FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM OCTOBER 24, 2019 • THE QUEENS COURIER 49
Seven tips for enjoying autumn with your furry friend
Autumn is a great time to get out of the
house and enjoy the outdoors in the company
of your favorite four-legged friend.
Th e temperatures have cooled down and
the fall colors are starting to appear, yet it’s
not too cold to enjoy a brisk walk or even a
leisurely stroll together. It’s also a fun time
to enjoy holidays and treats with your pet
- as long as you know what’s healthy for
them, and what’s not.
Here are some do’s and don’ts for enjoying
the changing season with your furry
best friend this fall.
DO enjoy long walks or hikes with your
dog. Like humans, dogs need exercise, and
they don’t usually get enough of a workout
just hanging out in your backyard.
Whether you opt for a fast-paced walk or
jog, or a longer, more relaxed walk around
a park, chances are you will enjoy it almost
as much as your dog does. And it’s good for
both of you! Stop to play a game like fetch
with your pooch once in a while, especially
if you’re starting to feel worn out but your
dog still has pep. You’ll both come back
home relaxed and happy.
DON’T let your dog off the leash unless
it’s permitted, such as at your local dog
park. Even then, know your dog and his
or her behavior, and let that be your guide
- if you have diffi culty controlling your pet
around other dogs or unfamiliar humans,
a leash will also help keep your pet safe
from harm.
DO let your dog frolic in your piles of
leaves as you’re cleaning up the yard this
fall. While it may take you longer to complete
your task, your dog will have a ton of
fun - especially small-prey hunting dogs
that like to burrow, such as terriers.
DO check your dog thoroughly for ticks
aft er spending any time outdoors, and do
this just outside the front door, to avoid
bringing any pests inside. You can get
advice on tick removal and prevention
from your veterinarian.
DO let your dog enjoy occasional treats
that are made especially for dogs. Some
are created to celebrate the season, like
Purina’s limited edition treat - Beggin’
Strips With Real Pumpkin. Real meat is
the fi rst ingredient, and they are also made
using real bacon, with no artifi cial fl avors
or FD&C colors. Your dog will enjoy the
fl avor of real pumpkin, just like you do.
DON’T let your dog eat table scraps, no
matter what holiday you’re celebrating.
According to Dr. Kurt Venator, chief veterinary
offi cer at Purina, many holiday favorites,
from chocolate, grapes and raisins to
ingredients like onions, can be hazardous
to a dog’s health. Another very harmful
ingredient for dogs is xylitol, an artifi cial
sweetener found in things like gum, mints
and candy. Even a small amount of xylitol
can be very hazardous to dogs.
DO consider making or buying an outdoor
dog house for your four-legged pal,
if you don’t already have one. While dogs
still enjoy spending time outdoors yearround,
it’s a good idea to provide some
shelter from rain, cold and wind as the season
heads toward winter. Th e internet and
your local home improvement store are
great resources for DIY dog house building
plans and materials. Th is is also a great
project to involve the kids.
Enjoy your pet during this festive season
by sharing the best of the weather and
appropriate treats with your dog. Make the
most of the season so you’ll both have great
memories to last you through the colder
days of winter ahead.
Courtesy BPT
pets
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