Don’t let your pet “fall” into some of the most common safety hazards we see this time of year. Fall may be the most beautiful season to some, but there are unique risk factors you can prepare for. If you’re anything like most people, you breathe easier this time of year.

We want to help keep autumn a delight for you and your family with a quick reminder of some pet safety tips.

1. Mushrooms Are a Must-Avoid

As mushrooms pop up all over our backyards and walking trails, it’s important to steer clear of these less-than-fun fungi. Dogs and cats get curious about mushrooms from time to time, but they can get extremely sick or even die if they eat the wrong mushroom.

Know where mushrooms grow in your backyard and remove them. Don’t let your dog or cat play unattended anywhere near mushrooms and supervise your dog on walks.

2. Keep that Antifreeze Locked Away and Clean Up Any Drips

Antifreeze poisoning or ethylene glycol poisoning happens more than many pet parents realize. And this poison acts quickly. Within 12 hours for cats and 24 hours for dogs, a pet that laps up a little antifreeze can suffer kidney failure.

While dogs are attracted to the sweet scent of this poison, cats often walk through drips and get sick from grooming their paws after.

So, wipe up even the tiniest spills (a drip the size of a quarter can do irreparable damage to a cat or dog). Keep all antifreeze containers sealed and out of reach of your pet

3. Decor Galore! Pet-Friendly Reminder that Decorations Can Be Dangerous

Decorating for fall holidays punctuates the excitement of the season, but many everyday decorations can do damage to your pets.

Skip the edible decor. Strings of popcorn, corn cobs, and gourds can tempt dogs. And when a dog falls for these temptations, it’s not pretty. From diarrhea to surgery to remove string, it’s easier to just skip the edible decor.

And cats will be cats. Feisty felines will happily knock off glass and ceramic pumpkins, get themselves tangled in a string of lights, and even bite electric cords.

As you add spice to your home decor, keep your pets in mind and aim for safe rather than sorry.

4. Creepy Crawlies

As the mercury drops, we spend more time outdoors: raking leaves, enjoying the fall colors, and enjoying a hot cup of tea on the porch. Letting your dog out to play is great for mental and physical stimulation, just make sure you protect her from creepy crawlies.

Protect Your Pet from Fall Pests By:

• Bagging leaves (rodents that carry fleas and ticks love leaf piles).
• Remove debris from near the house. This will help prevent spider bites.
• Keep your screens sealed. Bugs will try to make their way indoors as temperatures drop.
• Keep your dog or cat on flea and tick prevention.

5. Don’t Let Your Pet Catch a Chill

While the cool autumn air feels amazing, dogs and cats can still suffer from hypothermia this time of year. Make sure your dog or cat has access to plenty of water while outside and take breaks on hikes with your pup.

If your dog or cat is enjoying the backyard, be sure to check on them frequently and bring them inside after a while. Even though our pets have coats, they need shelter to help regain their warmth. If your pet is shivering, she’s too cold.

Remember that senior pets and young pets have a tougher time regulating their body temperatures.

6. Opt for Natural Rodent Remedies

Rodenticides can kill your pets. While rats, mice, and bats don’t make the best roommates, the chemicals used to poison them can cause permanent damage or death to your pets.

Try trapping instead of poisoning. And keep those traps far from where your dog or cat will find them.

Happy Fall from Our Practice to You and Your Furry Family

Enjoy the love, memories, and unbeatable adventures that arrive with the autumn breeze with your pets. Keep your pets safe and prevent accidents before they happen. If you need to refill your pets’ flea and tick prevention prescription, give us a call.

We hope your fall is filled with friends, family, and more treats than tricks!

Image credit: Pexels / Jb Jorge Barreto