Crisp air, crunchy leaves underfoot – autumn’s arrival is a welcome change for many, including our furry companions. The cooler temperatures can mean more comfortable walks and energetic play sessions. However, this beautiful season also brings a unique set of potential hazards for pets that every owner should be aware of. Staying vigilant and making a few adjustments can ensure your dog or cat enjoys autumn safely alongside you.
Navigating the Great Outdoors: Autumn Edition
While the vibrant foliage is stunning, those picturesque piles of leaves and the changing landscape can hide dangers. It’s time to swap summer vigilance for autumn awareness.
Hidden Hazards on the Ground
Leaf Piles and Yard Debris: Who doesn’t love the sound of shuffling through fallen leaves? Unfortunately, these piles can conceal more than just twigs. Sharp objects, hidden holes, decaying organic matter, mold, and even unseen critters like snakes seeking warmth can be lurking beneath the surface. Furthermore, wet leaves can become slippery, posing a risk for older pets or those with mobility issues. It’s best to supervise pets closely around leaf piles and clear yard debris regularly. Some leaves, like those from oak trees (along with acorns) or black walnut trees, can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
Mushrooms and Fungi: Autumn dampness encourages mushroom growth in lawns, parks, and wooded areas. While many are harmless, a significant number are highly toxic to pets. Identifying safe versus poisonous mushrooms is extremely difficult, even for experts. Ingestion can cause anything from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe liver or kidney failure, neurological problems, and even death. The safest approach? Assume all wild mushrooms are dangerous and prevent your pet from sniffing, licking, or eating them. If you suspect mushroom ingestion, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately, and try to bring a sample of the mushroom (handled carefully with gloves and placed in a paper bag) if possible.
Acorns, Conkers, and Seeds: Those shiny acorns and conkers might look like fun natural toys, but they pose a double threat. They can cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) due to tannins if chewed or eaten, and larger ones present a serious choking hazard or risk of intestinal blockage, which often requires emergency surgery. Keep a watchful eye on your pet during walks, especially around oak or horse chestnut trees, and discourage them from picking up or chewing these items.
Chemical Concerns
Antifreeze Alert: This is perhaps one of the most critical autumn and winter warnings. As people prepare their cars for colder weather, antifreeze spills or leaks become more common. Ethylene glycol, the active ingredient in most antifreeze, has a sweet taste that attracts pets. Unfortunately, it is incredibly poisonous. Even a tiny amount licked off paws or from a puddle can cause rapid, irreversible kidney failure and death.
Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) Toxicity: This substance is extremely dangerous to cats and dogs. Its sweet taste is appealing, but ingestion of even a minuscule amount can lead to severe kidney damage and can be fatal within hours or days. Always check your driveway and garage for leaks, clean up spills instantly and thoroughly, and store antifreeze containers tightly sealed and well out of reach of pets.
Look for pet-safer antifreeze varieties containing propylene glycol, which is less toxic, although still not completely harmless if ingested in large amounts. Vigilance is key.
Rodenticides: As rodents seek shelter indoors from the cooling weather, the use of rat and mouse poisons increases. These baits are designed to be attractive, and unfortunately, they are often just as appealing to curious pets. Ingestion can cause internal bleeding, kidney failure, neurological damage, or death, depending on the type of poison used. Keep all rodenticides securely stored away from pets, and ideally, use non-toxic alternatives or humane traps. Be aware that pets can also suffer secondary poisoning by consuming poisoned rodents.
Adapting to Changing Conditions
Autumn isn’t just about ground hazards; the shifts in weather and daylight hours also require adjustments to keep pets safe and comfortable.
Dealing with Darkness and Dwindling Light
Visibility Matters: Shorter days mean walks are more likely to occur during twilight or darkness. This significantly reduces visibility for drivers, cyclists, and even you. Equip your pet with reflective gear – collars, harnesses, leashes, or coats – and consider carrying a flashlight. Keeping your dog on a shorter leash during walks in low light helps maintain better control and prevents them from darting unexpectedly into the path of vehicles or encountering unseen hazards. For cats that go outdoors, reduced visibility increases their risk from cars and predators; consider keeping them indoors, especially during dawn, dusk, and nighttime.
Check Under Cars: As temperatures drop, outdoor cats and wildlife may seek warmth and shelter near recently parked car engines. Before starting your vehicle, especially first thing in the morning, bang loudly on the hood or check underneath to give any hidden animals a chance to escape. This simple check can prevent tragic injuries.
Temperature Drops and Wet Weather
Keeping Warm: While some breeds with thick double coats relish the cooler air, others are less equipped to handle the chill. Short-haired breeds, smaller pets, senior animals, and those with certain health conditions may become easily chilled. Pay attention to your pet’s behaviour – shivering is an obvious sign they are cold. Consider a pet sweater or coat for walks, especially on damp or windy days. Never leave pets outdoors unattended for extended periods in cold weather, and always ensure they have access to warm, dry shelter.
Staying Dry: Autumn often brings rain and dampness. While a little rain won’t harm most pets, prolonged exposure to dampness can chill them and potentially lead to skin issues. Towel-dry your pet thoroughly after walks in the rain, paying attention to paws, belly, and ears. Ensure their bedding is always dry.
Indoor Safety Considerations
As more time might be spent indoors, new potential issues can arise.
Early Holiday Hazards
Seasonal Treats and Decorations: Autumn brings Halloween and Thanksgiving, often meaning more tempting but dangerous foods around the house. Keep chocolate (especially dark chocolate), xylitol-sweetened candies and baked goods, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and fatty foods well out of reach. Decorations like fake cobwebs, small spooky toys, or electrical cords for festive lights can also pose ingestion or entanglement risks. Ensure these are placed where curious pets cannot access them.
Home Heating
Warm Spots, Big Risks: Space heaters and fireplaces become invitingly warm spots for pets seeking comfort. However, they also pose burn risks. Use fireplace screens to prevent pets from getting too close to embers or flames. Ensure space heaters are stable and cannot be easily knocked over by a curious nose or wagging tail, and keep pets from lying directly against them. Never leave heaters or fires unattended when pets are nearby.
Don’t Forget the Parasites!
Many owners mistakenly believe that parasite season ends with summer, but this isn’t the case.
Ticks and Fleas Persist
Ticks Remain Active: Certain tick species remain active in cooler temperatures, especially in grassy or wooded areas where fallen leaves provide insulation. They can still transmit diseases like Lyme disease. Continue checking your pet (and yourself) for ticks after walks, and discuss year-round tick prevention with your veterinarian.
Fleas Move Indoors: As outdoor temperatures drop, fleas seek warmer environments – often finding refuge on your pet and subsequently, in your home. Once established indoors, they can thrive year-round. Maintaining consistent flea prevention is crucial throughout autumn and winter to avoid an infestation.
Enjoying Autumn Responsibly
Autumn offers wonderful opportunities for enjoying the outdoors with your pet. By being aware of the seasonal changes and potential hazards, you can take simple precautions to protect your furry friend. Regular checks, careful supervision during outdoor excursions, securing potential toxins, and ensuring warmth and visibility will help make this colourful season a safe and happy one for everyone. Keep these tips in mind, stay observant, and enjoy all the sniffs, sights, and sounds this beautiful time of year has to offer with your beloved companion.
