A Canopy of Colors and Danger: Fall Pet Safety You Can Count On

When it comes to owning a pet, there are obvious dangers associated with each season. As we transition from summer into fall, the team at Schertz Animal Hospital wants to shift your attention from heat stroke and sun exposure to upcoming holiday hazards. With this review of fall pet safety, you and your best fur friend will be ready for whatever the season brings!

Leaf Piles are Dangerous?

While raking leaves isn’t exactly our idea of fun, it’s important to know what kind of risks are involved when it comes to your pet. Leaf piles can harbor all sorts of dangerous bugs, including spiders, ticks, centipedes, and even snakes. Dried leaves can also affect asthmatic pets, exposing them to high levels of mold. We recommend scooping up leaf piles as quickly as possible. Be sure to wear gloves, and store leaves securely until they can be disposed of properly.

What About Acorns?

If you’ve never heard of (or witnessed) a dog who likes picking up acorns in their mouth and crunching them up, consider yourself lucky. Many dog owners find out the hard way that acorns are toxic and should be left alone. These nuts can lead to GI obstruction, major indigestion, internal injury, and even kidney damage. While you can’t go around scooping up acorns from every city park, you can train your dog to “leave it” when they come across one.

Furry Pests

This time of year, rodents are looking for warm places to spend the winter. Areas like the basement or underneath your deck are prime targets for these furry pests. Many homeowners use rodenticides this time of year, but beware – these products are just as lethal to your pet as they are to a rat.

Winterization

Topping off the fluids in your vehicle is common practice when temperatures approach freezing. Unfortunately, antifreeze is one of the worst threats to fall pet safety. Be sure to clean up any leaks or spills promptly, and store products in a secure location.

Fall Pet Safety

When it comes to fall pet safety, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the risks associated with Halloween. High-sugar treats and chocolate candy notwithstanding, all the frightening decor, loud doorbells, and abrupt changes in routine can turn even the calmest pet into a bundle of nerves. Halloween night is also prime time for an accidental escape, so be sure to pay close attention to your pet. Tune in to signs of distress, and provide a quiet room that your pet can retreat to away from all the commotion.  

A Word About Food

As the weather starts to cool down, pets use more energy to stay warm. Extra calories can help pets generate more heat, but it’s a fine line. Without a doubt, you don’t want to overfeed your pet as we head into winter. Give us a call so we can recommend modifications to your pet’s diet to keep them healthy. Even slight weight gain can be challenging to reverse.

If you have any questions or concerns about fall pet safety, please let us know! From all of us at Schertz Animal Hospital, we wish you and your pet a happy, safe fall!