Autumn is a great time to get outside for quality time with your pets. There’s often a nice breeze in the air, and the sidewalks are cool enough for walks at any time of day. Even so, autumn presents some risks for your cats or dogs. At Caudle Veterinary Clinic, we are committed to keeping your pets safe every season of the year. Keep reading to learn more about what possible dangers occur during autumn, and how you can keep your pets safe.
Autumn Health Hazards
- Halloween Candy & Costumes: While we all love to watch pets walk around in funny outfits, oftentimes, these can cause some harm if they are too tight, and can also make pets irritated or anxious. Additionally, candy of various forms is highly dangerous for pets. Candy and gum with xylitol, a sugar alternative, is highly toxic to cats and dogs, while chocolate can cause gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, and abnormal heart rhythm in dogs.
- Dangerous Decorations: There are so many fun decorations to choose from when it comes to fall, whether they embrace the changing leaves or the more spooky side of the season. Regardless of your tastes, it is important that decorations are secured and kept out of reach of pets, as ingesting decor can cause intestinal blockages. If you have particularly adventurous pets, it may unfortunately be best to forgo decor altogether, or at least ones that include open flames or many electrical cords. If cats or dogs chew on these wires or knock over candles, they can potentially start fires. Campfires, firewood, lanterns, or artificial fire logs can also cause injury if pets get too close or ingest inedible materials.
- Mushrooms & Wildlife: Fall is mushroom season, and while many mushrooms have little or no toxicity, there are some that can present life threatening problems in pets. It is very difficult to distinguish between nontoxic and toxic mushrooms, so it is best practice to prevent pets from eating them at all. Additionally, snakes prepare for hibernation during the fall, which increases the possibility of pets getting bitten while on walks. We recommend staying aware of the pests that may be in your area and stay away from trails heavily covered with leaves, as snakes may be lurking underneath.
Healthy Autumn Activities For Pets
While there are health concerns for your pets during the fall, this doesn’t mean you should shy away from fun with your pet! Here are some of our recommendations for a fun and healthy autumn with your pet.
- Hikes: So long as you are wary of potential risks, hikes with your pet can be a splendid way to spend time together in the fall. The weather is more temperate, and the beauty of the changing leaves on trails and in national parks are sure to leave you spell bound. Make sure your dog is properly treated for ticks and fleas and has a proper leash, and you are bound to have a fun, safe hike!
- Visit a Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Patch: Did you know that dogs enjoy pumpkin as much as we do? Check and see if your local pumpkin patch is dog-friendly, and you can take them to the patch for an adorable photoshoot, as well as to pick out a tasty treat for later. Both dogs and cats can enjoy some cooked, plain pumpkin as a treat.
- Schedule a Checkup: If your pet hasn’t been to the vet in a while, then the fall is as good a time as ever to get them in for a checkup. We always like to make sure our pet community is in tip-top shape. If your pet happens to eat candy, a mushroom, or something else they shouldn’t have this fall season, we implore you to call our team at Caudle right away!
At Caudle Veterinary Clinic, nothing brings us more joy than seeing healthy, happy pets year-round. Our team is honored to serve Nashville and surrounding areas with quality pet care that makes a difference for you and your furry friends. If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact us via our website or by phone at (615) 227-6230. We look forward to hearing from you!