Cooler weather should not be used as an excuse to skip walking the dog. An exercise-deprived dog usually develops a serious case of cabin fever, which escalates to frustration-induced behaviors such as hyperactivity and destructiveness. Dogs (as well as humans) need DAILY exercise to keep physically and emotionally fit!

If the weather is really uncooperative, making it impractical to exercise outdoors, a treadmill can be a great tool to help your dog stay active. Most dogs adapt to treadmill exercise if they are introduced to it slowly, but it is important to be patient and never push the dog…if she gets spooks, she may never get comfortable enough to enjoy using it, and NEVER leave a dog on the treadmill unsupervised. With a few extra precautions, you can keep your pet safe and healthy during these crisp, cool autumn months!

Winter does pose one serious risk to our furry friends. Most people winterize their automobiles in the fall. Traditional auto antifreeze is lethal to animals, and dogs are attracted to it because of the sweet-salty taste. Suffering is a horrific part of antifreeze poisoning and as little as a ¼ teaspoon ingested from a puddle on the garage floor can kill an animal.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, at least 10,000 dogs drink antifreeze every year, and most die! Mindy Bough of the ASPCA Poison Control Center stresses that just a few licks can cause kidney failure—even a small amount that may be licked off a paw. Propylene glycol-based coolants are available, and although they are less toxic than the traditional ethylene glycol-based coolant, it is important to not allow even a drop of any antifreeze to remain where your pet has access to it.