Common Fall Illnesses in Pets (and How to Catch Them Early)
Ah, October. Is there anything sweeter? The air is getting cooler, the leaves are turning, and cozy evenings are in sight. Despite how much we love the fall, the season can cause our pets to deal with subtle health challenges.
As pet parents, one of the best things we can do in the fall is keep an eye out for fall pet illness symptoms. Here are 3 tips for preventing pet illnesses in October, all from the team at Dupont Veterinary Clinic.
3 Tips for Preventing Pet Illnesses in the Fall
1. Watch out for Seasonal Respiratory Infections
Thanks to an increase in door gatherings, damp walks, and chillier weather, our animals can be more prone to seasonal pet infections. For dogs, kennel cough–caused by agents like Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus—is an issue. Cats, too, can see an uptick in upper respiratory infections.
Symptoms of these issues include a hacking cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, and lethargy. If you notice any of these issues with your pet, please reach out to your veterinarian.
2. Parasites and Mites Can Burrow in Your Pet’s Skin
Fleas, ticks, and grass mites, oh my! These tiny, pesky critters may look for a home to cozy up in during the fall—and that home might just be your pet’s fur and skin.
These unwelcome guests can cause itchiness, redness, and skin irritation for your pawsome pals. Plus, ticks can carry serious diseases like Lyme disease, which causes joint pain and swelling, along with fever and kidney problems.
Keep a close eye on your pet’s fur. If you see them itching or scratching at their fur, it’s time for an inspection—and a trip to the vet.
3. Cold Weather Can Irritate Arthritis and Age-Related Aches
While we may welcome chillier weather after a sweltering summer, the cold can make your pet’s arthritis worse. You might notice your older dog moving more slowly or hesitating to jump up onto the couch.
The key here is to offer soft, joint-friendly bedding, gentle exercise, and vet-recommended supplements to help ease their discomfort.
The Takeaways: Simple Steps to Catch Illness Early
To recap, here’s how you can catch October pet illnesses before they become a bigger issue:
- Look for the subtle signs: lethargy, runny eyes, a lessened appetite, coughing, or a drop in energy levels
- Schedule seasonal pet visits: preventative pet care can often catch pests, infections, and organ issues early, before they become too serious. A seasonal vet visit in or near October is always an excellent idea for your pet’s health.
- Parasite prevention is year-round: even here in Indiana, pest prevention is a year-round affair. Fleas, ticks, and mites are out there waiting for your pet all or most of the year. Stay caught up with pest prevention!
If you need help getting ready for October pet safety, reach out to our caring team at Dupont Veterinary Clinic in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Call us at (260) 637-7676 to schedule an appointment today.