Did you recently bring home a new furry family member this fall season? Or, maybe this is your first autumn with your newly adopted dog? As the leaves change and the temperature drops, your pup may feel more frisky in the cooling weather and walks may become more enjoyable for both of you! However, just like any other season, fall presents its own risk factors for your dog. Here's how to keep your fur-baby happy and healthy while enjoying the crisp air, colorful foliage and sweater weather together.
Steer clear of mushrooms
While most mushrooms don't pose risks, some wild mushrooms can be extremely dangerous if ingested by your pup. It's best to steer clear completely, but if your dog does consume wild mushrooms, contact your animal care provider or Animal Poison Control to be safe.
Be aware of snakes preparing for hibernation
Snakes spend the fall preparing for a long winter underground. This means they are quite active during this season, aggressively gathering food. If you are out walking your dog, make sure to keep a safe distance from brush and overgrown plants, as these are the primary homes of potentially dangerous snakes.
Watch for allergies
Dogs can experience the stuffy wonders of seasonal allergies. Keep an eye out for anything that might be considered a reaction, such as consistent stuffiness, sneezing, and excessive itching. If you do notice your pup exhibiting allergy symptoms, speak to your veterinarian or a nutrition specialist for possible solutions such as supplements, topicals, or a change in diet.
Keep track of fading daylight
As we begin to lose sunlight, keep a flashlight on hand and walk on common paths to keep you and your dog safe. Consider getting a reflective jacket, vest, or leash for your furry friend to increase visibility during morning and evening walks.
Stay alert for fleas and ticks
It's a common misconception that fleas and ticks die off or go into deep hibernation as the weather cools down. The reality is, fall is one of the biggest peak sesons for fleas, as the weather is often fluctuating between warm and mildly cool. In New England, fall is also a time of year where the weather is perfect for spending time outside and offers many fun things for your pup to sniff and investigate! The falling leaves and damp plant material create a perfect environment for these pests to hop onto your pet's fur. Regularly check your pet for ticks, and don't make the mistake of cutting back or skipping flea and tick preventatives during this season. It's important to continue using a flea and tick preventative throughout the fall and all year round, as these pests can be found on our pets during all seasons in our area.
Avoid anti-freeze spills
As the weather gets colder, most people replace the anti-freeze in their car. This type of liquid spills very easily and should be cleaned up immediately as it presents risks to canine health. Avoid letting your dog lick or drink from puddles in areas where there may be anti-freeze runoff.
Keep mothballs out of reach
Pulling out your bulky sweaters, coats, cardigans, and other soft cozy clothing? If you use mothballs whne packing your fall and winter clothing away for the warmer seasons, be sure these clothes are stored safely out of reach of your pets! Mothballs are highly toxic to dogs if ingested, and can also pose a choking hazard if swallowed. Consider pet-safe alternatives to keep moths away from your cozy fabrics such as lavender or cedar balls, chips, and blocks.
Be cautious with fall foods
Baking season is upon us! As we enjoy sweet desserts, fresh-picked apples and pumpkins, and other fall treats, it's important to be aware of which human foods are unsafe for our dogs to eat. Baked goods full of sugar, chocolate, nuts and other ingredients can be harmful if ingested by your pup. Foods that are high in fats, such as turkey skin and gravy, can also cause problems with digestion and internal organs. Some food items are highly toxic to dogs, including grapes, raisins, and onions. If you're unsure, it's always best to keep your pup away from human food and refrain from offering them any leftovers. If you want your furry friend to enjoy seasonal treats, there are plenty of human foods that you CAN share with your fur-baby; download our free guide on Human Foods Your Dog Can & Cannot Eat.