Autumn may mean shorter days, but it also brings pleasant weather and the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. School and church fairs, food festivals, weekend hikes and camping offer something for everyone in the family to enjoy, and more than likely you can include your dog in the fun. With the change in season comes more reasons to keep an eye on your pet for their safety, too. Autumn has its own set of cautions for dogs, but if you’re prepared your four-legged friend will remain happy and healthy.

Get to grooming. Pets tend to shed more this time of year as they prepare to grow winter coats. If you notice a bit more dog hair on the carpets and furniture than you’re used to seeing, it’s natural to feel frustrated. Don’t take it out on your pet -- they can’t help it. If you brush your dog once a week, try increasing to two or three so you can catch the hair immediately. Your dog will love the time spent with you as well.

Watch out for lawn pests. Does your dog spend a good part of the day outdoors? Be on the lookout for certain seasonal visitors that could do harm. Mushrooms tend to pop up this time of year, and while most of them aren’t toxic to animals some can cause illness or worse if a dog ingests one. If fungi show up in your yard, it’s best to cut them down to be safe.

During the fall, wild critters are preparing for hibernation, so you may see more than usual. If your dog is the type to inspect every visitor to your yard, be vigilant. You don’t want to risk injury to your dog if they are bitten by a rodent or snake.

Be mindful in public. Speaking of things your dog shouldn’t eat, if you bring yours to an outdoor festival you’ll find any number of temptations. With all the new scents to explore and children offering treats, a fun day out could take a bad turn if your dog eats something unsafe, like chocolate at a Halloween party or grapes at a wine festival. If you bring your dog to an outdoor event, have some treats on hand for them to divert their attention from the people food, and keep a short leash to avoid any straying to where you can’t see your pet.

A happy, sociable dog will enjoy spending time with the family outdoors. Curiosity can sometimes lead to sticky situations, though, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Keep your dog well-groomed and away from potential dangers, and enjoy the changing season. Be sure to shop Care-A-Lot Pet Supply for a variety of dog grooming supplies.