Autumn brings cool, fresh air, beautiful fallen leaves and stunning landscapes waiting to be explored. But like every other season, the autumn months also bring their share of pitfalls and hazards, including for your dog.
Here are some things to watch out for now that fall is finally here.
1. Fall Holidays
Two big holidays — Halloween and Thanksgiving — take a place in the fall, and both bring their own dangers along.
During Halloween, your main concern should be chocolate, which contains theobromine, a chemical that’s very toxic to dogs. “The darker and richer the chocolate is (think baking chocolate or brownies), the more dangerous it is to your pet,” explains veterinarian Dr. Alex Schechter, founder of Burrwood Veterinary. If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.
And for T-Day, while the added cozy gatherings and dinner parties are great to spend time with family and friends, they also mean visitors who might slip your dog a bite here and there. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) warns against feeding even a small amount of turkey skin to your dogs, as this could potentially cause pancreatitis.
Related: Oh My Gourd! 5 Yummy Fall Pumpkin Recipes for Your Dog
Onions, raisins, and grapes are all dangerous as well, and so are yeast dough and many other fatty foods popular during Thanksgiving. To be safe, have a chat with your guests in advance to make sure they don’t feed your dog anything without asking you first.
2. Backyard Hazards
The fall is time for acorns, chestnuts, and mushrooms, all of which can be toxic and very dangerous to dogs. Non-digestible items that fall on the ground (like acorns) pose a real risk as they can obstruct the stomach and small intestine, leading to a gastrointestinal blockage or even a gut perforation, says Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinary surgeon. “You should not allow your dogs to ingest these things, and basket muzzles may be needed for those who don’t listen to our instruction,” she says. They can also cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested in large quantities.
Related: 5 Easy DIY Dog Treats for the Fall
Fall is also peak season for mushroom growth in your backyard, some of which are poisonous. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, mushroom toxicity can vary from mild gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea to serious liver or kidney damage to neurotoxicity that can lead to hallucinations, tremors, and seizures. “If your dog does munch on a mushroom before you can stop them, consult your vet and take a photo of the offending fungus for them to assess,” says Dr. Simon.
3. Lawn Treatments
Fertilizers and herbicides often make an appearance in the fall, as homeowners start to prepare their lawn for winter. However, many of these chemicals are highly toxic to animals (and children) and should be avoided whenever possible or find ones that are dog- and kid-friendly.
Dr. Schechter says some fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can cause eye and skin irritation if they come into contact with your dog’s skin or mucous membranes (mouth or nose).
As for herbicides, some “can cause vomiting or diarrhea if ingested by your pet, while fungicides can cause skin irritation if they come into contact with your pet’s skin or mouth or nose,” he adds.
To lower risks, Dr. Schechter recommends keeping your dog away from areas where these chemicals have been recently applied. “If possible, keep your dog on a leash when walking so that they don’t lick soil that may contain these chemicals from plants nearby,” he says.
Spend some time searching for greener alternatives that don’t contain dangerous chemicals. Both your dog and your grass will thank you.
4. Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies to things like pollen, mold, or dust mites can flare up in the fall and make your dog pretty miserable, as your pup may experience sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. “The cause is different from spring allergies, though — fall allergies are caused by mold spores that are released when leaves fall off trees or grasses die off due to cold weather,” Dr. Schechter says.
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If you notice these symptoms in your dog during the fall season, it’s worth talking with your vet about potential sensitivities and whether allergy medication is a good idea.
Chilly walks in fall weather can also lead to respiratory issues and illness, according to Dr. Schechter. “All dogs are at risk for getting sick from the cold temperatures and wet grass, but senior or ill dogs are more susceptible because their bodies don’t regulate heat as well as a healthy dog’s would,” he explains.
During chilly afternoons and evenings, it’s a good idea to put on a sweater or raincoat on your dog, especially if they have short hair. “Make sure they don’t stroll through any puddles or shallow water as it will make them unwell,” Dr. Schechter adds.
And once you get home, dry off your dog well before you head to the couch for some warm cuddling time together.
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