Fit for autumn with your furry friend

Cool nights and sometimes still sunny days. For most dogs, too, autumn is the loveliest season. They can see far, as the trees have shed their leaves, and romp to their heart's content in the piles of leaves. It is no longer hot and not yet properly cold. Perfect for long walks, as every ray of sunshine strengthens the immune system of both dog and human. Even half an hour of enjoying the sun, fresh air and exercise contributes to a healthy immune system and keeps you and your four-legged friend fit. I would like to help you enjoy this lovely time safely.

Take care on the walk together

On longer walks there is now, in autumn, quite a bit to bear in mind. The acorn, for example, has to be prepared for human enjoyment. The same also applies to our furry friends. Raw acorns can become dangerous for our four-legged friends, as they contain tannin. Tannin is one of the tanning agents. Should the dog take in these substances, they can damage the intestinal flora and trigger severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Should it happen that your dog eats acorns, do not hesitate to visit a veterinary practice. However, with acorns you usually do not have to fear an acute poisoning that leads to an emergency. Nevertheless, it is more caring to take precautions so that it does not come to the worst in the first place.

Protection from the cold for the furry friends in everyday life

Slowly, protection from cold and wet is now called for as well, as winter is now approaching. If your dog has no undercoat and is cold, you may happily reach for a lined rain jacket for your four-legged friend. Even if others smile, you are doing your animal good, sparing it suffering and protecting its health. When it gets frosty, we recommend happily wrapping the dog in a warm winter jacket. This is especially important for older dogs and those with pre-existing health conditions, whose immune system is no longer the strongest. Small dogs with short legs should also keep a warm belly, as they can easily get a bladder infection or a kidney infection.

Many dogs are now getting their winter coat. A lot of brushing is extremely important, as even with sparse summer undercoat the little hairs get stuck in the topcoat. Dogs with a thick undercoat now look much fluffier and thicker, which is often mistakenly confused with weight gain. In our holistic approach, we like to support the change of coat with high-quality vital substances.

Visibility and safety in the dark season

Good light for better visibility is now important. At dusk it is good, for the furry friend and for yourself, to wear a reflective vest as well as corresponding leads and harnesses. These serve to make you more easily recognisable to drivers, cyclists and other people. If you go away from brightly lit streets, a head torch and a light-up hat for yourself as well as a light-up collar for the dog are appropriate. On busy roads, care should be taken that fallen leaves make the roads slippery and lengthen the braking distances.

Out into the forest with your four-legged friend

There is no better place for foraging, climbing or digging. You can try games with your dog that are like gymnastics for it. It is wonderful when the dog can trudge through dense, dried leaves. You can also guide it over branches and thin tree trunks lying on the ground. A tip, if you are often out on the same routes, is to lay down branches at certain spots. This way you can use them again and again as sports and play equipment. You should take care to guide the dog with a low-held hand, so that it can see where it is stepping. You can also provide a lot of fun with hidden treats and hold a search game. This way you keep your furry friend on its toes and mentally fit.

Legal provisions on letting dogs run free in the forest

When the weather is not too cold, the forest is a marvellous playground. However, you should find out what is allowed and what is forbidden. In Germany this is governed by the Federal Forest Act. It states that you may enter the forest for recreational purposes. That also applies to the areas of forest away from the paths. In addition, there are forestry laws of the respective federal states, which can be viewed on the internet. Restrictions may arise in protected areas. In general, dogs running free must be able to be recalled and must by no means poach. Consideration for wildlife and other people seeking recreation is absolutely required.

Strengthening the immune system in the cold season

A strong immune system is equally important for dog and human. It protects against illness and stabilises the whole organism. Especially in older furry friends the defences decline through the natural ageing process. Here you should lend your dog a hand, as nature holds everything ready for it. A balanced supply of vitamins, minerals and proteins is now decisive. Natural vital substances can help to support the immune system in a caring way and create a healthy basis for winter. This way your best friend stays vital and full of the joys of life even when temperatures fall.

This article serves as general information and as caring preparation for a lovely autumn time with your dog.