The fall season in the Bay Area can still be quit warm so caution regarding pets in cars applies. There is still our ever-present flea problem so do not let up on total flea control which includes flea egg and larva control especially this time of year so they cannot overwinter in your home. Mosquitoes are still present and that means heartworm protection for your dog.
Remember the kitten you got last spring? Now she is ready to be spayed to prevent over-population. She will be anesthetized with gas anesthesia and have both ovaries and uterus removed. The recovery period is usually a few days and after 10-14 days she will have her staples or sutures removed. Male kittens can be neutered with a short acting injectable anesthetic and will be fully recovered by the next day. All kittens should be tested for leukemia virus infection before any procedure. (Most kittens are tested at the time of their first vaccines).
As the weather cools you may find that your cats will eat more. Some cats, especially outdoor ones will experience weight gain in the fall and winter months and lose that extra fat during the long summer days when they are busy. Obesity in cats can lead to heart, liver, and endocrine problems like diabetes, so you want to monitor their body weight. Our office encourages owners to bring their pets in for complimentary weigh-ins.
The fall means back to school for the kids and this may mean less activity for the dog members of the family. It just might be a good time to enroll in an evening obedience course held at our humane societies or shelters. Even older dogs can benefit from the brush up on manners.