Preparing Your Dog For Fall 2024 (SEPTEMBER 2024 FREE DESKTOP & MOBILE WALLPAPER)

The summer heat is finally easing up! With the leaves changing color and the air getting cooler, it’s the perfect time to get cozy at home. But as you settle in for the season, don’t forget that your dog is also experiencing the shift from summer to fall.

Here are some tips to help your pup enjoy the season safely and comfortably.

1. Watch Out for Fallen Leaves

Dogs love playing in piles of dried leaves, but these beautiful fall scenes can hide hidden dangers. Sharp sticks, thorns, or rocks might be buried underneath, so it’s safer to avoid letting your dog romp in random piles. If you’ve raked up a pile yourself, go ahead and let them enjoy—just be sure it’s free of hazards.

Fallen leaves can also conceal poison ivy and other plants that cause rashes. Even if these plants look dead, they can still irritate your skin. While dogs rarely get rashes from poison ivy, they can carry the sap on their fur, which could transfer to you. To stay safe, keep your dog away from any plants you’re unsure about.

2. Keep Your Dog Warm

As fall sets in, temperatures can drop quickly, especially in the mornings and evenings. If your dog enjoys hanging out in the yard, consider placing a blanket on the porch to keep them comfy. While many dogs can handle the cooler weather just fine, some breeds—like Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, and Salukis—are more sensitive to the cold.

Help your pup adjust gradually to the cooler temps, especially before their winter coat fully grows in, and avoid leaving them outside for too long as the weather gets chilly.

3. Continue Flea and Tick Protection

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean tick season is too.

Some ticks can stick around well into winter, especially in damp areas like piles of fallen leaves. Keep using tick repellent, and always check your dog thoroughly after spending time outside to ensure they’re free from pests.

4. Adjust the Exercise Routine

With shorter days and cooler weather, you may need to tweak your dog’s exercise schedule. Try to fit in walks during daylight hours, and if you’re heading out in the dark, make sure you and your dog are visible. Reflective gear is a must to keep both of you safe.

5. Prepare for Wet Weather

Autumn often brings heavy rain, so it’s smart to equip your dog with rain gear. A raincoat and booties will help keep your pup dry and your home clean. Full-coverage raincoats are great for dogs who dislike getting wet, while lighter options work well for short walks.

Booties are also useful for keeping paws dry and preventing mud from being tracked inside. Just slip them off at the door, and your dog can head inside without making a mess.

6. Ensure Your Dog is Visible

Rainy, cloudy, and foggy weather can make your dog harder to see on walks. To keep them safe, consider using raincoats with reflective patches, light-up leashes, or reflective booties. An LED light harness is another great choice, making your dog visible from a distance and giving you peace of mind during those early morning or evening walks.

And don’t forget about your own safety—wear a reflective jacket or hat, and carry a flashlight pointed down to help drivers spot you in low light.

Fall is a beautiful time of year, and with a little preparation, you can make sure your dog enjoys it as much as you do. By following these simple tips, you and your pup will be ready to make the most of the cooler weather and all the fun that comes with it.

We can’t wait to see your fall adventures! Don’t forget to tag us @JoyrideHarness on Instagram.

Oh, before you go... We’ve got a treat for you!

Every month at Joyride Harness, we share a free digital download with our email subscribers. This month, we’ve got new desktop and mobile wallpapers featuring this special reminder:

"Work Hard So That Your Dog Can Have Nice Things."

How to Set The Wallpaper as Your Desktop Background

Below you will find instructions for setting the wallpaper as your background depending on which type of desktop device you’re using.

How to Set Up (Mac Users):

1. Download this file: Click Here

2. Save the file to Pictures folder on you Mac.

3. Click the Apple Menu and select System Preferences. 

4. Go to Desktop & Screensaver. 

5. In the left panel, go to Folders > Pictures. 

6. Select the downloaded image. 

OR

1. Download this file: Click Here

2. Save the file to a preferred folder.

3. Open the folder and right click on the downloaded file.

4. Select Set Desktop Wallpaper.

How to Set Up (PC/Windows Users):

1. Download this file: Click Here

2. Click the Windows icon on the bottom of the screen.

3. Select Settings > Personalization.

4. Click on Background.

5. Set the dropdown to Picture and click Browse below the images that appear.

6. Select the downloaded file.

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We hope you enjoy your new digital download! More on the way from Joyride Harness.

P.S.  Say hello and see adorable dog photos every day by following us on Instagram and Facebook! 🐶