Seasonal changes in your pooch

Round & About

With autumn under way, you may see a different version of your dog than you have earlier in the year. So what’s going on? Zara Linehan of More Than Sit Dog Training has the answers

As the days get colder and damper, arthritis and joint issues may become more problematic for pooch than in the warmer months. Dogs are excellent at masking pain but look out for: 

• stiffness or lameness when moving, especially when getting up; 

• reluctance to go on walks, use stairs or sit when asked; 

• less tolerance of others in their personal space. 

If you suspect your dog might have arthritis, chat to your vet. There’s lot you can do to help alleviate their discomfort: medication, hydrotherapy and changes in the home, like supportive bedding and providing non-slip surfaces, can drastically improve pup’s quality of life. 

At this time of year, your dog’s nose might also go into overdrive and they become more distracted. Moisture captures scent molecules, so damp days become more enticing for sniffing dogs. Coupled with increased biological activity in humid soil, there’s lots to keep your dog’s nose (and brain) busy! 

With dusk falling earlier, you may find pooch is more alert on their evening walks. Dogs have excellent vision in low light levels and are better at detecting movement than humans, but their detailed vision is not as good.  

Your dog may see and react to something you may not notice or think twice about. For example, a parent carrying their child on their shoulders may appear to your dog as a giant two-headed monster. Or a person struggling along with grocery bags will walk, sound and look different to the pedestrians your dog usually sees. If pup does spook at something: increase distance to help them feel more comfortable; allow them time to watch, process and understand they’re not under threat; and, as always, give them heaps of praise for being so brave!