Published on: 2026-10-13
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
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The warm season has ended, and Muscovites along with their pets are returning to the metropolis. Doctors Moscow State Veterinary Service told about diseases that most often appear in autumn and the problems animals face after a summer cottage holiday.
What pets are sick with
The most common reason for autumn visits to state veterinary clinics — dermatitis, allergies, and other problems with the skin and paws. Rain, slush, and mud create ideal conditions for the development of skin diseases, fungal infections (mycoses), and interdigital pyoderma.
To avoid a visit to the dermatologist, you need to keep your pet’s fur clean and dry. After washing, it is important to thoroughly dry the fur and the interdigital spaces on the paws.
Parasitic diseases rank second in the frequency of visits in the fall. During this period, pets encounter tick bites even more often than in summer. Many owners stop treating their animals, increasing the risk of tick bites. Additionally, furry patients visit veterinarians with ear mites and fleas. This is also related to the cessation of treatments and trips to the countryside, where unprotected pets easily get infected with parasites.
Regular treatments against ixodid ticks help avoid visits to the veterinarian. They need to be continued until stable frosts and the establishment of a permanent snow cover. Flea treatment should be carried out year-round, in accordance with the instructions for the use of the products. These parasites thrive well in domestic conditions and can enter the apartment through communications or with the owner’s clothing and shoes.
Problems with digestion rank third among the common reasons for visiting a veterinarian. Gastroenterologist at the Koptevo veterinary clinic, Tatyana Kurysheva, noted that animals with gastrointestinal disorders have been appearing more frequently at appointments. One of the reasons for this may be untimely parasite treatments: pets often return from summer houses with helminth infections.
“Cold and damp weather provoke exacerbation of chronic diseases. Relapses occur in pets with joint diseases (arthritis, arthrosis), problems with the heart and gastrointestinal tract manifest. In cats, urinary system diseases worsen even more often than in dogs during this period,” added Tatyana Kurysheva.
Animals need to be given antihelminthic drugs for prevention every three months. In addition, pets must be protected from cold and drafts — both during walks and indoors. Hypothermia can exacerbate various chronic conditions, including those of the digestive organs.
Dangers of the summer cottage season and beyond
The head of the Krasnogvardeiskaya veterinary clinic, Vera Zemskaya, reminded pet owners of the need to handle summer cottage chemicals with caution when treating plants and the surrounding area. Insecticides, poisons, and various fertilizers are extremely dangerous substances for animals. Access for four-legged friends to them must be prevented.
“The other day, we received a dog that was poisoned by rat poison on its own property: the owners treated the area against rodents while preparing to leave, and somehow the dog managed to pick up the poison. Fortunately, the patient was brought in very quickly, she was saved, and now everything is fine,” said Vera Zemskaya.
Several cats with abscesses and identical stories were brought to the Kuntsevskaya veterinary clinic at once. All the pets spent their summer vacation at the dacha and were allowed to roam freely. The abscesses were the result of fights at the dacha with other cats.
Colds and respiratory infections are common in the fall. Thus, the number of dogs suffering from bordetellosis (kennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis), which easily spreads in places where animals gather, increases. In addition, pets suffer from rhinitis and bronchitis. To prevent such diseases, it is important not to let animals get chilled and to maintain their immunity.
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