Fall is great for dogs, in just about every way. It’s not so hot they’ll get overheated, and it’s not too cold to stay out for a while. And there’s much less “stuff” you have to think about. When you go out with your dog in the summer, the stuff includes a cool coat, water and a bowl, a cordless fan, etc. In the winter, everything’s just more difficult and takes longer. Just suiting up for a short walk is a pain.
Good stuff about Fall
Fall (and Spring) are pretty perfect:
- Cooler temperatures. After a long, hot summer, dogs love the cooler temperatures that fall brings. This makes it more comfortable for them to go for walks, play outside, and exercise.
- Less humidity. Fall is also less humid than summer, which can help to reduce the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses in dogs.
- Changing leaves. Dogs love to explore and sniff new things, and the changing leaves in the fall provide them with plenty of new scents to enjoy.
Of course there are a few things to be careful about – even on a perfect Fall day:
- Be careful of leaves and acorns. Leaves and acorns can be a choking hazard for dogs, so be sure to keep an eye on them when they are playing outside. Simon is notorious around here for picking up dry leaves and trying to eat them. Nobody enjoys the outcome when he succeeds.
- Watch out for ticks and fleas. Ticks and fleas can still be active.
- Keep your dog hydrated. Even though the weather is cooler, it is still important to make sure your dog has plenty of water to drink.
Other side of the coin
And one of the unexpected hazards of Fall, and the beginning of the many-holiday season, is the unexpected changes to your regular walking route. All of a sudden there may be pumpkins near the doors, witches circling their cauldrons on the neighbor’s lawn, a giant inflatable spider on a house roof, even a fake cemetery with eerie sounds sprouting in the neighborhood.
If your dog is easily spooked by new, different, or weird stuff, be prepared. Make sure your dog is wearing an escape-proof harness. And if you don’t regularly bring a pouch of treats on walks, it’s a good idea to start. That way, if your dog is startled by something unexpected, you can encourage them to check it out and reward them for being calm.
If your dog is wary, remember that distance is your friend. Cross the street if you can, or take a different route. Dogs notice when things are different, but will adjust given time. The problem, of course, is that the people who decorate keep updating and changing their decorations. This time of year there’s always something new and different.
Ideally, as dog trainers, we’d encourage you to gradually familiarize your dog with the things that are startling, but it’s just not possible for outdoor decorations. The huge inflatable purple spider on the roof is always going to be flapping around in the wind. And the giant inflatable turkey that replaces it will flap, too. And so will Santa and his reindeer. Needless to say, we’re avoiding that block until January.
