Morristown, TN
The leaves changing colors on the trees. That crisp feeling in the air first thing in the morning. The smoky smell from a campfire or fire pot. These are just a handful of the sights, smells and sounds that tell you that fall is here. And you’re not the only one aware of the shift in seasons. Your dog knows it, and shows it through changes in their behavior. Today on the blog, your canine care experts in Jefferson City take a look at why dogs tend to become more active in the fall, and how we can help.
Why do dogs become more energetic in the fall?
One reason can stem from a decrease in serotonin, a hormone that serves as a natural mood stabilizer and is influenced by fluctuations in exposure to sunlight. These changes in serotonin levels could make your dog more energetic, or more lethargic than usual.
In most cases, though, dogs ramp up their activity when fall arrives. For one thing, the cooler weather makes it more pleasant to stay outside for longer periods of time. They’ll be more eager to head outdoors and want to go more often. It’s a great season for long walks (or even a hike if you can trust your dog not to scamper off) and playtime sessions in the backyard. It’s a great time to get out in the neighborhood and explore. Or, your dog may just want to bask in the sunshine, knowing they can do so indefinitely without concern about becoming overheated.
The weather is just one reason your dog wants to be outside more during the fall. Allergens tend to decrease during the fall. That means less wheezing, sneezing, itchiness, rashes, watery eyes, and any of the other allergy symptoms common to dogs – or, as you might notice, people.
The insect population also decreases as fall approaches, meaning fewer pesky buzzing pests as they go into hibernation. You should still stay on top of their flea and tick treatments, though.
What other changes in behavior might you see from your dog in the fall?
When the weather starts to become colder, many animals feel the instinct to start eating more, providing more natural insulation to get through the winter to come. You just want to make sure the food intake doesn’t increase so greatly that your dog experiences unwanted weight gain.
Your dog also may become more anxious during the colder weather, either from storms or the greater likelihood of blustery winds. Certain breeds of dog can become restless, hide or bark for seemingly no reason when the wind is blowing. Make sure to provide your nervous four-legged family member with a safe space somewhere in their home when the weather starts getting rough.
PlayCamp in Jefferson City, Tennessee
Your dog thrives in routine. That routine changes in the fall as the household routine shifts, such as when kids in the house return to school. Your dog might show signs of separation anxiety, especially if they are left alone more often than they are accustomed. If this applies to your household, consider signing up your dog for the PlayCare or PlayCamp services offered at AllDogs Canine Care Center. This provides your dog an outlet for all that excess energy this time of year, and means they will come home happy and ready to rest. To learn more about PlayCare or any of our other services, call (865) 475-2225 today or contact us online.