder, wet weather can bring with them one or two minor risks. Here's how to adapt to the changing weather: Adjust Timing: As daylight hours decrease, consider shifting your daily walks to earlier in the morning or late afternoon to ensure visibility and safety. Dress Accordingly: Short-haired breeds and smaller dogs may need extra warmth during chilly autumn walks. Invest in a pet sweater or coat to keep them comfortable. We’ve got a great range of cosy jumpers and coats for your dogs to keep them warm and dry on walks. Our drying coats are perfect for after a wet autumn walk! Indoor Activities: On rainy or particularly cold days, engage your pet with indoor activities like hide-and-seek or puzzle toys to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Our interactive toys are perfect for keeping your dogs out of mischief, the Nina Ottosson puzzles are so much fun for your pup! Proper Paw Care: Wet autumn leaves and cold pavement can be harsh on your pet's paws. Check their paw pads for cuts, cracks, or irritation, and consider using pet-safe paw balm. Our favourite paw balm is the BeLoved paw balms, they have soothing natural ingredients in so are perfect for keeping your dog’s paws healthy!   Additional Tips for Autumn Pet Care To round off our guide, here are a few additional tips to ensure your pet's well-being during autumn: Seasonal Diet Adjustments: Consult your veterinarian about any necessary dietary changes for your pet during the colder months. They may need more or less food to maintain a healthy weight. Grooming: Regular grooming helps keep your pet's coat in good condition. It also allows you to check for ticks, fleas, and mats that might be more common in autumn. Routine Vet Checkup: Schedule a routine veterinary checkup to address any potential health concerns before the colder months set in. This ensures your pet is in top shape to face the season. Autumn is a beautiful and cosy time of year, and with these tips, you can ensure that it's equally enjoyable for your beloved pets. By being aware of potential hazards, adapting to changing routines, and providing comfort during noisy celebrations, you'll help your furry companions thrive as the leaves fall and the air turns crisp. Remember, a little extra care goes a long way in keeping your pets healthy and happy throughout the autumn season. 

Is Wet or Dry Food Better for Dogs? Exploring the Pros and Cons

When it comes to feeding our canine companions, one of the most common questions that pet owners grapple with is whether to choose wet or dry dog food. The debate over wet vs. dry dog food has been ongoing for years, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The decision ultimately depends on various factors, including your dog's age, health, and personal preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the pros and cons of wet and dry dog food to help you make an informed choice for your furry friend.   Wet vs. Dry Dog Food: What's the Difference? Before we dive into the pros and cons, let's clarify what distinguishes wet and dry dog food: Wet Dog Food: Contains higher moisture content (approximately 70-80%) Typically comes in cans or pouches Often has a stronger aroma and flavour, which can be enticing to picky eaters Easier to chew, making it an excellent choice for dogs with dental issues or missing teeth Prone to spoilage if not refrigerated and consumed promptly Can be more expensive per serving than dry food Dry Dog Food: Contains lower moisture content (around 10%) Comes in the form of kibble or pellets Promotes dental health by reducing tartar buildup through chewing Offers convenience and a longer shelf life May contain artificial preservatives and fillers The Pros and Cons Of Wet & Dry Food Wet Dog Food: Pros: Hydration: The high moisture content in wet food can help keep your dog hydrated, especially if they don't drink enough water. Palatability: Many dogs find wet food more appealing due to its strong aroma and taste, making it suitable for picky eaters. Digestibility: Wet food is often easier to digest, making it a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. Dental Health: While wet food doesn't promote dental health directly, it can be useful for dogs with dental problems who struggle to chew dry kibble. Cons: Cost: Wet dog food can be more expensive per serving than dry food, potentially straining your budget. Storage: You need to store opened cans or pouches of wet food in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. Our Wet Food Recommendations Here at L&L we stock a wide variety of wet foods for your dog. For a high quality and high meat content wet food our go to is the Carnilove wet foods. They're all made to appeal to your dog's natural wolf instincts with over 85% wild origin meats and they're all grain free so you can be sure they're the best quality for your dog. Dry Dog Food: Pros: Convenience: Dry kibble is convenient to store, measure, and serve, making it a hassle-free option. Dental Health: Chewing on dry kibble can help reduce tartar buildup and promote better dental health. Cost-Effective: Dry food is often more budget-friendly than wet food, especially for larger dogs. Long Shelf Life: It has a longer shelf life, reducing the risk of food waste.  Cons: Hydration Concerns: Because dry food has lower moisture content, it might not provide enough hydration for some dogs, potentially leading to urinary tract issues. Palatability: Some dogs may be less enthusiastic about dry kibble's taste and texture. Our Dry Food Recommendations We also stock a variety of dry foods, some of the ones with higher meat content and more natural ingredients include Acana, Carnilove and Orijen - these are great for making sure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need.  Choosing the Right Food for Your Dog: When deciding between wet and dry dog food, consider the following factors: Age: Puppies and senior dogs may benefit from wet food due to its enhanced digestibility and hydration. Adult dogs can thrive on a balanced dry food diet. Health Needs: Consult with your veterinarian if your dog has specific health concerns, as they can recommend an appropriate diet. Budget: Evaluate your budget and choose the food that meets your financial constraints while ensuring your dog's nutritional needs are met. Preference: Some dogs have strong preferences for one type of food over the other, so consider your dog's taste preferences. Conclusion: In the debate of wet vs. dry dog food, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your dog's individual needs, your budget, and your personal preferences as a pet owner. If you're unsure what to feed your dog why not check out our large range of dog foods. We have lots of speciality dog foods for specific breeds, sizes and health concerns so you can tailor your dog's food to give them everything they need nutritionally. Once you've found the perfect food for your dog why not Subscribe & Save. Our Subscribe & Save service allows you to save up to 15% on your dog's favourite food and have it delivered to your door exactly when you need it so you never run out! Remember to consult with your vet for tailored dietary recommendations, and always prioritise your dog's health and well-being when making this important decision.

By Megan Willis