Six Safety Tips for Fall

Fall is coming up – how can you keep your dog safe and happy?

• Don’t leave your pet outside for too long. It sure gets chilly when Fall sets in – make sure your pet stays warm (keep in mind, though, that cold weather can happen throughout the year). Don’t leave him outside for extended periods, even if you think he’ll be OK. Senior dogs, small dogs, or animals with thin coats are especially vulnerable. When you go on walks, try to keep them as short as you can, and invest in a nice coat for your furry friend. Anything is better than nothing.
• Get ready for the holiday season. Who doesn’t like Thanksgiving and Halloween? They’re pretty awesome, but they do come with potential hazards for pets. For example, your dog could get into your child’s Halloween candy stash. Have some dog-friendly food ready for Thanksgiving so guests won’t be tempted to slip him some turkey or stuffing under the table. Keep any and all decorations up high where they can’t be reached by curious paws. If you must put something on the floor, make sure it doesn’t have small parts he could choke on. Some decorations can even be poisonous for animals.
• Be careful with back-to-school supplies. Now’s the time you’re probably gathering together notebooks, pencils, and more for your kids to use in school. Just remember that your dog might try to eat (or at least chew on) some of these supplies, which could be very dangerous. Keep them hidden away in drawers and backpacks until they’re needed.
• Beware the dreaded mushrooms. Believe it or not, mushrooms are very much a thing in the Fall. They can be quite deadly, so check your yard for mushrooms before you let your pet roam around outside. Don’t assume something is harmless – if you suspect your dog ate one, get to the vet as quickly as possible.
• Use reflective gear on walks. As winter crawls closer, the days get dark sooner. By the time you get home from work, the sun may already be going down. To be on the safe side and make sure drivers, cyclists, or anyone else can see you, it’s better to wear reflective gear. Reflective stickers or reflective dog collars and leashes are also available.
• Check your garage. No doubt you’ve got some anti-freeze somewhere in your garage, along with other things that could make your dog sick.