Autumn Adventures: Making the Most of Fall Walks with Your Pet 

Fall is the perfect time to get back to nature, and whether you’re planning to hit the hiking trails or simply take long, leisurely autumn walks with pets, our team at Bowman Veterinary Hospital has you covered with health and safety tips to keep you and your pets on the move.

Before You Explore

The first step before trying a new trail or exploring a new walking route is to make sure your canine companion (or fitness-loving feline) is healthy and protected against potential risks. Before taking fall walks with dogs, prioritize your pet’s health with these tips:

• Hiking is a great source of fall exercise for pets, but if it’s been a while since your dog’s last wellness visit, a nose-to-tail physical exam is warranted. We might also suggest bloodwork to check for health conditions that can worsen during physical exertion or at high altitudes. 
• Is your dog up to date on vaccines? New environments equal new exposures, so make sure your pet is protected from infectious diseases like rabies and the dangers of rattlesnake bites.
• Because flying pests and parasites go hand-in-paw with exploring the great outdoors, proper parasite prevention is essential to protect your pet from heartworms, fleas, and tick-borne illnesses.

Fall Hiking Tips for Pets 

If hiking trails are calling your name, Auburn has hundreds of miles of scenic hiking trails for people and their adventure-loving pets. Once your pet gets a clean bill of health, it’s time to gear up and choose a trail! Keep these fall hiking tips for pets in mind:

• Start with shorter trails and gradually increase your distance.
• If you have a senior pet, stick to trails marked “easy.”
• Use a fixed-length leash (not a retractable one), and always keep your dog under control.
• Make sure your dog wears a collar with accurate ID tags and have your pet microchipped.
• Follow all leash laws and do not allow your dog to approach other animals or people.
• Properly dispose of pet waste.
• Don’t let your dog wander off the trail or harm plants.
• Take along your pet’s essentials, such as clean drinking water, food and treats, and sunscreen.
• It gets dark sooner, so make sure your pet is wearing a reflective collar and coat.
• Don’t let your pet drink from rivers or other bodies of water.

Play it Safe

Lower temperatures make fall walks with dogs much more enjoyable, but pay attention to your pet’s cues, and take frequent breaks for rest and water. 

The following symptoms could be signs that your pet is experiencing overexertion or developing altitude sickness, both of which can quickly escalate into an emergency:

• Panting/rapid breathing
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Weakness and fatigue
• Pale gums
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability

We want you and your furry sidekicks to thoroughly enjoy autumn walks with pets. Please contact us if it’s time for a wellness exam or if you’d like more tips on fall exercise for pets.