Fall Pet Wellness: 7 Things to Check Before Winter Arrives

Fall has officially arrived, and we have a little challenge for you:

Before you get completely distracted by pumpkin everything…

Take a few minutes to check in on your pet's health. 🍂🐶🐱

Because pets are really good at hiding small problems.

Sometimes the first sign that something isn't quite right is a tiny change you might not notice until it becomes a bigger issue.

That's one reason regular wellness care matters.

At Swan Harbor Animal Hospital, preventive care and wellness exams are an important part of helping pets stay healthy throughout their lives.

So grab your coffee, grab your pup or kitty, and let's do a little fall wellness checklist.

1. 🩺 When Was Your Pet's Last Wellness Exam?

If you're sitting there thinking…

"Ummmm…"

That's your sign. 😉

Wellness exams give your veterinarian an opportunity to evaluate your pet's overall health and establish a baseline for what's normal for them.

Regular exams can also help identify potential problems earlier.

2. 💉 Are Vaccinations Up to Date?

Vaccination recommendations can vary depending on your pet's age, lifestyle, health, and risk factors.

Your veterinarian can help determine which vaccines are appropriate for your individual pet.

If you aren't sure what your dog or cat is due for, bring their records to their next appointment and let your veterinary team help you sort it out.

One less thing for your brain to remember!

3. 🦷 Take a Look at Those Pearly Whites

We know.

Your pet probably isn't thrilled when you say:

"Open wide!"

But dental health is important.

Look for things like bad breath, tartar buildup, discolored teeth, loose or broken teeth, changes in chewing, drooling, or difficulty eating.

Swan Harbor recommends regular veterinary dental checks and notes that changes such as bad breath, abnormal chewing, bleeding, or reduced appetite can be signs that your pet needs an evaluation.

4. 🐾 Check Those Paws

Fall means more walks.

More leaves.

More outdoor adventures.

And more opportunities for little things to get stuck between those adorable toe beans.

Take a quick look at your pet's paws after walks and outdoor play.

If you notice persistent licking, limping, swelling, or obvious discomfort, it's worth checking with your veterinarian.

5. 🦟 Don't Forget Parasite Prevention

Just because summer is winding down doesn't mean your pet's parasite-prevention routine should automatically stop.

Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate prevention plan based on your pet and their lifestyle.

At Swan Harbor, parasite prevention is included as part of their broader preventive-care approach.

6. 👀 Pay Attention to Small Changes

You know your pet better than anyone.

Maybe they're sleeping more.

Drinking more.

Eating less.

Acting differently.

Hiding.

Licking one particular area.

Moving a little differently.

Sometimes small changes matter.

That doesn't mean every little behavior change is an emergency—but it does mean it's worth paying attention.

7. ❤️ Make a Wellness Appointment

This is the easiest one.

If your pet is due for a wellness exam, don't wait until something goes wrong to schedule.

Preventive veterinary care is about staying ahead of problems whenever possible.

And honestly?

We'd much rather see your pet for a routine checkup while they're feeling great than wait until they're feeling miserable.

🍁 Fall Is a Great Time for a Fresh Start

New season.

New routine.

Same ridiculously spoiled pet.

Sounds pretty good to us.

If your dog or cat is due for a wellness visit, vaccinations, dental evaluation, or another aspect of preventive care, our team at Swan Harbor Animal Hospital is here to help.

Because keeping your pet healthy isn't just about adding years to their life.

It's about making those years happy, comfortable, tail-wagging years.

And that's something we're always happy to be part of. ❤️🐾

📍 200 W. McComas St., Baltimore, MD 21230

📞 443-869-4104