Fall Safety Tips

Fall is nearing, and with cooler nights, sunny days, and falling leaves, it is certainly a beautiful time of year. There are pumpkin festivals, the trees change color, and toasty fires are lit. While it is a wonderful time of year, there are some safety concerns to keep in mind when it comes to your four legged friends.

1) Wild Mushrooms – If you like to go walking on the trail or hiking through the woods with your pup, be sure your dog isn’t grazing on any mushrooms during the outing. While most mushrooms are non-toxic, the ones that are toxic are extremely toxic! Better yet, it’s a good idea to not allow your pet to munch on anything they may find while out on a walk - there are lots of things they may come across that can make them sick or may even poison them.

2) Decorative Gourds – Lots of folks decorate their home with squashes and pumpkins during the fall. While these gourds aren’t poisonous for dogs, they can definitely cause a stomach upset or even an intestinal blockage if consumed. Make sure all gourds and pumpkins are out of reach of your pooch for their safety.

3) Fires – Fall is a wonderful time to have a roaring fire, whether it’s in your living room fire place or in a backyard fire pit. Wagging tails and burning logs don’t exactly mix, though, so be sure to keep an eye on your pooch anytime they’re around a fire. Also be sure to never leave your pet unattended when there is a fire lit, mo matter how fire savvy they may be.

4) Fallen Leaves – Piles of fallen leaves are a picturesque part of the season, but be sure to watch your four legged friends around them. Your pet may be tempted to chew on the crunchy leaves, but that can be dangerous for them. Oak leaves are poisonous, and other leaves can cause a blockage. As cute as it may be, discourage your pet from snacking on fall foliage.

5) Halloween – Though it still seems a ways off, Halloween will be upon us in no time. No matter how friendly and easy going your pet may be, Halloween can be a stressful event for them. Doorbells ringing, kids yelling, and strange costumes can put your dog or cat on edge. Do them a favor and let them hang out with a favorite toy or special treat in another room if you expect trick or treaters. That will also ensure that they don’t bolt out the door when it opens for groups of costumed kids. And be sure to keep that candy well out of reach. Not only is chocolate bad for them, but artificial sweeteners and wrappers can make them sick as well.