Tag Archives: antifreeze

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Autumn Dangers for Dogs

Fall is officially here! All of the seasons have specific hazards for pet parents to be aware of, and autumn is no different. Here, a Georgetown, IN vet discusses autumn dangers for dogs.

Lawn/Garden Chemicals

At this time of year, many people treat their lawns and gardens with pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers. Your pooch could get sick just by licking his paws after walking through an area that was recently treated. Water your property after applying chemicals, so they soak down into the earth. You may also want to wipe your pup’s paws and belly off before you bring him indoors.

Wild Animals

As the weather cools, many wild animals will be searching for spots to hibernate. This can make them rather cranky, and more aggressive than usual. When walking Fido, don’t let him sniff around anything that could be a potential den. Snakes are a particular concern here: they sometimes hide in piles of leaves.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze is extremely dangerous to Man’s Best Friend. It’s highly toxic, and is particularly concerning because many pets like the way it tastes. Clean up any spills right away. If you see stains or damp spots, put cat litter or sand over them.

Plants

Many plants that bloom in autumn are poisonous to dogs. Mushrooms are a common one. Chrysanthemums are also dangerous to pets. And, while Fido may love playing in piles of dead leaves, be careful here: they can harbor mold or bacteria.

Decorations

Autumn decorations have a special whimsical feel, but you do need to be careful with what you put out. Fido is definitely not above trying to eat a cardboard pumpkin! He could also get tangled up in lights or cords. Hang things above your pet’s height, and be sure to secure wires and cords.

Candy

Candy is also dangerous to your furry best friend! Many sweets, such as chocolate, raisins, nuts, and anything containing xylitol, are toxic to Fido. Hard candies are also unsafe, as they present serious choking risks.

Weather

Fido may have a fur coat, but he isn’t immune to cold weather. Limit your pet’s outdoor time on cold days, and make sure he has a warm bed. If your pooch has thin fur, get him some doggy clothes for frigid days.

Please call us, you Georgetown, IN vet clinic, for all your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

Help Your Pet Avoid These Wintertime Hazards

Winter is nearly upon us—is your pet ready for the trials of the cold season? Here, your Floyds Knob, IN vet tells you about several common wintertime hazards to help your pet avoid.

Bitter Cold

Of course, the frigid temperatures are the major hazard of winter. Never leave your dog or cat outdoors for long periods of time in the winter, as deadly hypothermia and frostbite can result. Instead, bring them indoors, where they’ll be safe and warm with your family. You may also consider dressing your pet up in a warm parka or booties to help protect against the elements during bathroom breaks or outdoor walks.

A tip for wintertime walks: if available, try walking your pet through wooded or shrub-lined areas. This will help insulate you and your pet a bit from the biting cold and chilly wind.

Ice

Pets can slip and fall on ice just as easily as we can. Do your best to avoid patches of ice just to be safe. There’s also a chance pets may try to chow down on ice chunks, but it’s safest to prevent this from happening. Sharp shards can sometimes lacerate a pet’s mouth or throat if they’re eaten.

Deep Snowbanks

Take care to avoid deep snowbanks, even if your pet loves to frolic around in the white stuff. Cats and dogs—even athletic retriever breeds—can exhaust themselves trudging through heavy snow. Smaller pets can also sink into deep snow and have trouble getting themselves out!

Antifreeze

Antifreeze is commonly used when the temperatures drop, as it helps our car engines keep running in the cold. Unfortunately, it’s very toxic to pets. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, an alcoholic substance that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and worse. Plus, it has a sweet smell and taste that may attract pets! Always use antifreeze carefully, and clean up any spills right away. Store the chemical where pets can’t gain access.

Road Salt and Ice-Melting Chemicals

Here’s two more reasons to avoid ice in the wintertime: road salt and ice-melting chemicals. You don’t want your pet getting these substances on their paws, as they may lick them once back inside and ingest things that they shouldn’t. To be safe, give your pet’s paws a thorough wipe-down with a soft cloth every time you come back indoors from a wintertime trek.

Call your Floyds Knob, IN animal hospital for more helpful tips.