Page 8 The Skanner November 1, 2017
News
Fun Fall Moments to Share With Your Pet
By Jasmine Streeter, DVM
Special to The Skanner
News
I
can think of nothing
lovelier than an au-
tumn day in Oregon.
The skyline beautiful-
ly dotted crimson and
gold, and the taste of fam-
ily recipes reviving the
soul. Fall draws us closer
to each other for warmth,
comfort and love.
This month, I’ll focus
on wonderful fall mo-
pumpkin carving
with your pet as the
muse is a great way
to show you care.
(This is also an ex-
cellent time to prac-
tice simple com-
mands like “stay”
and “sit.”)
If you love to bake,
host a pet treat bakeoff
with your friends and let
your fur baby decide the
winner. Pumpkin, apple,
oatmeal and peanut but-
ter are safe foods to in-
Dr. Jasmine
Shanelle
Streeter
Veterin-
arian
ments to share with your
pet.
A trip to the pumpkin
patch or apple orchard
with your pet is a won-
derful way to welcome
fall. For the art lover,
corporate in your treats.
Try creating your own
recipe or after browsing
recipes on the internet.
Having a safe and healthy
pet treat handy will save
you from the infamous
“sad face” when you in-
dulge in your favorite
pie or fritter.
Autumn leaves create
a vibrant natural mas-
terpiece that should not
be ignored this season.
Plan a fall photo shoot
for your pet — or include
Dr. Jasmine’s cat Soleil and dog Sheba enjoying the fall foilage
yourself to make it a fam-
ily portrait.
Take a fall foliage
walk
and
explore
neighborhood
parks
and pet-friendly hik-
ing trails. Entering a
pet-friendly run or walk
is an excellent way to
keep you and your dog
in shape and meet other
“
the spirit of the game
as much as we do. En-
courage your pet to join
you while playing your
favorite fall sports. A
friendly game of catch,
football or Frisbee will
definitely brighten their
day. Many species, in-
cluding cats and rabbits,
enjoy playing hide-and-
Sports are a great way to
bring people together and
many pets enjoy the spirit of
the game as much as we do
pet lovers. If your pet
hasn’t been exercising
regularly, remember to
start slow and light until
they build up their en-
durance.
Changing
weather
means changing fash-
ions, and pets should not
be overlooked. On chilly
days, small, short haired
and senior pets should
wear a sweater or jacket
to prevent hypothermia.
For special occasions
like dinner parties, in-
clude your furry little
ones if they don’t mind
dressing up. The image
of your fur baby dashing
through the house in a
festive sweater or bowtie
is sure to be a great con-
versation piece.
Sports are a great way
to bring people togeth-
er and many pets enjoy
seek and tag indoors.
My cat Soleil loves
hiding and then sprint-
ing from room to room.
She’ll even come looking
for me if I take too long
to find her. After you’ve
worn yourselves out,
snuggling for a movie
marathon is a relaxing
way to end a great day.
Pets play an integral
role in our lives and
love us unconditional-
ly. They are our family,
friends and companions
all in one. Whatever fall
activity you choose, if it
includes your pet, they’ll
be thankful to be with
you. My hope is you are
also thankful to be with
them.
Reach Dr. Jasmine at
drjasmine@theskanner.
com.
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