Fall is my favorite season. I love the fiery-colored foliage, fuzzy sweaters, and everything being sprinkled with a bit of pumpkin spice.
My dog loves the season as well. I can see a little more pep in her step as soon as the weather gets cool and crisp. It is the perfect temperature for a game of fetch or a hike through the woods.
Naturally, my pup and I think fall is fabulous, but it can also be dangerous — especially for my dog.
Thankfully, I can recognize all the vital signs that indicate that my dog is getting sick, but I didn’t know that fall is brimming with all kinds of hazards that can make my dog more than sick… Some could even kill her.
I did my homework and found out the biggest threats to dogs’ health during the fall. I listed them in this exclusive article.
Read through in order to protect your precious pup this fall, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Fall Danger #1: Antifreeze
You may go to a mechanic, have your car maintained, and dispose of antifreeze properly — but it doesn’t mean your neighbors do.
Antifreeze is incredibly toxic to dogs. In fact, just five tablespoons can kill a medium-sized pooch.
You can’t control everyone, but you can control where your dog goes. Keep an eye on him during the fall and make sure he doesn’t drink from any puddles.
Fall Danger #2: Sunset Changes
The deeper we get into fall, the sooner the sun goes down — and when this first starts to happen, the quickly-setting sun may surprise you. It may even happen unexpectedly halfway through your walk.
Because of this, it’s always a good idea to dress your dog in some reflective gear — especially if you walk your pooch by a busy road.
Great and affordable options include dog collars with tags that light up like flashlights or LED-lit dog collars.
Fall Danger #3: Mothballs
Cooler weather equals cozy sweaters. But to moths and their larvae, sweaters are considered an all-they-can-eat buffet — whether it's a dog sweater or a human sweater.
Because of this, many of us use mothballs, which are severely toxic for dogs. It can cause vomiting, seizures, and sometimes death.
If you use mothballs and catch your pup with one in his or her mouth, call your vet immediately.
Fall Danger #4: Fallen Leaves
The changing leaves of autumn are lovely — but they also create a big mess, which can create a messy situation for your dog if you don’t take care of your leaves properly.
The loud noises created by leaf blowers can shock or scare your pup and may drive them into seclusion or cause them to flee your property. Gas-powered devices can also leak fuel or oil, which can be toxic to your dog if ingested.
Leaf piles can also quickly accumulate moisture, which creates bacterial and mold growth, which can also be bad for your dog if they eat or lick it.
Burning leaves can also irritate your dog’s skin, nose, and eyes.
Fall Danger #5: Snakes
According to the ASPCA, some snakes prepare for hibernation in the autumn, and the process makes them grumpy. So, if your dog happens upon one, it increases the likelihood that your unfortunate dog will get a nasty bite.
Because of this, it’s good to know what kinds of venomous snakes are native to your area — and where they can be found — so you can keep your pets out of harm’s way.
Fall Danger #6: Garbage
It may seem strange, but we tend to generate more trash during the fall.
Think about it: not only are you hunkering down indoors and enjoying comfort foods, but Halloween and Thanksgiving also occur during this season. They are two holidays that revolve around food — and with food comes garbage, which your pup may find temptingly tasty.
Make sure to secure your garbage bins with lids and watch where your dog goes outside, thus decreasing their chances of getting a mouthful of sharp turkey bones or half-eaten pieces of Halloween candy.
Fall Danger #7: Rodenticide
When the temperatures drop, little critters — like mice or rats — will try to stay warm by finding a cozy crevice somewhere in your house. Because of this, people start putting up traps and sprinkling rat poison around their homes in autumn.
Regardless of how you control vermin, not everyone will agree. It’s important to keep your dog on a leash when you walk him in the fall and have your vet’s number stored in your phone, just in case.
Fall Danger #8: Mushrooms
Fall’s decomposing leaves and cool, rainy weather create the perfect environment for mushrooms. While we all know that mushrooms are poisonous, our dogs do not.
Not all mushrooms are dangerous, but you don’t want to risk it. It’s best to keep a sharp eye on your dog — and yard — during this time of year and brush up on which kinds of mushrooms are the most toxic.
Some of the most poisonous include Fly Agaric, which have white stems, red caps, and white spots on the cap, and Autumn Galerina, which are brown or rust-colored with floppy caps.
Fall Danger #9: Fleas and Ticks
We tend to think of fleas and ticks as a summer concern, but think again. Many people enjoy camping in the fall because of the cooler temperatures. And who doesn’t want to take their best four-legged friend on a walk through the forest to check out the foliage?
If this sounds like you, be wary that fleas and ticks are still lurking and make sure that you pup has proper protection.
Fall Danger #10: Allergies
Allergies spark when the seasons change, and the shift from summer to fall is no different. The changing seasons may irritate your dog’s skin and create hot spots.
Your dog can also get a case of hayfever. Make sure to brush up on the symptoms and call your vet if something goes awry.
Please SHARE this important information and help others keep their dogs safe this fall!
