Fall Safety Tips for Pets
Summer is at an end, and you know what that means – time for fall! From cool evenings to brightly colored leaves to delicious cider, there is so much to love. But while the humans in your family may enjoy the change of seasons, fall brings a new set of safety concerns for your pet. Keep your eyes peeled for these items, and if your pet gets their paws on any of them, contact your vet as soon as possible.
Mushrooms
They’re not just an unsightly lawn decoration – they can also be highly poisonous. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell what is toxic and what isn’t toxic. Don’t take chances! Keep your pet away from them. Should your furry friend eat one, they could experience diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive drooling, among other symptoms. In severe cases, they may go into a coma or even pass away.
Rodenticides
When the weather outside chills, rats and mice move into homes to stay warm and find food. No matter how clean you keep your home or how thorough you are, you can still fall victim to this problem. You probably think you need to use poison get rid of them, but be warned – this is incredibly dangerous when you have a pet. Even a tiny amount of rodenticide can have devastating effects. It’s never a good idea to leave something where your pet can reach it. Talk to your exterminator for more information.
Sickness
Dogs can and do get the flu. Be sure to contact your vet if they show any symptoms (coughing, sneezing, runny eyes, etc.). Avoid taking them to parks or other public places if there are any outbreaks in the area.
Halloween Candy
Candy is a big no-no for animals, especially anything with chocolate in it. Keep this stuff behind locked doors or up high on a shelf. If you take your pet out with you to go trick-or-treating, check the ground to be sure no children dropped candy for your pet to snatch up.
School Supplies
We know it sounds a little silly. What could possibly be bad about paper and magic markers? Well, if you have a curious puppy or kitty that likes to eat anything and everything in sight, school supplies spell trouble. A marker cap, for example, could cause your pet to choke. There could be an intestinal blockage.
With the right safety nets in place, your entire family can enjoy the new season without worry.
