End-of-Summer Pet Health Checklist: What to Do Before Fall Arrives

Summer in Fayetteville is full of sunny adventures, long walks, and backyard playtime. But as the season winds down and we head toward cooler days, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure your pet transitions into fall happy and healthy.

Here’s our end-of-summer pet health checklist to help you wrap up the season on the right paw.

1. Stay on Top of Parasite Prevention

Just because the calendar says summer is ending doesn’t mean fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are gone. In North Carolina’s warm climate, these pests remain active well into fall—and they can carry harmful diseases like heartworm and Lyme disease. Continue giving your pet their monthly preventatives and talk with our team about recommendations. You can find products we carry here!

2. Schedule a Seasonal Wellness Exam

An end-of-summer vet visit is a great time to check your pet’s overall health before the busy holiday season begins. A wellness exam allows us to update vaccines, check for signs of allergies or skin irritations, and catch any early health issues.

3. Manage Seasonal Shedding

Many pets go through a coat change as the weather shifts. Regular brushing helps reduce shedding, prevents mats, and keeps your home a little less hairy. Grooming appointments can also help remove excess fur and keep your pet’s skin healthy.

4. Watch for Allergy Symptoms

Late summer and early fall bring different pollen and mold levels, which can trigger allergies in pets. If your dog or cat is scratching more than usual, licking their paws, or developing red, irritated skin, schedule a visit so we can help relieve their symptoms.

5. Adjust Activity Levels Gradually

Cooler weather may mean longer walks and more active play, but if your pet’s been lounging through the hot summer days, increase activity gradually. This helps prevent injury and keeps them in top shape for the months ahead.

6. Prepare for Back-to-School Blues

If your pet has been enjoying extra attention from kids over the summer, they might feel a little lonely when school starts. Enrich their day with puzzle toys, treat-dispensing feeders, or doggy daycare visits to keep them happy and stimulated.

Keeping your pet healthy through the change of seasons is all about prevention and planning. If it’s time for your pet’s wellness check, parasite prevention refill, or allergy care, Cumberland Animal Hospital is here to help.

Contact us today to schedule your pet’s seasonal check-up and get them fall-ready!