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How to Keep Your Pet Safe This Fall

October 1, 2015
The temperatures are dipping, the leaves are changing… autumn has officially arrived! Make sure that your furry friend stays safe this season with these tips from your Georgetown, IN animal hospital.

Pesticide Products

Pesky insects and wild rodents tend to seek shelter from the lower temperatures inside our homes this time of year. Homeowners often combat the problem with pesticides and rodenticides. Remember that these products are toxic, and can harm our animal companions as well as the pests they’re designed to kill. Place pesticides very carefully, and consider non-toxic, pet-safe alternative options.

Holiday Hazards

Halloween and trick-or-treat arrive at the end of the month, and with them come several hazards. Don’t allow your pet access to the treat bowl, as chocolate treats and many candies can prove very dangerous for our animal companions. If your pet were to get ahold of these, a trip to the veterinary emergency room may be in your future! Also use caution if you dress your pet up in a costume. These can be adorable, but some pets aren’t comfortable wearing clothes. In addition, costumes can have small pieces that could be choked on or swallowed.

School Supplies

Have your little ones returned to school recently? Don’t leave school supplies like pencils, pens, glue sticks, crayons, markers, or scissors lying about on the floor. Pets could choke on these, and scissors present a cutting hazard. What’s more, glue sticks could potentially poison a pet if they decide to swallow them.

Toxic Mushrooms

It’s not likely that your pet will ingest a toxic mushroom—only a very small percentage of all mushrooms are poisonous—but it’s also not worth taking the risk. Even benign mushrooms can give a pet an upset stomach if they eat too much, and they may have been sprayed with chemicals or fertilizers. Autumn is peak mushroom season, so remove any mushrooms growing in your yard.

Snakes

Autumn is prime-time for snake activity, as they’re preparing to hibernate for the winter and are extra irritable. A pet who accidentally runs across a snake is at risk for being bitten, so keep a close eye on your four-legged friend when outdoors. Ask your veterinarian about common varieties of venomous and non-venomous snakes in your area. These aren’t the only fall-time hazards out there. If you would like further advice on keeping your family pet safe this season, call your Georgetown, IN vet.

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