Fall is approaching, and this season brings brisk days filled with cool rain, cozy evenings filled with homemade goodies, and also a few hazards to our furry family members. Here are 7 fall dangers that your pet should avoid.
1. Halloween Candy
Trick-or-treating might be fun for us humans, but for our pets? Not so much. If you have trick-or-treaters in your home, be sure to keep their candy bags in a safe place after Halloween. Chocolate is a big risk to pets, and if your pet vomits, has diarrhea, or experiences seizures, they may have consumed chocolate. Watch out for leftover candy wrappers or lollipop sticks as well. If you think your pet may have eaten chocolate, call a veterinarian right away.
2. Leaf Piles and Composting
We know how tempting that pile of leaves looks, but make sure your pet steers clear. Ticks love to live in the fall foliage, so stay up-to-date on preventatives. If you have composting bins outside, be sure to pet-proof them. These seemingly harmless parts of your backyard can contain mycotoxins, which can lead to seizures if ingested. Large sticks can also pose a danger if they are eaten and create blockages.
3. Candles
Bundling up in a warm blanket with a burning candle is the perfect way to spend a fall evening. Just be sure to keep your candles out of your pet’s reach. A curious cat or a clumsy dog could accidentally bump into them and knock them down. This could cause burns, or in extreme cases, a fire. Also, scented candles may irritate your pet’s sensitive nose. You can check with your veterinarian about pet-safe scents.
4. Alcohol
Pet owners may enjoy a drink while watching the game or at a family dinner, but our pets shouldn’t join the fun. Ethanol, the main intoxicating ingredient in alcohol, is a danger to pets, and it can also be found in cleaning products and hand sanitizer. It can damage your pet’s kidneys or cause dehydration, vomiting, and disorientation. Be sure to keep these drinks and household items in a secure place where your pets can’t reach them.
5. Allergies
Just like humans, the change in weather can bring some pesky allergies with it. Seasonal allergies in pets are usually caused by grass or mold. If your pet starts sneezing or coughing excessively, it is a good idea to talk to a veterinarian.
6. School Supplies
It’s time for back-to-school shopping! New years mean new supplies, and some school staples may be a hazard to pets. Pencils and glue aren’t appetizing to most animals, but they can cause upset stomachs and blockages if ingested. Make sure your little ones know to keep their school supplies away from your furry ones.
7. Parasites
Ticks and fleas might be prevalent in the warmer months, but they are still around in colder temperatures. Lyme disease and other health conditions can be contracted from these pests, but if you can catch them early, it is easier to treat. Talk to your veterinarian about keeping your pet on preventatives all year long.
Fall is the time for breezy days at the pumpkin patch and warm evenings by the fire. By avoiding these dangers, you can make sure your pet enjoys this season to the fullest.
