Fall Pet Health Tips for Dogs and Cats

Fall in New Jersey is the perfect season for long walks, crisp air, and cozy evenings with your pets. But as the weather cools and holiday activities pick up, new health concerns arise for dogs and cats. At Packanack Animal Hospital, we’re here to help your pets enjoy the season safely with comprehensive veterinary care—from wellness exams to emergency care.

Here are our top tips for keeping your pet healthy this fall:

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Halloween Safety for Pets

Halloween is full of excitement for people, but it can bring stress and hidden dangers for pets. Each year, our vet hospital sees emergencies linked to candy ingestion, decorations, and costumes. Protect your pet by:

• Keeping candy out of reach: Chocolate and sugar-free gum/candy with xylitol are toxic to dogs and cats.
• Being mindful of wrappers: Foil and plastic can cause dangerous blockages if swallowed.
• Easing anxiety: Trick-or-treaters, costumes, and ringing doorbells can overwhelm pets. Set up a quiet, secure space.
• Choosing safe costumes: If your pet wears a costume, make sure it's comfortable, breathable, and never left on when your pet is unsupervised.

If your pet eats something harmful or suddenly seems unwell, our team is here with emergency veterinary care in Wayne, NJ when you need it most.

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Stay Current on Dog and Cat Vaccines

Fall often means more travel, boarding, and holiday visitors. Staying on top of dog vaccines and cat vaccines protects your pet from contagious illnesses, including:

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

Our veterinarians will recommend the best vaccines based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors. If it’s been a while since your pet’s last checkup, this is a great time to schedule their annual exam at our pet hospital.

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Schedule a Fall Wellness Exam

Cooler months can make some health issues more noticeable—like arthritis, skin dryness, weight changes, or dental concerns. A seasonal wellness exam at our animal hospital in Wayne allows us to:

• Check your pet from nose to tail
• Run preventive screenings in our in-house lab
• Provide personalized recommendations for diet, exercise, and supplements

Early detection helps us keep your pet feeling their best all year long.

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Keep an Eye on Weight

Shorter days and colder weather can mean less activity, while holiday treats add extra calories. Even a small weight gain can put stress on your pet’s joints and increase the risk of diabetes or heart disease. Our veterinary team can create a customized nutrition and exercise plan to help keep your pet healthy.

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Continue Parasite Prevention

Fleas and ticks remain active well into Fall and even through the Winter in New Jersey, and fleas can survive indoors year-round. Skipping prevention puts your pet at risk for Lyme disease, heartworm, and intestinal parasites. Our veterinarians will help you select the safest and most effective preventatives.

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Fall Pet Safety at Home

• Keep candles, essential oils, and plants like chrysanthemums out of reach.
• Provide cozy bedding away from cold floors and drafts.
• Support senior pets with orthopedic beds, joint supplements, or mobility aids.

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Fall Pet Health Checklist

✔️ Schedule a fall wellness exam

✔️ Update dog and cat vaccines

✔️ Maintain flea, tick, and heartworm prevention

✔️ Support joint health in senior pets

✔️ Watch for weight gain

✔️ Know where to go for emergency care

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Trusted Veterinary Care for Your Pet

At Packanack Animal Hospital, we’re more than just a veterinary hospital for wellness visits—we’re also here for you in urgent situations. Whether your pet needs vaccines, dental care, parasite prevention, or unexpected emergency veterinary care, our team is ready to provide the compassionate, expert support your family can count on.