Fall Into Wellness: October Pet Care Tips at Little Woods
October is here, and that means crisp air, cozy evenings, and festive fun for the whole family — including our four-legged ones! At Little Woods Animal Hospital, we're celebrating Pet Wellness Month and National Animal Safety and Protection Month with helpful seasonal tips, health reminders, and a special offer for our wonderful pet parents across Arkansas.
October is Pet Wellness Month – $10 Off Wellness Panels All Month Long!
Preventive care is one of the most important gifts you can give your pet. That's why, all October long, we’re offering $10 off all wellness panels to celebrate Pet Wellness Month!
Wellness panels help us catch potential issues early — including kidney or liver disease, diabetes, and other common conditions — even before symptoms appear. It’s ideal for pets of all ages, and especially valuable for seniors or pets managing chronic conditions.
Why is annual bloodwork important?
Early Detection: Pets can’t tell us when something feels “off.” Bloodwork can reveal hidden issues before symptoms appear.
Baseline Health: Annual testing helps us track your pet’s normal values, making it easier to catch changes over time.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your pet’s internal health gives you confidence in the care you’re providing.
Supports Longevity: Early intervention and prevention often lead to longer, healthier lives for our pets.
Schedule your pet’s check-up this October and save $10 while giving them the care they deserve.
National Animal Safety & Protection Month: Keep Pets Safe This Fall
October is also National Animal Safety and Protection Month, a time to raise awareness about keeping our pets safe in their environments. Here are a few simple ways to protect your furry family members this season:
Microchip & ID Tags: Make sure your pet's microchip info and tags are up-to-date. Fall festivities and open doors can lead to accidental escapes.
Safe Spaces for Nervous Pets: Halloween visitors and costumes can stress pets out. Create a quiet space for them away from the excitement.
Secure Fencing & Gates: Falling leaves can obscure holes in fences — check your yard to make sure pets can’t sneak out or get hurt.
Your pet relies on you to keep them safe — and we’re here to help every step of the way.
5 Fall Pet Care Tips for October in Arkansas
As the seasons shift, so do your pet's needs. Here’s how to keep them comfy and healthy this fall in Arkansas:
1. Monitor Seasonal Allergies
Allergies don’t end with summer! Mold from wet leaves and ragweed pollen can cause itchy skin or sneezing. Let us know if your pet is scratching or licking excessively.
2. Keep Halloween Hazards Out of Reach
Chocolate, candy with xylitol, and even plastic costume pieces can be dangerous for pets. Keep treats and decorations safely out of paw’s reach!
3. Cozy Up for Cooler Weather
Short-haired pets or seniors may need extra warmth as temperatures dip. Consider a light sweater or heated bed for chilly mornings.
4. Stay on Flea & Tick Prevention
Ticks can remain active until the first hard frost — which often comes late in Arkansas. Continue monthly preventives through the fall.
5. Prioritize Preventive Health
Fall is an ideal time for a wellness exam and bloodwork to ensure your pet is aging gracefully and staying ahead of hidden health issues.
Nutrition Tips for Fall
As the weather cools, your pet’s metabolism and activity levels may shift. Here are a few nutrition tips to keep them energized and healthy this fall:
Adjust calories if activity decreases to avoid weight gain
Consider seasonal fresh foods like pumpkin, which is great for digestion (in moderation)
Stay hydrated — even in cooler months, pets need plenty of water
Avoid table scraps — rich holiday foods can cause stomach upset or worse
Enjoying Arkansas Fall Outdoors Safely With Your Pets
Arkansas has beautiful fall trails and parks, perfect for family adventures with your pet. Here are some tips to enjoy the outdoors safely:
Stick to leash laws and keep pets close to avoid wildlife encounters
Check paws frequently for burrs, thorns, or ticks after hikes
Bring water and portable bowls on long walks
Be mindful of local plants — some fall foliage can be toxic to pets
Celebrating World Animal Day – October 4th
Did you know that October 4th marks World Animal Day? It’s a special day dedicated to raising awareness about animal welfare, celebrating the bond between humans and animals, and encouraging kindness and protection for all creatures.
At Little Woods Animal Hospital, we believe every day is a chance to honor our pets and all animals by providing compassionate care, advocating for their well-being, and promoting responsible pet ownership.
This World Animal Day, consider:
Spreading awareness about pet adoption, rescue, and proper care
Supporting local shelters or animal charities with donations or volunteering
Committing to preventive care by scheduling your pet’s wellness checkups
Teaching kids about kindness and respect for all living beings
It’s a wonderful reminder that the health and happiness of animals enriches our lives—and that together, we can make a difference.
It’s Barktober — Halloween is Coming!
October isn't complete without some spooky fun — and it’s officially Barktober here at Little Woods! But while Halloween is a treat for humans, it can be a tricky time for pets. Here are some safety tips to make sure your furry friend enjoys the season too:
Halloween Safety Tips for Pets:
Keep Candy Out of Reach: Chocolate and sugar-free candies (especially those with xylitol) are toxic to pets.
Avoid Costume Stress: If your pet isn’t used to wearing clothes, skip the costume or opt for something lightweight and comfortable. Never force it.
Secure Trick-or-Treat Areas: Constant doorbell ringing and strangers in costumes can stress pets out. Create a calm, quiet space for them during peak trick-or-treat hours.
Watch for Escape Artists: Pets may dart out the door during Halloween commotion. Keep them in a secure area or use a baby gate to prevent accidental escapes.
Use Pet-Safe Décor: Keep candles, fake cobwebs, and small decorations out of reach to avoid burns or choking hazards.
Let your pet enjoy the fun from a safe distance — and don’t forget to share your pet’s cutest (safe) costume with us on social media!
Celebrate Your Pet's Health with Little Woods
Whether your pet needs a wellness check, updated vaccines, or you're just looking for fall health advice, we’re here for you.
Let’s make this a healthy, happy October for your pets — full of tail wags, cozy naps, and lots of treats (the safe kind, of course!).
