Fall Pet Health Checklist – Keep Your Dog or Cat Protected This Season

by | Oct 9, 2025 | CAMC News & Specials, Cats, Dogs, Preventive Care, Seasonal Pet Health

🍁 Fall Pet Health Checklist – Keep Your Dog or Cat Protected This Season

Cooler weather might feel like a break from summer pests, but fall is still an active season for parasites and allergies. At Companion Animal Medical Centre (CAMC) in Milford, we want every pet to head into winter healthy, comfortable, and parasite-free.

Here’s your step-by-step fall health checklist for pets in Ohio.

Veterinarian examining a happy dog during a fall wellness checkup in Milford OH

Keep your pets healthy this fall with CAMC’s preventive care checklist

🦟 1. Keep Parasite Prevention Going Strong

Many pet owners pause flea, tick, or heartworm prevention too early—but parasites stay active until temperatures drop below freezing for several weeks.

  • Dogs: Continue monthly heartworm prevention through winter. Mosquitoes can bite well into November.

  • Cats: Indoor cats benefit from flea and intestinal parasite prevention too—especially with household heat keeping eggs alive.

  • Both: Year-round prevention avoids gaps that let parasites take hold.

💡 Tip: CAMC offers free heartworm tests for dogs and free fecal screenings for cats all October—perfect timing to confirm your prevention plan is working.

💉 2. Update Core Vaccines

Fall is an ideal time to make sure your pet’s vaccinations are current before family gatherings or boarding over the holidays.

For Dogs:

  • Rabies

  • DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza)

  • Bordetella (kennel cough)

  • Leptospirosis (especially in wooded or wet areas)

For Cats:

  • Rabies

  • FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia)

  • FeLV for cats that go outdoors

If you’re unsure what your pet needs, our veterinarians can review records and build a customized schedule.

🩺 3. Schedule a Fall Wellness Exam

Seasonal checkups are more than just vaccines—they help detect early changes in weight, energy, joints, or dental health.

At your pet’s fall exam, we’ll:

  • Review diet and body-condition score

  • Check for arthritis or stiffness

  • Examine teeth and gums for tartar buildup

  • Discuss upcoming winter needs like indoor enrichment

🩺 Early detection means fewer surprises later—and healthier holidays ahead.

✂️ 4. Prepare for Seasonal Shedding & Comfort

Cooler temps mean thicker coats and more shedding.
Brush regularly to prevent matting, clean ears after outdoor play, and keep bedding clean and dry.

If your pet’s skin gets dry, ask our team about omega-3 supplements or soothing shampoos safe for pets.

🎁 5. Take Advantage of Free October Screenings

To make preventive care easy this fall, CAMC is offering:

  • Free heartworm tests for dogs

  • Free fecal tests for cats

These screenings are quick, painless, and help catch issues before they become serious.

📅 [Book Your Pet’s Fall Checkup Today]

🐾 Wrap-Up: A Healthy Start to the Holiday Season

Autumn is the perfect time to reset your pet’s health routine before the busy months ahead. With updated vaccines, parasite prevention, and your free screenings, your dog or cat will be ready for a safe and cozy winter.

📍 Companion Animal Medical Centre – Milford, OH
Caring for pets in Cincinnati, Loveland, Goshen, and surrounding communities.