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As the summer winds down and fall approaches, it's time to start transitioning your pet's routine. The changing seasons can be confusing and stressful for pets if not handled properly. By gradually implementing some simple changes, you can help set your furry friend up for success when autumn arrives.
Adjust Exercise Routines
If you ramped up your pet's exercise regimen during the summer to take advantage of the warm weather, start scaling it back as fall nears. For example, if you were taking your dog on multiple long walks each day, try cutting it back to just one or two. If you were playing intense games of fetch for hours, shorten the sessions to protect your pet against injuries on colder fall days.
The key is to avoid any abrupt changes and give your pet time to adjust to lesser amounts of exercise. This will help prevent frustration and restlessness. You can make up for decreased outdoor time by increasing play sessions indoors. Engage your pet mentally with interactive toys and food puzzles.
Monitor Time Outdoors
Cold fronts may start rolling through earlier in the fall, so pay attention to weather reports. Adjust how long your pet can stay comfortable outside. On hot summer days, they may have been content to lounge outdoors for hours. But as temperatures drop, they may start asking to come back inside sooner. Respect those requests.
For outdoor pets like dogs, ensure their house or shelter is well-insulated and equipped with warm, dry bedding. Make it a cozy oasis so they have a place to replenish body heat after autumn rains. Check that outdoor water bowls aren't freezing overnight. Invest in a heated bowl if necessary.
Update Grooming Routines
Colder temperatures often mean increased shedding for pets. As they blow their summer coats, incorporate more frequent brushing into your routine. Setting aside just 10-15 minutes a day can help keep shed fur under control. Bathing less often in fall may also help preserve your pet's coat oils and skin health.
Trim overgrown fur may retain moisture and dirt. Pay extra attention to drying your pet thoroughly after time outside in the rain or damp grass. Consider a jacket or sweater for short-haired breeds to help them regulate body temperature on cold walks.
Transition Food as Needed
Some pets require diet changes between summer and fall. For example, outdoor cats often consume more food during cold months to fuel their higher metabolism. Make sure to monitor portion sizes if your pet is less active in fall than summer. The last thing you want is unnecessary weight gain leading into winter.
On the other hand, anxious pets may decrease their food intake in fall. The combination of weather changes, reduced day length, seasonal shed, and new household routines can be stressful. Make sure these pets still receive proper nutrition. Consider adding some temporary meat baby food or low-sodium broth to their kibble to encourage eating.
Account for Changes in Day Length
By fall, the days have grown significantly shorter than the long summer days. The decreasing daylight can confuse pets that have grown accustomed to a certain feeding or bathroom break schedule. For example, they may act hungry earlier even though it's three hours before dinnertime.
To reduce confusion, rely more on cues other than daylight. Set an alarm to remember when it's time to feed or take your pet outside on fall evenings. Tire them out sufficiently during the day to discourage midnight restlessness or incessant requests to go out. Close the curtains at night to limit their view of the darkness and curb early morning wakeups.
Transitioning your pet’s routine for fall takes some forethought and dedication. But making small tweaks over time avoids overwhelming your pet when the new season hits. Pay attention to their behavior for signs they may need an adjustment. With some planning and patience, you’ll both enjoy a smooth shift into autumn.
