We have officially entered Autumn! and here at Pet Doctor, it means we’re busy performing a variety of routine and seasonal procedures on cats and dogs to prepare them for the cooler months, manage seasonal allergies, and maintain their overall health.
Here are 10 common veterinary procedures performed by our team during this time:
1. Vaccinations & Booster Shots
- Ensuring pets are up to date with core vaccines (e.g., C5 for dogs, F3 for cats) before winter arrives.
- Canine Cough (Kennel Cough) vaccinations are recommended, especially for social dogs.
2. Parasite Prevention (Fleas, Ticks, Worms & Mites)
- Flea and tick treatments remain important as parasites can still be active in autumn.
- Heartworm prevention should continue year-round to protect against mosquito-borne heartworm disease.
- Intestinal worming (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms) is essential for both cats and dogs.
3. Arthritis Management & Pain Relief
- Colder weather can worsen joint pain in senior pets or breeds prone to arthritis.
- Vet visits may include joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s), cartilage injections (e.g., Pentosan or Synovan), or anti-inflammatory medications.
4. Dental Check-ups & Scale and Polish
- Dental disease worsens with time and can cause pain, infections, and organ damage.
- Our team will perform dental scale & polish procedures in the Autumn before winter when your pet may be less active.
5. Weight Management & Nutritional Assessments
- As activity levels drop in cooler months, pets are prone to weight gain.
- Vets may recommend diet adjustments, low-calorie foods, or metabolic treatments.
6. Skin & Allergy Treatments
- Autumn is peak season for grass allergies, pollens, and dust mites, leading to itchy skin, ear infections, and dermatitis.
- Treatments may include cytopoint injections, antihistamines, medicated shampoos, or omega fatty acid supplements.
7. Spaying & Neutering (Desexing)
- We often recommend desexing in Autumn to prevent spring breeding cycles.
- Benefits: Prevents unwanted litters, reduces roaming, and lowers the risk of some cancers.
8. Senior Pet Health Checks & Blood Tests
- Older pets often undergo blood tests to check organ function (kidneys, liver, thyroid).
- This helps detect early signs of conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or hypothyroidism.
9. Ear Cleaning & Infection Treatment
- Autumn humidity can contribute to ear infections (especially in floppy-eared dogs).
- The Pet Doctor Vets often perform ear flushes, prescribe antifungal or antibiotic drops, or recommend ear cleaning solutions.
10. Microchipping & ID Checks
- Cooler months can often bring storms, increasing the risk of pets escaping.
- We can check microchips and ID tags to ensure your pet can be returned home safely if lost.
As the cooler months approach in South Australia, Autumn is the ideal time for pet owners to focus on preventive care and seasonal health concerns for their cats and dogs. From vaccinations and parasite control to arthritis management and skin treatments, regular veterinary check-ups ensure pets remain healthy, comfortable, and protected as temperatures drop. Addressing potential health issues early—such as dental disease, weight gain, and allergies—can prevent more serious complications in winter.
By staying proactive with veterinary visits and seasonal treatments, you as pet owners can help your furry companions enjoy a happy, active, and healthy Autumn. If you haven’t scheduled a check-up yet, now is the perfect time to book an appointment with the Pet Doctor team to keep your pet in top condition throughout the season and beyond.