Autumn Dangers and Pet Safety

As you're out cleaning, bear in mind that there may be products lying around that can pose a significant danger to your pets. For instance, with the onset of cooler weather, people are getting their cars ready for winter by using anti-freeze, which is highly toxic. The reason this green-colored liquid poses such a danger to pets is because of its sweet taste. Did you know that according to statistics, just five teaspoons of anti-freeze can kill a 10-pound dog? The toxicity of anti-freeze is so potent that kidney failure and death can occur in a few hours. Therefore, you'll want to make sure that any anti-freeze is stored well out of reach of your pet. Another consideration includes pesticides, which can cause severe bleeding, kidney failure, and death once ingested by pets. Whether these are used outside or in the home, pesticides are a real danger to the safety of your pets. If they are used indoors, please put them in places where pets cannot reach; otherwise, do not use them at all. Mousetraps, while seemingly innocent enough, can also pose a threat to pets, especially small ones, causing injury to their paws, face, or even tails if stumbled upon.

As the weather changes, the needs or behaviors of your pets may change as well, posing a different sort of danger-health problems. Did you know that autumn not only produces allergies for us but also for our pets? It's true. Both indoor and outdoor pets can experience allergies during autumn. If your pet is scratching more than usual or sneezing a lot, a trip to the vet may be in order. There are products available from your vet that can help alleviate the aggravating symptoms brought on be allergies. Older pets can also suffer from arthritis, which can be intensified during autumn, especially in colder weather. Some signs to look for may include continual licking of the joints, stiffness in the morning or after waking, inability to get moving, reluctant to climb steps, or limping after a long walk. Although you may not notice your pet in pain, chances are the animal is. Remember, pets cannot speak. They are also masters at hiding problems. If you think your pet may be suffering from the effects of arthritis, or has been known to in the past, seek help from your local veterinarian.

Unbeknownst to some, pets can still get fleas during autumn. Fleas will actually seek out body heat from your pets, and even you. Other than providing pets with suitable flea protection, such as Frontline Plus, you should also vacuum regularly. It may also help to put a flea collar inside the vacuum bag; otherwise, replace it with a new one. If your pets are used to being indoors, now is not the time to put them out for lengthy periods. Outdoor pets, on the other hand, will require special attention in preparation for winter months and cold temperatures. They will need additional food and water in order to stay warm. Also, make sure that pets have adequate shelter from wind and rain. They should be provided with suitable bedding as well to insulate them from the cold ground. Do not use blankets. Instead, choose pet-friendly bedding products such as cedar shavings.

Please do not leave your pets outside near or on Halloween. This can be an extremely dangerous time for animals, especially black cats, where they may fall victim to Halloween pranksters. Halloween should be a time for celebration and fun. While you may want to include your pets, remain cautious when doing so. Even in the best of situations, the most loving pets can become stressed or frightened by the spooky sounds and sights of trick-or-treaters. Therefore, consider putting them up during Halloween not only to reduce the amount of stress but to ensure their overall safety as well. While costumes on animals may be cute, pet owners should use extreme caution when using them, including constant supervision once the costumes are on. Do not attempt to dress up your pet unless you're certain the animal does not mind. If your pet seems aggravated by a costume, remove it immediately. Also, be sure that whatever costume you place on a pet, it should not restrict the animal in any way or pose a threat to its safety. Never use rubber bands as these can cut off circulation. Autumn dangers include candy, especially during Halloween. Therefore, you should keep all candy away from pets. Chocolates can be harmful and in some cases even toxic to both dogs and cats. Hard candies can pose a choking hazard or block intestinal tracts, including the wrappers. Any treats given to pets should always be pet friendly.

Since pet safety is important, especially during autumn festivities, be sure not to leave any decorations such as Jack-O'-Lanterns, streamers, or cords within the path of your pets. While autumn may bring a much needed and welcome break from the searing heat of summer, it may also bring with it serious dangers, lurking where we least expect. As you're putting out your autumn decorations or cleaning up the lawn and garden, pay special attention to anything that may threaten the safety of your pets.