Fall in to Autumn

It’s only been a few days in to September but already I’m thinking about the dark nights and Bonfire Night.  Because for me, the year starts again each September when the summer is over.  To be honest, I’d rather set new goals in the sunny evenings than on a cold, wet January night.  Although I do like those crisp dry days when the sun shines and the dogs get to have a run. 

So how can you stay positive and prepare yourself and your dog for the change in the season?  There are a few things to think about so let’s look at each month individually.

September

It’s still warm out (global warming) and the nights aren’t drawing in yet.  Right now, there are lots of wasps and other insects around.  Be careful when walking near them.  Dogs who put their noses to close to a wasps nest get in trouble!  If your dog does get stung, take it straight to the vets in case they have an allergic reaction.  I have a canine first aid certificate so I can deal with most things and there are a few courses out there that might be good to attend so you can feel more confident. 

For a puppy who has had people around during the summer, the new school term is also a big change.  You will probably take them on the school run in the car or walking.  They may suddenly find that their playmates are away for most of the day.  Try teaching your pup to settle down on its own during the day with a lovely chew and some play time with you.  And encourage them to greet people at the school gate calmly by sitting and waiting. 

October

As you all know, Rupert is an entire male dog.  And he’s four years old so is at the top of his game.  Around this month he will be more attuned to girl dogs.  Poor Edie finds herself as a target for at least two weeks.  She is spayed but has the nice pheromones, smells and hormones that make her so attractive.  For girl dogs who come into season it’s best to keep them at home for a couple of weeks to avoid any accidents. 

Your dog (entire or otherwise) will also be reacting to the scents around him or her.  As the trees and bushes start to drop their leaves the smells build up.  All the spaniels, and dogs with good noses, will be going nuts!  Big piles of leaves attract hedgehogs and other creatures starting to hibernate so be mindful of not letting your dog go straight in without checking first.  Once the leaves are wet the scents increase - mornings are the worst time as the dew is still sitting on the ground amplifying everything. Teaching your dog a firm “leave it” helps you to avoid your dog snuffling and bringing home all the rubbish they find.

It would be about now that I would start thinking of Bonfire Night (although fireworks seem to start earlier and last longer these days).  If your dog is very reactive, you need to see your vet or start using a calming herbal treatment.  I recommend the Valerian Compound or Valerian & Scullcap tablets from Dorwest Herbs (I’m a stockist and have always got these in stock) so come and see me for more information.  For pups who haven’t experienced fireworks before try and be calm when you hear them.  Don’t ignore them but don’t make too much of a fuss.  And just for one year, stay home on the big night rather than leave your pup at home on its own with all the noise.

November

It’s dark now in the evenings by about 5pm so it’s a good time to think about your dogs routine.  Walking in the chilly, wet evenings is no good for anyone so keep those walks short and functional.  Dogs really don’t mind if they get shorter walks at this time of year.  A longer walk in the daylight is much nicer - either with you or a dog walker - and leave the evenings as a chance to practice your training or some mental games instead.

Puppies can also be rather scared in the dark as they often see and hear things we can’t.  So it’s better to keep things short and fun and on lead.  Losing a dog is difficult enough in the daylight but at night it can be scary for all concerned.  I’m thinking of getting a light to attach to the dogs collars or you can buy an LED collar although I think it would annoy me!  My last walk of a night is about 15 minutes and we look at the stars, listen to the owls and then go back indoors for a nice hot cup of tea and a gravy bone.

And finally, if your dog feels the cold buy them a decent coat. My two have single coats and end up looking like drowned rats when they get wet. So they have a fleece coat for cold dry days and a raincoat for wet walks. It’s not silly to put a coat on your dog it’s common sense. Also make sure that you look after their paws. I use a paw balm (Dorwest of course) on their pads so that they stay soft and protected during the wet weather. The balm means a lovely foot massage for your dog too. 

So there you go.  A few tips and ideas for how to make that transition into the autumn a positive experience.  And not a single mention of Christmas… doh!