Tag: symptoms

Tips for Important Photos and Videos of Your Dog or Cat

Last week we suggested some uses for your phone beyond fun photos and videos for you pets to put on social media or share with family and friends. (Dog Lovers, Use Your Phone for More than Photos)

You should always have one great picture of your dog that you could share if your companion is lost or separated from you. Beyond that, we suggested using photos to communicate with your veterinary team, dog walkers, pets sitters, and other caregivers.

Tips For Photo & Video Communication

● Practice your photo/video skills before you need them.

● Set up an online account with services like Google Photos, iCloud, or YouTube and learn how to use them to upload your photos and videos, send links to someone who needs the information by email, or show it on your phone in person.

● If movement is part of the symptom, try to take videos with the animal walking towards you, away from you, and across the screen to give the doctor more points of view

● Create an album for specific ongoing issues. For example, if your dog is showing signs of seasonal allergies with goopy eyes, take photos of them for a few days and after treatment is underway. After surgery or a procedure take an initial photo of the scar or wound so you can compare it as days go by to be sure healing is taking place and redness is diminishing.

● Do your best in stressful situations. We don’t know if we would have been a great videographer when our first Westie Sassy was having seizures. However, we know it would have been wonderful to have been able to show the veterinary team exactly what her seizures looked like.

● Ask your veterinarian if they would like to be sent a video of a symptom prior to a visit and what they would charge for that type of consultation.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

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April 16, 2017
Dog Lovers, Use Your Phone for More than Photos

We bet you have a large collection of photos of your dogs and cats on your phone. We certainly do. A far more important use of our phones was sparked when Penny reviewed a study on dogs who were doing a lot of licking. She learned how you can use your phone to provide your veterinary team with vital information to help them with a diagnosis.

Take a Video of the Problem

The next time your dog or cat is limping, licking, gagging, or showing any other visible symptom that makes you think about a trip to the vet, take a video of the symptom or behavior. Upload the video to an Internet-based site and you can send a link to your vet or play it during your visit.

We all laugh about the number of times a symptom magically disappears when the cat or dog is on the examination table. If that occurs, you can present the video as a part of your report to the doctor.

Take Progressive Photos

In some cases, a close-up photo might work better to help you determine if an issue is getting worse or getting better. Taking a photo-a-day of an injury or problem can be a sure way for you and your vet to assess progress.

We did this recently when Poppy was under treatment for an irritated paw. Each day, after we cleaned and treated her paw, Ed would hold it as open as he could while Penny photographed the area. Looking at the photos together assured us the treatment was working and her paw was healing. You could do the same thing with videos if that works better.

About that Licking Study

I mentioned a study on dogs who were licking as a symptom of various problems. What I learned is that any odd licking should be reported to your vet the same way you would report a change in unusual eating or elimination symptoms. The study reported that 74% of dogs with excessive licking of surfaces had some form of a gastrointestinal disease. As a part of this study, the researchers had people take videos of the licking behavior.

Next Sunday, we'll share some tips for these photos and videos.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

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April 9, 2017
How Cold Is Too Cold for Your Sunday Dog?

As winter arrives and temperatures fall, we all worry about dogs out in the cold and ask ourselves, “How cold is too cold for a dog?” We gained new insights on this topic in a recent article by veterinarian Jennifer Coates, DVM for the website PetMD.com.

It Depends on the Dog

Just as some of us feel the cold more than others, some dogs are cold averse too and will try to cut short every trip outside in winter. Others (like all three of our West Highland White Terriers) love the cold and will stay out until they become pupsicles, if you let them.

Dogs like Huskies, Newfoundlands, and Samoyeds have a heavy double coat and a solid body type to protect them from the cold. On the other hand, lean-bodied, short-coated breeds, such as Greyhounds, need protection from the cold.

Small dogs tend to get colder quicker than larger ones. As our first two Westies aged, we became far more careful about the length of time they spent outside. A dog’s general health is also a factor in deciding how long your walks should be.

How much a dog is acclimatized to the cold should be taken into account. A recent transplant from a southern state may feel the cold far more than a New England dog that has been spending time outside all winter.

What’s more, every cold day is not the same. In winter, we become sunseekers choosing a route that will keep us, and our my dog Poppy, in bright sunshine whenever possible. Rain, wind, and icy surfaces can all reduce the time you will want to allow a dog to be outside.

General Guidelines

Dr. Coates offered the following, “In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45°F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable.

"When temperatures fall below 32°F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and/or very young, old, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet’s well-being.

"Once temperatures drop under 20°F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.”

Signs of Trouble

Dr. Kim Smyth, Staff Veterinarian and Pet Health Writer at Petplan explains, “Symptoms of hypothermia in pets range from weakness and shivering to inaudible heartbeat and trouble breathing, depending on severity.” If symptoms are present, she recommends the animal be moved to a warm area, wrapped in blankets, and transported to a veterinary care facility.

To Coat or Not to Coat

If you have a dog that needs some protection from the cold, there are certainly a wide variety of coats, sweaters, and jackets on the market. A friend recently purchased a combo coat set for her Greyhound Marley. It consists of a light fleece jacket for moderate days, an insulated coat for cold days, and a waterproof raincoat for wet days.

Coats not only keep a dog warm, but they also keep them clean. We put a toddler t-shirt under Poppy’s winter jacket to cover more of her fur. T-shirts are much easier to clean than a dog’s belly.

The next time you check the wind chill and add a few layers as you dress for a dog walk, ask yourself what you can do to see that your dog will be just as comfortable as you both stroll the streets of the city.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino (Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)
Photos: ©2012-2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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December 11, 2016
How Cold Is Too Cold for Your Sunday Dog?

As winter arrives and temperatures fall, we all worry about dogs out in the cold and ask ourselves, “How cold is too cold for a dog?” We gained new insights on this topic in a recent article by veterinarian Jennifer Coates, DVM for the website PetMD.com.

It Depends on the Dog

Just as some of us feel the cold more than others, some dogs are cold averse too and will try to cut short every trip outside in winter. Others (like all three of our West Highland White Terriers) love the cold and will stay out until they become pupsicles, if you let them.

Dogs like Huskies, Newfoundlands, and Samoyeds have a heavy double coat and a solid body type to protect them from the cold. On the other hand, lean-bodied, short-coated breeds, such as Greyhounds, need protection from the cold.

Small dogs tend to get colder quicker than larger ones. As our first two Westies aged, we became far more careful about the length of time they spent outside. A dog’s general health is also a factor in deciding how long your walks should be.

How much a dog is acclimatized to the cold should be taken into account. A recent transplant from a southern state may feel the cold far more than a New England dog that has been spending time outside all winter.

What’s more, every cold day is not the same. In winter, we become sunseekers choosing a route that will keep us, and our my dog Poppy, in bright sunshine whenever possible. Rain, wind, and icy surfaces can all reduce the time you will want to allow a dog to be outside.

General Guidelines

Dr. Coates offered the following, “In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45°F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable.

"When temperatures fall below 32°F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and/or very young, old, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet’s well-being.

"Once temperatures drop under 20°F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.”

Signs of Trouble

Dr. Kim Smyth, Staff Veterinarian and Pet Health Writer at Petplan explains, “Symptoms of hypothermia in pets range from weakness and shivering to inaudible heartbeat and trouble breathing, depending on severity.” If symptoms are present, she recommends the animal be moved to a warm area, wrapped in blankets, and transported to a veterinary care facility.

To Coat or Not to Coat

If you have a dog that needs some protection from the cold, there are certainly a wide variety of coats, sweaters, and jackets on the market. A friend recently purchased a combo coat set for her Greyhound Marley. It consists of a light fleece jacket for moderate days, an insulated coat for cold days, and a waterproof raincoat for wet days.

Coats not only keep a dog warm, but they also keep them clean. We put a toddler t-shirt under Poppy’s winter jacket to cover more of her fur. T-shirts are much easier to clean than a dog’s belly.

The next time you check the wind chill and add a few layers as you dress for a dog walk, ask yourself what you can do to see that your dog will be just as comfortable as you both stroll the streets of the city.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino (Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)
Photos: ©2012-2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Thanks to All the Sunday Dog People Who Did it Right & Shame on Scofflaws

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December 11, 2016
It’s That Time of Year! Holiday Season Pet Safety

The holiday season and winter, in general, present some dangers and inconvenience for those of us with beloved cats or dogs in our lives. From deicers on sidewalks to ribbons on holiday gifts, we have to be alert and proactive to protect our pals.

Curious Kitties

Playful and curious cats can find a lot of ways to get into trouble around holiday greenery, decorations, and packages. Tinsel is not just pretty, it is attractive and could be deadly to cats.

The folks at Pet Insurers warn, “The shiny, dangling decoration reflects light and can move in the slightest draft — appearing to come alive to watchful critters.” They explain that if consumed, “… this foreign body ingestion could actually be fatal as it twists and bunches inside your pet’s intestines. Immediate veterinary care is required.”

The same is true of ribbon. While it might be fun to see your cat or dog play with a piece of ribbon, don’t encourage this dangerous behavior and make sure ribbon is kept out of the reach of those playful mouths.

Fragile glass ornaments are best placed high on the tree out of the reach of pets. Broken decorations can cut paws or mouths and are a real danger if ingested. Electrical cords and holiday lights pose a risk of shock, if chewed by pets. And candles could be hazardous to everyone if knocked over by a playful paw.

Danger Outdoors

Winter is a dangerous time for any animal unattended outdoors. Cats have been known to seek the heat of warm car engines which can put them in peril. Dogs can ingest antifreeze or poisons meant for rodents. Keeping your pets indoors or on a leash is always smart but especially so in winter. A lost house pet would not have the coat or skills needed to survive on its own in sub-freezing conditions.

Deicers used on roads and sidewalks pose a different type of threat to our dogs. I’ve had two dogs who were very sensitive to salt and were subject to sore, irritated paws every winter. I wash my Westie Poppy’s paws any time she has come into contact with salt or a deicer even if she has worn her Pawz boots.

In addition to sore feet, salt and chemical deicers can also cause gastrointestinal upsets that could need veterinary care. In addition to cleaning your pet’s feet, ask your building, your neighbors, and the city to use sand and paw safe deicers in place of salt.

Holiday Plants and Food

Holiday entertaining can mean leaving food within reach of pets when we are distracted by party preparations or guests. Chocolate, some nuts, cookies, cakes, and high fat foods can all make your dog or cat sick.

Holiday plants, particularly pine needles, mistletoe, poinsettias, and holly, can cause vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, erratic behavior, hallucinations, depression, and even death when ingested. Lilies, often used in floral arrangements, are particularly dangerous for cats.

Save Time for Your Pets

Holidays put a lot of demands on our schedules but it’s important to pencil in some special time with our pets. In addition to unconditional appreciation for you and any time you choose to spend with them, our pets help lower our stress levels and blood pressure.

While it’s fun to buy gifts for our furry friends, they seem to love time spent with us best. Our Poppy always appears happiest when my husband is tossing one of her oldest toys across the room in an endless game of fetch. Or sitting with her cuddled up on one of us.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

November 27, 2016
It’s That Time of Year! Holiday Season Pet Safety

The holiday season and winter, in general, present some dangers and inconvenience for those of us with beloved cats or dogs in our lives. From deicers on sidewalks to ribbons on holiday gifts, we have to be alert and proactive to protect our pals.

Curious Kitties

Playful and curious cats can find a lot of ways to get into trouble around holiday greenery, decorations, and packages. Tinsel is not just pretty, it is attractive and could be deadly to cats.

The folks at Pet Insurers warn, “The shiny, dangling decoration reflects light and can move in the slightest draft — appearing to come alive to watchful critters.” They explain that if consumed, “… this foreign body ingestion could actually be fatal as it twists and bunches inside your pet’s intestines. Immediate veterinary care is required.”

The same is true of ribbon. While it might be fun to see your cat or dog play with a piece of ribbon, don’t encourage this dangerous behavior and make sure ribbon is kept out of the reach of those playful mouths.

Fragile glass ornaments are best placed high on the tree out of the reach of pets. Broken decorations can cut paws or mouths and are a real danger if ingested. Electrical cords and holiday lights pose a risk of shock, if chewed by pets. And candles could be hazardous to everyone if knocked over by a playful paw.

Danger Outdoors

Winter is a dangerous time for any animal unattended outdoors. Cats have been known to seek the heat of warm car engines which can put them in peril. Dogs can ingest antifreeze or poisons meant for rodents. Keeping your pets indoors or on a leash is always smart but especially so in winter. A lost house pet would not have the coat or skills needed to survive on its own in sub-freezing conditions.

Deicers used on roads and sidewalks pose a different type of threat to our dogs. I’ve had two dogs who were very sensitive to salt and were subject to sore, irritated paws every winter. I wash my Westie Poppy’s paws any time she has come into contact with salt or a deicer even if she has worn her Pawz boots.

In addition to sore feet, salt and chemical deicers can also cause gastrointestinal upsets that could need veterinary care. In addition to cleaning your pet’s feet, ask your building, your neighbors, and the city to use sand and paw safe deicers in place of salt.

Holiday Plants and Food

Holiday entertaining can mean leaving food within reach of pets when we are distracted by party preparations or guests. Chocolate, some nuts, cookies, cakes, and high fat foods can all make your dog or cat sick.

Holiday plants, particularly pine needles, mistletoe, poinsettias, and holly, can cause vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, erratic behavior, hallucinations, depression, and even death when ingested. Lilies, often used in floral arrangements, are particularly dangerous for cats.

Save Time for Your Pets

Holidays put a lot of demands on our schedules but it’s important to pencil in some special time with our pets. In addition to unconditional appreciation for you and any time you choose to spend with them, our pets help lower our stress levels and blood pressure.

While it’s fun to buy gifts for our furry friends, they seem to love time spent with us best. Our Poppy always appears happiest when my husband is tossing one of her oldest toys across the room in an endless game of fetch. Or sitting with her cuddled up on one of us.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

November 27, 2016
Latest Flu Vaccination Information for 2017-2018 Season, Boston Area Resources to Find a Flu Shot
Here's the latest Flu Shot information. We've compiled a list of sources to help you search for and better understand this season's vaccination.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us, "There are many vaccine options to choose from, but the most important thing is for all people 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine every year." >> Here's What You Need to Know.

In this post, you'll also find assistance from federal, state, and local authorities – including medical institutions and retail stores. There are sites to track flu activity, plus suggestions that could help save you time and money.

As always, check with your doctor or other healthcare professionals for any flu-related advice.

Do federal, state, and city health officials have any updates on flu or flu vaccinations?
- Get all the latest facts on the 2017-2018 Flu Season and this year's vaccine @ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines, 2017-18 from the CDC.
- Frequently Asked Flu Questions 2017-2018 Influenza Season (CDC)
- Massachusetts Health and Human Services is continuing its Flu Facts site. Learn more here.
- Commonwealth Conversations: Public Health has a Weekly Flu Report.
Where can I get a flu vaccination in the Boston area?
- Here's a search box made available to us by the CDC. Just enter your Zip Code, tap go, and you'll have a map of options:
Where can I get a flu vaccination in the surrounding area?
- Massachusetts General Hospital has flu shot clinics scheduled around the area. Some are for patients, some are for everyone over 18. (You will need to register with MGH if you are not already in the MGH system.)
- The Boston Public Health Commission lists the Latest Flu Clinics.
- MyLocalClinic.com
What's the level of flu activity in our area?
- Google flu trends will give you the current level of flu activity in Massachusetts.
- More on regional/worldwide flu activity: Here
More details below ...
- Many Pharmacies have flu vaccine, including CVS, Walgreens, and RiteAid.
- If you haven't checked lately, this might be a good time to consult with your primary care physician for the latest flu shot information.
- Whichever flu shot location you choose, we recommend that you call the site directly before going.
MGH has this great cold or flu chart on their flu resource center.

They also give you the Flu A-Z information.

Here's a link to information on caring for someone with the flu and preventing the spread of the disease.

And, for a friend suffering from a bad cold or the flu, remember Chicken Soup for a Sick Friend!

Follow us on Twitter for alerts when we update this article.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo Credit: James Gathany, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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September 9, 2016
Latest Flu Vaccination Information for 2017-2018 Season, Boston Area Resources to Find a Flu Shot
Here's the latest Flu Shot information. We've compiled a list of sources to help you search for and better understand this season's vaccination.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us, "There are many vaccine options to choose from, but the most important thing is for all people 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine every year." >> Here's What You Need to Know.

In this post, you'll also find assistance from federal, state, and local authorities – including medical institutions and retail stores. There are sites to track flu activity, plus suggestions that could help save you time and money.

As always, check with your doctor or other healthcare professionals for any flu-related advice.

Do federal, state, and city health officials have any updates on flu or flu vaccinations?
- Get all the latest facts on the 2017-2018 Flu Season and this year's vaccine @ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines, 2017-18 from the CDC.
- Frequently Asked Flu Questions 2017-2018 Influenza Season (CDC)
- Massachusetts Health and Human Services is continuing its Flu Facts site. Learn more here.
- Commonwealth Conversations: Public Health has a Weekly Flu Report.
Where can I get a flu vaccination in the Boston area?
- Here's a search box made available to us by the CDC. Just enter your Zip Code, tap go, and you'll have a map of options:
Where can I get a flu vaccination in the surrounding area?
- Massachusetts General Hospital has flu shot clinics scheduled around the area. Some are for patients, some are for everyone over 18. (You will need to register with MGH if you are not already in the MGH system.)
- The Boston Public Health Commission lists the Latest Flu Clinics.
- MyLocalClinic.com
What's the level of flu activity in our area?
- Google flu trends will give you the current level of flu activity in Massachusetts.
- More on regional/worldwide flu activity: Here
More details below ...
- Many Pharmacies have flu vaccine, including CVS, Walgreens, and RiteAid.
- If you haven't checked lately, this might be a good time to consult with your primary care physician for the latest flu shot information.
- Whichever flu shot location you choose, we recommend that you call the site directly before going.
MGH has this great cold or flu chart on their flu resource center.

They also give you the Flu A-Z information.

Here's a link to information on caring for someone with the flu and preventing the spread of the disease.

And, for a friend suffering from a bad cold or the flu, remember Chicken Soup for a Sick Friend!

Follow us on Twitter for alerts when we update this article.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo Credit: James Gathany, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Related articles

Good Question: When Is The Best Time To Get The Flu Shot?

Which New Flu Vaccines Are Right for You?

Flu Season Is Here–Vaccinate to Protect You and Your Loved Ones from Flu
September 9, 2016
The Dogs of Fall

Poppy has a bit more spring in her step in fall and doesn’t mind sharing her bench with a pile of leaves.

Over the past few weeks, you've been able see which dogs love the fall season. My Poppy is one of them. She is not a fan of hot days and certainly has more spring in her step when the cooler temperatures arrive.

“He loves this cool weather,” another friends said as her dog bounced through the park. These pups don’t stop to chat until they've burned off some of that autumn energy by speed walking a few blocks and then back to us.

People, too, have more energy in the cooler months to entertain their dogs. This may mean visits to hiking trails or trips to the country for long walks and a happy time for the dogs who accompany them.

Beaches that were forbidden territory all summer are now open to endless games of fetch the ball or stick for those who choose to share their recreation with dogs.

Here's our pal Bear waiting for Poppy in a nest of leaves.

Leaves

The leaves we enjoy for their color and crunch underfoot are irresistible toys to some dogs. It’s fun to watch a pup chase a leaf down a sidewalk. Dogs with very curious noses enjoy the scents that leaves hold. And some dogs like nothing better than exploring and jumping through piles of leaves.

While back yard leaf piles may be fun, I’m wary of leaves collected from urban parks and sidewalks. Those piles may hold pieces of broken glass, litter, discarded food, or even syringes.

For some reason, the parks department often gathers all leaves on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall into piles on the walkway and there the piles remain, sometimes for a week or more. This puts some of the benches off limits and makes the busy walkway more congested. It also allows the wind to scatter those leaves across the lawns so that workers must collect them again.

Leaves also add a degree of difficulty for those who faithfully pick up after their dogs. With leaves to offer camouflage, if you glance away for just a second, a quick scoop can turn into a long, slow hunt among the leaves.

Allergic to Fall?

For some dogs (and people), those leaf piles can be a source of an allergic reaction. Even after the hard frost kills off ragweed and other fall irritants, dogs may still be bothered by leaf mold.

The website VetInfo.com has a great description of the symptoms. “Mold-allergic dogs sneeze frequently, and they may develop a cough or have watery eyes. Other dog-specific signs of a mold allergy include recurring ear infections and licking, scratching and biting at their skin because it becomes itchy.”

If this sounds familiar, check with your veterinarian for treatments and avoid those leaf piles. You might also give your dog a rub down with a damp towel when you return from a walk to remove surface irritants. Try to stick to the paths when outside and restrict time spent exploring damp piles of leaves.

Ritual Changes

Some dogs respect the season with changes in their routines. Poppy sleeps-in more mornings when the sun doesn’t wake her. Her predecessor, Maggie Mae, snuggled with us more in the cool months than in summer. If your dog tends to put on winter weight, this can be a good time to trim down with extra exercise before winter storms restrict outside activity.

It is a time of change for you and your dog. Enjoy the good things, deal with the downsides, and relish each day of fall with your beloved canine companion.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino Adapted for BostonZest from one of her CIty Paws newspaper columns
Photos: ©2013-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino and itchy dog from iStockphoto.

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November 15, 2015
The Dogs of Fall

Poppy has a bit more spring in her step in fall and doesn’t mind sharing her bench with a pile of leaves.

Over the past few weeks, you've been able see which dogs love the fall season. My Poppy is one of them. She is not a fan of hot days and certainly has more spring in her step when the cooler temperatures arrive.

“He loves this cool weather,” another friends said as her dog bounced through the park. These pups don’t stop to chat until they've burned off some of that autumn energy by speed walking a few blocks and then back to us.

People, too, have more energy in the cooler months to entertain their dogs. This may mean visits to hiking trails or trips to the country for long walks and a happy time for the dogs who accompany them.

Beaches that were forbidden territory all summer are now open to endless games of fetch the ball or stick for those who choose to share their recreation with dogs.

Here's our pal Bear waiting for Poppy in a nest of leaves.

Leaves

The leaves we enjoy for their color and crunch underfoot are irresistible toys to some dogs. It’s fun to watch a pup chase a leaf down a sidewalk. Dogs with very curious noses enjoy the scents that leaves hold. And some dogs like nothing better than exploring and jumping through piles of leaves.

While back yard leaf piles may be fun, I’m wary of leaves collected from urban parks and sidewalks. Those piles may hold pieces of broken glass, litter, discarded food, or even syringes.

For some reason, the parks department often gathers all leaves on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall into piles on the walkway and there the piles remain, sometimes for a week or more. This puts some of the benches off limits and makes the busy walkway more congested. It also allows the wind to scatter those leaves across the lawns so that workers must collect them again.

Leaves also add a degree of difficulty for those who faithfully pick up after their dogs. With leaves to offer camouflage, if you glance away for just a second, a quick scoop can turn into a long, slow hunt among the leaves.

Allergic to Fall?

For some dogs (and people), those leaf piles can be a source of an allergic reaction. Even after the hard frost kills off ragweed and other fall irritants, dogs may still be bothered by leaf mold.

The website VetInfo.com has a great description of the symptoms. “Mold-allergic dogs sneeze frequently, and they may develop a cough or have watery eyes. Other dog-specific signs of a mold allergy include recurring ear infections and licking, scratching and biting at their skin because it becomes itchy.”

If this sounds familiar, check with your veterinarian for treatments and avoid those leaf piles. You might also give your dog a rub down with a damp towel when you return from a walk to remove surface irritants. Try to stick to the paths when outside and restrict time spent exploring damp piles of leaves.

Ritual Changes

Some dogs respect the season with changes in their routines. Poppy sleeps-in more mornings when the sun doesn’t wake her. Her predecessor, Maggie Mae, snuggled with us more in the cool months than in summer. If your dog tends to put on winter weight, this can be a good time to trim down with extra exercise before winter storms restrict outside activity.

It is a time of change for you and your dog. Enjoy the good things, deal with the downsides, and relish each day of fall with your beloved canine companion.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino Adapted for BostonZest from one of her CIty Paws newspaper columns
Photos: ©2013-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino and itchy dog from iStockphoto.

Related articles

Retractable Leash Alternatives From the Experts at Pawsh

Tips and Links for Dealing with Allergy Season

Tips for Dealing with Uncontrolled Dogs

November 15, 2015