Autumn is arguably the finest of all the seasons, but it does come with it’s own set of dangers. While we’re getting our sweaters out of storage and putting the storm windows up, Bayville pets can easily find their own versions of trouble. From accidental poisonings to décor mishaps, we offer the following fall pet safety guide.
Getting Ready
The weeks between Labor Day and Thanksgiving are prime for clean-up duty. Whether you’re tackling the garage, backyard, or tool shed, please be aware of the following:
- Chemicals – Store any products for your lawn, garden, or garage in places that your pet cannot access. We’re talking about fertilizers, pesticides, and antifreeze. Check for any leaking or spills from containers, and clean these up immediately. Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) is extremely toxic. The alternative, propylene glycol, might be a better choice for your family, but the effects can still be dangerous to pets.
- Timing – Confine your pet when you are using potentially toxic products this fall. For example, if you are applying a lawn treatment before the first freeze, keep Fluffy or Fido inside until the area is considered safe.
Other Fall Pet Safety Tips
The yard is supposed to be safe for your pet, but the fall provides ample exposure to hazardous items. Things like rotten fruit and their pits, certain berries, nuts, seeds, leaves, or fallen branches can all pose risks for your pet. Remain as vigilant as possible with regard to what is crossing over your boundary line, and be cautious while out for walks together.
Likewise, various mushrooms flourish in the cooler fall temperatures. While 99% of all mushroom varieties are non-toxic, there is that 1% chance that your pet will find the highly deadly kind. As a general rule, do not allow your pet to sample any fungi. Knowing the signs of a pet emergency can buy your pet some time, but please do not delay contacting us.
Compost is Good and Bad
Composting is a wonderful way to handle kitchen waste, provided it doesn’t have any meat or dairy in it. However, even proper composting methods can be dangerous because decaying and moldy food have the potential to create tremorgenic mycotoxins, potent neurotoxins with disastrous side-effects. Keep your bin sealed, fenced off, and a non-issue for your curious pet.
Going Inside (For Months)
We’re approaching the coldest days of the year, and the shift toward making a house more “homey” is palpable during fall. Seasonal décor is fun, but items like stringed lights, lit candles, and decorative corn or gourds all have their problems when it comes to fall pet safety. Decorate to your heart’s desire, but do try to keep items off the floor.
During fall, it seems that Bayville kids are all bringing home something new every day, which could pose safety risks for family pets. Please communicate with your brood about the dangers of chocolate, Xylitol, and any necessary medications that might find their way into a backpack or purse. Better yet, provide storage solutions that keep tempting items out of sight and reach.
Smaller Window
The days are getting shorter in autumn, providing less time to exercise safely in daylight. Don’t let an earlier dusk stop you and your pet from getting exercise. Instead, outfit your pet with reflective gear or an illuminated leash and/or collar, and keep up with your routine all year long.
Speaking of things to keep up with all year, your pet’s parasite prevention should not lapse just because it’s getting chillier. Please let us know if you have questions about this, and any of our fall pet safety tips. The only AAHA certified primary care hospital in the Bayville area is always here for your pet!