Fall Pet Care Tips: Your Guide to Autumn Pet Safety
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, autumn brings a sense of cozy fun for families and their pets. While you and your furry friend are enjoying the cozy season, it’s important to be aware of the specific challenges and hidden dangers that can arise. This guide will help you keep your pets safe and healthy all season long.
Fall Wellness
The changing seasons mean it's time to adjust your pet's routine.
Diet: With a season full of gatherings and tasty treats, your pet may be drooling more for food off the table. However, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for joint health and overall wellness, especially for older pets. As always, keep your pet on a healthy diet and make sure fresh water is available to keep them well-hydrated, even with the cooler weather.
Exercise: The shorter days might lead to less outdoor activity. Try to uphold your regular exercise routine to keep them happy and fit, or incorporate more indoor playtime. Playing games like fetch or tug-of-war, hiding treats for your pet to find, or teaching them a new trick are great ways to keep them stimulated at home.
Preventative Care: Don't be fooled by the cooler weather! Parasites like fleas and ticks remain a threat year-round. Ticks, in particular, love to hide in fallen leaves. Be sure your pet is up to date on their preventative care and always check them thoroughly for ticks after they’ve been outside.
Hidden Dangers & Fall Hazards
Autumn can introduce several hazards into your pet's environment, both inside and out.
Toxic Plants: Many common fall plants can be poisonous to pets. Keep an eye out for chrysanthemums and autumn crocus, and if you see any wild mushrooms sprouting in your yard or on a walk, prevent your pet from investigating. It can be difficult to distinguish a safe mushroom from a toxic one, so it’s best to avoid them all.
Household Chemicals: As people prepare for colder weather, the use of antifreeze and rodenticides often increases. These substances are highly toxic to pets, and even a small amount can be fatal. Store them in securely sealed containers out of your pet's reach and immediately clean up any spills.
Leaf Piles: While they may seem like a fun place to play, leaf piles can conceal all kinds of dangers. They can be breeding grounds for mold and bacteria, harbor ticks and other parasites, or even hide sharp objects that could injure your pet.
Wildlife Encounters: With animals like snakes and rodents preparing for hibernation, they can become more active. Snakes, in particular, may be on the move seeking shelter, increasing the risk of a bite for a curious pet. Be mindful of your surroundings on walks and contact us at (781) 749-1243 if you suspect you pet has been bitten.
Nighttime Walks: With fewer daylight hours, you'll likely be walking your dog in the dark more often. To ensure you and your pet are visible to cars and others, use reflective gear, such as a vest or collar, and a flashlight.
Candles & Open Flames: Nothing says autumn like the warmth of a fire, but open flames pose a serious risk to pets. A curious cat can easily knock over a candle, and a playful dog may not realize the danger of running near a campfire. To keep everyone safe, always create a secure barrier between pets and fire.
Holiday Celebrations & Party Safety
Fall is a season of parties, football tailgates, and holidays, and that means new hazards for your pet.
Halloween: This fun holiday comes with several pet hazards. Keep candy, especially chocolate and sugar-free treats containing xylitol, out of reach. Decorations like flame candles and electrical cords can also pose a risk. If your pet is wearing a costume, make sure it is comfortable and doesn't restrict their movement.
Thanksgiving: Holiday feasts often mean rich and dangerous foods for pets. Items like cooked bones, corn on the cob, onions, and garlic can be toxic and cause blockage in the digestive tract.
Parties: Gatherings with friends and family can be overwhelming for pets and create new opportunities for them to access harmful items. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from ingesting things like plastic silverware, toothpicks, or alcohol. These items are choking hazards or can cause severe internal damage.
Remember, a little extra vigilance goes a long way in keeping your pet safe. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health or suspect they may have ingested something harmful this season, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (781) 749-1243.