Autumn can be so much fun for you and your sweet pet. But have you thought about pet safety unique to the fall season? In this vet blog, we’ll be covering six important pet safety tips to keep in mind before you and your fur-buddies step out for autumn adventures, or hunker down at home this fall season.

It's time to plan, prepare, and be ready for fall fun and frolicking, Fido-style...and don't forget to keep your pet's health and safety as first priority.

OUTDOOR PET SAFETY TIPS FOR THE FALL SEASON

Just as the falling leaves mean a change of seasons, your pet's needs are changing as well. Consider all of the environmental shifts, both within your household and outside in nature, and how these might affect your dear doggy, cute kitty, or other four-legged friend.

See below for our top 6 pet safety tips every pet parent should know about the fall season.

Safety Tip 1: Avoid Mushrooms and Molds

Don't let your dog eat mushrooms off the lawn. During fall, you might find wild mushrooms growing more frequently, as do molds. This is all part of the natural cycle, but mushrooms and molds can be dangerous for pets. Dogs are always up for a tasty treat. Wild mushrooms should not be one of them!

Your dog may try to munch on some wild mushrooms after discovering them out in the yard or on a walk. Pay close attention during sniffing sessions. If your dog seems extra interested in a certain spot on the grass, they could be about to sample the fungi, which won't be so fun. Gently guide them away, and keep moving to a safer, shroom-free spot.

Symptoms dogs can develop from mushroom or mold consumption

• Kidney damage or failure

• Liver damage or failure

• Severe gastrointestinal upset

Ways to prevent mushroom poisoning and mold toxicity to your dog

The good news is that you can help prevent your dog from getting into mushrooms and mold by being diligent throughout the fall season or anytime they grow, like after a heavy summer rain. Simply follow these steps:

• Pay close attention to what your dog is sniffing on walks

• Avoid walking through damp, wooded, or shaded spots

• Remove any mushrooms that pop up in your yard

If your dog does eat a mushroom or a mold, try to collect a sample of it. Be careful not to touch it with your bare hands if you can help it -- baggies are useful for this purpose. Bring the mushroom sample to your VEG emergency vet in case it will help determine if the mushroom is toxic to your dog.

The fall season comes with risks for pets. Fortunately, there's a compassionate veterinarian staff available at all VEG pet hospitals 24 hours every day to care for any emergency.

Safety Tip 2: Be Extra Cautious of Snakes

During the fall, some snakes are preparing to brumate for the winter. It’s their time to slither out on the prowl and hunt for prey that will sustain them. Snakes can become a bit more aggressive during these times, which could lead to being bitten.

It’s a good idea to learn about the different snakes in your area. When on walks (or even allowing your pet into the yard), be cautious and look closely for signs of snakes. Snakes love to rest in tall grass, so do not allow your dog, cat or bunny to roam free near places snakes can hide. Rocky terrain, especially on the west coast, is another area where snakes can find hiding spaces and strike when you least expect it.

Safety Tip 3: Pay Attention to Temperatures

In the fall, you just never know what the weather is going to do next. If heading out with Frisky or Scooby in tow, mind the weather -- and know before you go.

If yours is a mini-mutt, consider if dropping temps call for a doggy-sized jacket or sweater. You may want to bring booties to protect your dog's sensitive paw pads if the ground becomes very hot, very cold, or if it rains. (Good luck getting booties on your cat!)

Keep plenty of water, and your pet's bowl, in case the weather turns hot. Be ready to head back indoors if it becomes rainy or very cold.

Safety Tip 4: Watch Pets Around School Supplies

Another smart fall safety tip for pets: safeguard school supplies! 

Remember being a second grader, nibbling on that squishy eraser at the end of your pencil? Your pet may share your enthusiasm for mouthing school supplies, but it's best to keep them out of his reach.

Some items, such as glue or markers, could be toxic to pets if ingested. Others, like pencils, erasers, or paperclips, might cause bowel obstructions.

Pet safety tips around school supplies (with a bonus perk of keeping more tidy and organized):

• Store lesser-used school supplies in a bin with a secure lid so pets can't get at them.

• Consider setting up space in a room of your home where kids can work on school projects without interference from the family pet or pets.

• Get kids into the daily habit of storing books, notebooks, pencils, and other school supplies in their backpacks and zipping it closed after homework is through.

VEG provides high-quality veterinary emergency care for dogs, cats, birds, exotic animals, and more! Call or come in anytime for vet care—no appointments needed or taken.

Safety Tip 5: Keep Halloween Candy Away from Pets

No matter how many tricks he can do, the only treats your pet should be having are the kind meant for pets. Around Halloween time, candy is one of top safety risks.

• Stow candy carefully away on a high shelf, or in the refrigerator or freezer, to prevent your dog, cat, or other pet (curious rabbit?) from being able to access and eat it.

• Always put candy away after you’re finished enjoying your treats. If your dog or cat feels left out at treat time, offer a bone, biscuit, or kitty-cat snack! 

• Wrappers, too, with their lingering candy scents, may prove enticing to your pet as well. Be sure not to leave any lying around, as this can pose a safety risk.

  
  

Never feed your pet chocolate - it can be fatal.

Chocolate is extremely dangerous for pets, but it isn’t the only risky candy. Any candy containing xylitol can be potentially fatal to animals, and other artificial sweeteners are dangerous as well.

Additionally, some types of candy may pose choking hazards for pets, including gum, chewy candy, and hard candy.

If your dog, cat or other pet manages to get into the Halloween stash and eats some candy or chocolate, call your nearest VEG pet hospital or come right in and we’ll triage your pet right away.

Safety Tip 6: Know How to Keep Your Pet Safe Around Holiday Decorations

As autumn approaches, so do the holidays. Families may decorate for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the winter holidays too. Because of this, autumn is the time when it becomes crucial to start monitoring your pets around household decorations.

• Power cords from holiday lights often draw the attention of a curious, chewing kitty or mischievous, munching mutt. 

• Pets may try to knock over, get tangled up, or nibble on decorations that could be harmful to them. 

• If you use scented candles, these may pose additional risks for your pet, like burning or respiratory problems. Use all-natural, non-toxic candles and set them out of your pet’s reach.

  
  

Commonsense Tips to Keep Pets Safe at Home During Fall Decorating and the Holidays:

• Keep a close watch on your pet when hanging out at home.

• Relocate risk-posing items out of your pet's reach.

• Clean up and put away any decorations and lights that aren't being used.

• Corral your pet safely if leaving the house (think baby gate in the kitchen).

• Follow safety precautions on all fall and holiday decor.

Bonus Tip: Keep Your Pet Away from Glow Sticks

A fright-night fave, glow sticks make any holiday magical, but for pets – they’re a hazard in disguise. For your dog or cat, these may look like shiny toys… or worse, a treat! While in fact, it’s a mix of toxic plastic, a glass vial (that breaks on bending the stick) and a liquid chemical cocktail, that though not deadly, can result in some pretty dramatic reactions if ingested.

If your pet interacts with a glow stick, it can cause:

• Chemical burns of mouth, skin & eyes 

• Gastrointestinal discomfort

• Panic and stress from stained fur

• Choking or blockages

Some signs to look out for if your pet chomps on a glow stick: 

• Drooling/foaming at the mouth

• Gagging or lip-licking

• Nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach

• Pawing at mouth or face

• Eye redness or skin irritation from contact with liquid

• Cuts in the mouth or bloody saliva may occur if plastic or glass is swallowed

Rinse your pet’s mouth gently with fresh water and wipe away any residue. Call your emergency vet to talk over the symptoms or bring your pet in for an exam.

PET EMERGENCY? WALK IN OR CALL VEG'S 24-HOUR ANIMAL HOSPITAL

For more pet safety tips for the fall season, or if you have an emergency with your pet, contact the emergency vet team at VEG right away. We have locations all over the country, open 24/7. Our ER for pets is open on Halloween, Thanksgiving, and every holiday, so you never have to wait when it comes to getting your pet the prompt, expert vet care that’s needed.