Be Aware of Autumn Dangers for Pets

Autumn is a time for pumpkins, fall leaves, and cooler temperatures but there are dangers specific to the Fall season to be aware of to keep your pets safe.

Corn cobs

Love corn cobs for decoration? Be sure to keep them out of your pet’s reach. Whether used in decorations or discarded after a meal, if your dog finds them and decides to chew them they can cause serious obstructions requiring surgery and a long recovery time. Keep corn cobs out of reach, or safely discard them after use, to keep your pets safe throughout the season.

Poisonous plants

Have you moved your outdoor plants inside to protect them from frost? Many common houseplants can be poisonous to pets, especially when ingested but in some cases even rubbing against them can cause skin irritations. Before you move any plants indoors, make sure to do your research to check if they are poisonous to pets and if so, be sure to keep your dogs or cats away from them or keep them safely out of reach.

Bulbs

Like plants, many bulbs are poisonous to pets but they come with the added danger of being a fun size to play with - especially for dogs that like balls! When you’re planting fall bulbs, be sure to keep your pets inside so they can’t run off with one and ingest it, and always monitor them in the garden just in case they decide to dig up your newly planted bed!

Fertilizers and mulches

Before using a new fertilizer or mulch, make sure you check for signs of mold. Moldy fertilizer or mulch can cause serious health issues for our beloved pets, from vomiting to tremors, lack of coordination, and even seizures if the mold is ingested. Play it safe and throw away any moldy fertilizer or mulch before you plant.

Mushrooms

Occasionally, you might see mushrooms start to grow in the yard, especially during the fall when the conditions are perfect for them. As well as being a bit unsightly, mushrooms can be poisonous and can cause serious gastrointestinal issues for dogs and cats. If you see mushrooms beginning to grow, keep your dogs and cats away from them, and then remove the mushrooms from the affected area with pet-friendly treatments.

Acorns

A lot of dogs love to play with acorns - they’re new, small, fun to throw around and chase - but they can also be a serious concern. Acorns can cause digestive issues, but due to their size they’re also a significant choking hazard and can even damage teeth if your pets try to chew them. If you see any acorns in your yard, be sure to sweep them up quickly to prevent any possible issues.

Rat and mouse poison

Rats and mice love the Fall season, but if they’re in your yard and you’re using poison to deal with the problem you’ll need to keep your pets inside. Rat and mouse poison is toxic to dogs and cats as well, so if your fur family eats any of it they’ll come down with some serious symptoms and require veterinary care as well. Keep pets inside while you have poison down in the yard.

*Graphic and content provided by ASPCA