Seasonal Pet Hazards: Fall Edition
It’s fall, ya’ll! It’s our favorite time of year at Animal Medical Hospital & Urgent Care. We are excited to help make it even better this year by sharing our best fall pet safety tips with you. Now go get that pumpkin spice latte you know you want!
Toxic Treats
Not all autumn treats are meant for sharing with our pets. In fact, there are a few that should definitely be avoided.
A Halloween staple, chocolate is a people-only treat. Chocolate, especially dark or baking chocolate, can cause everything from vomiting and diarrhea to heart arrhythmias and death depending on the dose.
Artificial sweeteners are also a big no no. Xylitol, also sometimes called birch sugar or extract, is highly toxic. Often found in sugar-free candies, gums, and baked goods, even just a small amount of this artificial sweetener can be deadly.
While autumn decor like pumpkins and corn are not necessarily toxic, a pet who ingests them could experience digestive upset or a serious gastrointestinal tract obstruction, so use caution with these as well.
Halloween Pet Dangers
Now that you know what food items pose a danger to your pets during Trick or Treat season, it is time to think about what other dangers are lurking for pets during Halloween.
Halloween pet safety is important. Be sure to watch out for
- Candy wrappers that can cause a blockage if ingested
- Gastrointestinal upset from over doing the treats
- Open flames from candles
- Decorations like ribbons, fake spider webs, and tinsel that may be tempting to chew on
- Glow sticks, which can be irritating if ingested
- Increased anxiety due to costumes and spooky decor
- Unattended alcoholic drinks
- Escape artists during trick or treating
- Costumes that may rub, choke, or be ingested
Other Fall Pet Safety Pointers
The seasonal weather makes it a great time to spend time outdoors with your pets, but take some time to be sure everyone is safe and protected.
Be sure that your pet is fully vaccinated and up to date on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
Also be aware of lawn chemicals, insecticides, anti-freeze, and rodenticides that can have serious consequences to pets who are exposed.
Be safe around flames like campfires and lanterns, as well as artificial heat sources that can cause burns, too.
We hope that you and your pet have a safe and happy fall season. If you need our help, though, don’t be afraid to contact us.