Fall can be one of the most beautiful times of the year! With the colors changing, the school season beginning and the weather cooling off, it’s definitely one of our favorites. However, did you know that fall does present some possible dangers for our pets? We’ve compiled some tips to keep you and your dog safe and happy as we happily welcome autumn.
Keep school supplies away
For pet owning households with children in school, fall means stocking up on school supplies like markers, glue sticks, pencils and erasers. While most kid-friendly school supplies do not pose any toxic risks- it’s important to keep them out of your pet’s reach. If ingested, supplies pose choking hazards as well as risks of dangerous gastrointestinal blockages.
Ease into outdoor activity if needed
In some areas of the United States, it’s simply too hot in the summer to take your dog for runs or to endure outdoor activities for long periods of time. Now that the weather is cooler and you and your dog can enjoy more time together outside! Keep in mind that dogs, just like humans, can become out of shape and may require some initial training to get their bodies back into outdoor hiking and running shape.
Be weary of rodent traps and poisons
Autumn is generally a popular time for rodents to seek shelter in human homes, forcing many homeowners to use poisons and traps. If you must use these products, keep them as inaccessible as possible from your pets as they could cause serious physical and medical harm.
Watch out for snakes!
According to the ASPCA, autumn is the season when snakes who are preparing for hibernation may be particularly “grumpy,” increasing the possibility of severe bites to those unlucky pups who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Pet owners should know what kinds of venomous snakes may be in their environment—and where these snakes are most likely to be found—so they can keep pets out of those areas.
We hope these quick tips were helpful for you and your pet and wish everyone a happy and SAFE fall!