Fall Pet Safety Tips
Fall is here, at least that’s what the calendar says! Although Atlanta may still have hot days, the evening air is getting a little cooler as the days get shorter. We can even see the beautiful fall leaves changing colors and falling to the ground for our kids (furry and human) to play in. While fall is a fun and beautiful time of year, it can bring some risks for our pets that we need to be aware of. In order to ensure that your furry friend is protected throughout the year, follow these fall pet safety tips for a happy and healthy pet.
Beware of Anti-Freeze
Anti-freeze is essential for cars during cool weather, however if ingested by your pet, anti-freeze can be lethal. It has a sweet taste that attracts them, therefore, be sure to check for leaks and spills of anti-freeze and be sure to clean up immediately. Keep any anti-freeze well sealed and in a place that your pets cannot access.
If you suspect that your pet has ingested anti-freeze, contact your veterinarian, emergency clinic or animal poison control immediately.
Fall ID Tag Check
Fall is a great time for pet parents to check ID tags and microchips in their pets. Has your address, phone or email changed recently? Take a minute to confirm that all of your contact information tied to microchips are accurate. Having up to date information will help anyone who finds your lost pet return them to you much faster.
Be Careful with Decorations
Many decorations for the holidays are shiny and sparkle, which can be attractive for your dog or cat and look like it is there as their new toy. In addition, many decorations contain toxic chemicals and may cause choking. Therefore, it is best to keep decorations away from pets and out of their reach. Check out PetMd’s list of 10 Holiday Decorations to Avoid.
Keep Holiday Goodies Away From Pets
Many holiday treats contain chocolate, which can be extremely harmful to your best if swallowed. In addition, uncooked bread dough, cooked bones and various fruits and vegetables can also be harmful. Even some nuts and berries in grandma’s famous fruitcake can be dangerous! Use caution around the holidays and check out this list of holiday foods your pet should avoid.
Continue Giving Heartworm Preventative Care Year-Round
Mosquitoes are infamous for carrying the heartworm parasite. They are also more active at nighttime and near bodies of water (big or small). And since the days become shorter and nights longer during the fall season, mosquitoes are more prevalent when most people are walking or doing evening activities with their pets.
With the Atlanta weather, we can have a warm snap in the middle of winter and mosquitoes can make an early showing. Don’t forget that they can live inside. For the health of your pet, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Heartworm treatment can be a costly and traumatic treatment for any pet. Don’t forget that while dogs are more often the victim of heartworm disease, cats can also be susceptible.
Mushrooms
Fall is considered a season where mushrooms can thrive. While many mushrooms are non-toxic, there are some that are and can cause life-threatening issues with your pets. Mushrooms thrive in the woods near the base of trees and on decomposing wood. Be on the lookout when you take your dog on a nice walk on one of the many trails throughout Atlanta. It is difficult to distinguish between toxic and non-toxic mushrooms, so it is best to have your pet avoid mushrooms at all costs to ensure your pet’s safety.
Use Reflective Gear When Walking
As the days get shorter, getting your pet proper exercise may include walks and other activities in the evening as the sun is setting. Be sure that you are in a well-lit area, or that you and your dog are sporting reflective attire to ensure safety in the dark. This will ensure your safety as well as your dogs.
Our pets are members of our family and we want to do anything we can to keep them healthy. Fall pet safety can be a daunting task. However, just by following a few simple steps and by taking some extra precaution, your pet will stay safe and happy throughout the entire fall and winter seasons.
Even though the weather is cooler, pets can suffer from allergies year-round too. Your pet’s fur can trap all kinds of allergens. Continuing their current grooming schedule is a must. If you have questions or need to make a grooming appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
