10 Ways to Prepare in Autumn for Winter Dog Care

As brisk fall days signal the end of summer and the coming of colder weather, what should dog owners do to care properly for their canine companions?

Here are 10 tips to help dog lovers look after their Labradors, Boxers, Chihuahuas, Poodles, Retrievers or other canine favorites.

1. Give your dog a fall grooming.

Dogs naturally grow thick winter coats each year, and you can stimulate this process with a thorough shedding and shampooing. Be sure to brush out all mats and tangles.

2. Include a flea dip for your dog.

A flea dip is a smart step before bringing your pet inside for winter. Once fleas enter upholstery and carpets, they can be tough to lose.

3. Procure winter pet wear.

If you plan to dress your dog in a sweater for outdoor wear, now is the time to buy it. Just don't put it on your pet too soon. A few weeks of cool fall temperatures will jump-start his coat growth, unless you cover him.

4. Look out for leaf piles.

Autumn leaves may tempt your pooch for playing or burying bones, but raked piles also harbor dangers. Snakes, rodents or sharp objects may hide there.

5. Beware of bee stings.

As summer flowers fade and the mercury drops, stinging insects grow ever angrier. Keep dogs away from nests, sugary spills, garbage cans and other sites where bees congregate.

6. Keep your dog away from pesticides.

Autumn is prime time for putting mousetraps and rodent poisons out, when pesky creatures may begin seeking indoor access. These products are dangerous to dogs, so be cautious where you leave them.

7. Be cautious about antifreeze.

Wipe up antifreeze spills immediately. Antifreeze tastes sweet, but it's deadly for dogs, unless you choose non-toxic options. Some antifreezes contain bittering agents, making them less enticing to canines.

8. Prepare a sheltered spot for your dog.

If your dog lives outside, autumn offers time to prepare his shelter. A sturdy dog house or a doggy door will prove essential when winter winds blow. Help him grow accustomed , so he'll settle in before the snow flies.

9. Bump up your dog's nutrition.

Like most creatures, dogs burn more calories in cold weather. Begin ramping up your canine's consumption in autumn, as needed.

10. Offer your pet plenty of exercise.

Caring pet owners find creative ways to keep dogs moving in winter. Even house dogs need workouts. Agility classes and indoor playtimes in pet-friendly facilities are ideal. Shorter, frequent outside trips are better than fewer extended jaunts.

Winter pet care begins with autumn preparation.

More from this contributor:

5 Ways to Protect Your Pet's Paws in Every Season

10 Tips for Horseback Riding Safely in Winter

10 Tips for Caring for Furry House Pets in Winter Weather

Linda Ann Nickerson, pet lover, equestrian and horse breeder, brings decades of reporting and a globally minded Midwestern perspective to a host of topics, balancing human interest with history, hard facts and often humor.