Who doesn’t love fall in the city: the colorful trees, crisp air and crunch of leaves beneath your feet? Your pets, especially those who spend time outside, are probably appreciative of the relief from hot and muggy summer. However, be aware that the change in seasons also means a change in hazards for your pet.
We list some tips below to keep your pet safe from fall dangers:
1. Like us, rodents that ran rampant in the summer are seeking shelter now that the temperature is dropping. This means an increase in the use of rodenticides to keep them away. Such chemicals are toxic to animals and can be fatal if ingested. Only use these products if you absolutely need to, use them with caution and store them in a place your pet can’t reach.
2. If you have kids, back-to-school is in full swing, and so are the projects that require supplies like markers and glue. These items are not extremely toxic for a pet, but can cause stomach upsets and other gastrointestinal issues. It is better to err on the side of caution and keep these supplies stored away when not being used.
3. When the weather cools down, car owners usually change the coolant in their vehicle. Coolants are yet another toxic chemical, so keep them away from your pets, and clean up any spills thoroughly.
4. Fall is a season for mushroom growth. Most mushrooms are not toxic, but the small amount that are can be life-threatening when ingested. It can be quite difficult to tell the difference between poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms, so keep your pets away from any area where they are growing to avoid the risk. If you see your pet eat a wild mushroom, call your vet or Animal Poison Control Center right away.
5. If your pet spends most of their time outside, he or she should be given more food during cold seasons to generate body heat.
6. On the contrary, if you kept your dog inside for a lot of the summer due to heat, brush up on training to make sure they still know everything and can handle exercising outside again.
If you haven’t had your pet in for a checkup in a while, schedule an appointment with the Metropolitan Veterinary Center in Chicago today!
Courtesy of ASPCA
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