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The Animal Welfare Institute says that 62 percent of all American households have at least one companion animal. Pet owners should always keep their pets safe and well because they are not only companion animals — they are family members. Fall is coming and with the seasonal change, you should provide a different level of care to your pets. If you want some tips on how to keep your pet safe during the fall season, here’s what you need to know.
 

Keep Your Pets Inside

As it starts to become colder outside, it is best to keep your pets inside your house. According to experts, small companion animals, young puppies, and senior pets are prone to hypothermia. When it gets too cold, their bodies usually cannot take a significant drop in temperature. Inside the house, you can keep them warm all day and night.
 

Secure the Anti-Freeze

Anti-freeze is a toxic substance that happens to taste sweet. The main source of this compound is your garage and your car. To prevent your pets from ingesting anti-freeze, keep containers of it in a locked cabinet. You should also check your car for leaks because you’ll never know when your pets may wander into your garage.

Check Pet Microchips and Pet ID Tags

Pet experts cannot stress enough the importance of updating your pet’s microchip and ID tag information. It does not matter if you are a single pet or a multiple pet household. Making sure that your pet’s information is up to date is crucial. It ensures your pets get returned to you if they ever wander off.
 

Ward Off Ticks

Ticks are always present wherever there are bushes, tall grass, and dried leaves. It is always best to cover your pet with full-sleeved pet coats and boots to prevent ticks from attaching to them. Organic tick repellents can also help discourage ticks. When you get back from your walk or trek, always inspect your pet for ticks that may have latched on.
 

Pause the Coat Shaving

Since cold weather is starting to set in, it is best to just let your extra fluffy pets keep their coats. Their natural fluff will help warm them up especially during the fall evenings.
 

Be Mindful of Your Decorations

You may be decorating your home for the coming holidays already. Pets usually see décor as entertaining toys that they want to attack or chew. Be sure that your décorations are beyond the reach of your pets. Most of them have small parts that your pets can swallow easily. Holiday décor may also have toxic materials that are harmful to your pets.
 

Keep Holiday Treats in Pet-Proof Containers

Chocolate, raw dough, liquor, cooked bones, and certain vegetables and fruits are toxic to your pets. Make sure to keep them in pet-proof containers so that your pets don’t get to them.
 

Fall is a season that has its own unique set of challenges for pet parents like you. Here at Bergen County Veterinary Center, we always provide pet safety tips for every season. You can visit our veterinary center in Waldwick, New Jersey for a  consultation. Please call us at 201-205-2500 if you want to schedule an appointment or have questions about our fall pet safety tips.