The crisp chill of autumn is upon us and that means changing leaves, cozy sweaters, and back-to-school. But along with all of that excitement comes some dangers for your adorable pooch and kitty. Keep your pet from falling into danger with these tips.
Separation Anxiety
Fall means that kids are heading back to school. It also means your pet is alone for the first time in months. Spend some extra time with your pet when you are home and make sure they have their favorite toy or a treat when you leave.
Antifreeze
Every year more than 10,000 dogs and cats are accidentally poisoned with automotive antifreeze. Pets are attracted to the sweet taste of ethylene glycol. One to two teaspoons will poison a cat and three tablespoons is enough to kill a medium size dog.
Allergies
Fall weather can bring about a whole new set of allergies for you and your animals. Ragweed and mold are two aggravates, along with grass and dust. Look for signs like scratching, biting, chewing, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, hives, and rashes.
Arthritis
Cold weather can lead to arthritis caused by inflamed joints. If your dog or cat is limping, having trouble moving, jumping or sitting, moving slower than usual, or whimpering when they move, they may be suffering from seasonal arthritis.
Mushrooms
All mushrooms are toxic to dogs. Always watch for mushrooms in areas where you walk your dogs or where they run and play. Be especially cautious of parasol-shaped mushrooms and all small brown mushrooms. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can range from mild vomiting and diarrhea to severe digestive problems to complete liver failure.
Compost Pile
Your compost pile in your backyard is also dangerous to your pet. The decomposing organic material could contain mycotoxins that can cause hypothermia, agitation, excessive panting or drooling, and even seizures.
Rodenticides
In fall and winter, mice and rats come flocking indoors to warmer surroundings. Putting out rodenticides will get rid of rodents but could also be fatal to your pooch and cat. There are four different types of poison and each has the potential to kill your pet: anticoagulants, cholecalciferol, bromethalin, and phosphides.
Spiders
Here in Spokane we have aggressive house spiders or Hobos. During the fall they come inside and get warm and their bite is venomous to both humans and animals. Signs of a bite are swelling and scratching. Take your pet to the vet right away if you think they might have been bitten.
Cold Weather
Chilly temps can also pose a threat to your pet. Indoor animals don’t develop a thick double coat like outdoor pets and should not be left outside unattended for any period of time. Consider buying a sweater for your dog for walks or booties to keep their paws safe from ice and rock salt. Also be cautious around ice – your pet could easily slip and rip a ligament or break a bone.
SOURCE – SCRAPS release, Fall 2017
