Keep Your Pet Healthy This Fall

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, fall is one of the best times of year to get outside with your pets. But just like people, dogs and cats face seasonal health concerns that are important to keep in mind. At Allendale Veterinary Hospital, our team is here to help your companions stay safe, healthy, and comfortable in every season.

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Here are our top fall pet health tips to guide you this autumn:

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Halloween Safety for Pets

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Halloween is exciting for families but can be overwhelming(and even dangerous) for pets. At our animal hospital, we often see emergencies linked to candy and holiday décor, so a little preparation goes a long way:

• Keep candy out of reach: Chocolate and sugar-free items with xylitol are toxic to pets.
• Watch the wrappers: Foil and plastic can cause intestinal blockages.
• Reduce anxiety: Doorbells and visitors in costumes may frighten pets. Provide a quiet, safe space.
• Choose safe costumes: Costumes should never restrict breathing, sight, or movement.

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Stay Up to Date on Vaccines

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Fall often brings travel, boarding, and gatherings, making dog and cat vaccines essential. Core and lifestyle vaccines help protect against illnesses like:

• Rabies
• Bordetella (kennel cough)
• Canine influenza
• Feline leukemia (FeLV)

If you’re unsure which vaccines your pet needs, our veterinarians can make personalized recommendations during a wellness exam.

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Tip: If your pet hasn’t had their annual exam yet, now’s a great time to schedule one.

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Schedule a Fall Wellness Exam

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A seasonal check-up at our veterinary hospital is one of the best ways to prevent problems before they become serious. Cooler months can reveal or worsen conditions such as:

• Arthritis and joint stiffness
• Dry, itchy skin
• Weight gain from less activity
• Hidden dental disease

During your pet’s wellness exam, we’ll perform a full physical, run diagnostics in our in-house pet lab if needed, and provide guidance for nutrition, exercise, and preventive care.

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Maintain a Healthy Weight

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With less daylight and cooler weather, pets often get less exercise while still enjoying plenty of fall treats. Even a few extra pounds can lead to diabetes, heart disease, or joint pain. Our veterinarians can create a customized diet and fitness plan to keep your pet healthy year-round.

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Flea and Tick Prevention Doesn't Stop in the Fall

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Fleas and ticks don’t disappear with summer. In New Jersey, ticks remain active year-round, even through the late Fall and well into Winter, and fleas can live indoors year-round. Year-round protection is the best defense against conditions like Lyme disease, tapeworms, and flea dermatitis. If you’re unsure which product is best, our veterinary team will help you choose a safe, effective option.

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Fall Safety Around the Home

• Decor: Keep candles, essential oils, and plants like chrysanthemums out of reach.
• Warmth: Provide cozy bedding away from cold floors and drafts.
• Senior pets: Older pets may benefit from orthopedic beds, joint supplements, or extra mobility support.

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Fall Pet Health Checklist

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✔️ Schedule a wellness exam.

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✔️Update vaccines and parasite prevention.

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✔️Ask about supplements for joint support.

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✔️ Watch for weight gain.

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✔️ Keep festive decor and candy out of reach.

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Fall Into Better Health with Allendale Veterinary Hospital

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Every season brings new joys and new ways we can support your pet’s well-being. From vaccines to parasite prevention to senior support, our veterinary team is here to keep tails wagging and whiskers twitching all autumn long.