The days are getting shorter, fall foliage, pumpkins, crisp air, and football can only mean one thing – autumn is here. We are lucky to live in an area that has distinct seasons and the special activities that go along with them. Fall is a great time to get outside and have fun with your furry family member. But don’t let the beautiful foliage fool you — there are dangers lurking both inside and outside for your dog. Here are some fall safety tips for your pets to keep everyone safe during this time of year.
Be Cautious of
Rodenticides and Cold Weather Poisons
Many people use rodenticides to deter rats and other rodents who seek shelter inside as the weather cools down. The ASPCA reminds pet parents that rodenticides are extremely toxic to animals and if ingested and could be fatal. If you must use a rodenticide, be very careful and make sure they’re in places where your dog can’t access.
Many people choose fall as the time to change their car’s engine coolant. Ethylene glycol-based coolants are highly toxic, so spills should be cleaned up immediately. Consider switching to propylene glycol-based coolants—though they aren’t completely nontoxic, they are much less toxic than other engine coolants.
Steer Clear of
Mushrooms
Fall and spring are mushroom seasons. While 99% of mushrooms have little or no toxicity, the 1% that are highly toxic can cause life-threatening problems in pets. Since most toxic mushrooms are difficult to distinguish from nontoxic ones, the best way to prevent pets from ingesting these poisonous plants is to keep them away from areas where any mushrooms are growing. Contact us or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately if you witness your pet eating a wild mushroom.
Watch Out for
Wildlife
Fall is the season when snakes prepare for hibernation. This increases the possibility of bites to those unlucky pets who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Pet parents should know what kinds of venomous snakes may be lurking in their environment—and where those snakes are most likely to be found—so pets can be kept out of those areas.
Fall Safety for your pets starts with you. Check labels, ensure toxic products are out of reach and pick up piles of leaves and garden scraps.
Have a question?
Do you have a topic you would like to learn more about? Send me a message at morgan@papillionanimalhospital.com and I will see if I can answer your questions!
References:
http://aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/autumn-safety-tips
http:// petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/seasons/fall-toxins-poisonous-to-dogs-cats/