A Happy goldendoodle dog outside in autumn season

Pet Safety Tips for the Autumn Season

The coming of fall is always met with much anticipation. The cooler weather offers relief from the summer heat and the changing leaves always create a lovely collage of colors. Yet as welcome as fall may be, for our pets, the season still poses some dangers. Happily, with some forethought and preventive measures against the common dangers of fall, your pet can be safe throughout the season.

Allergies

Autumn brings its own set of allergens that can affect your pet (and you, too!). While they may make you sneeze a bit more often, for your pet, allergies usually manifest as skin conditions such as dry, red or flaky skin. Help your pet avoid this discomfort with allergy medications and topical treatments to soothe irritated skin.

Pests

Even as the weather cools, pests don’t quit. Fleas and ticks are still active in cooler weather. Ticks will still attempt to feed through temperatures just above freezing, while fleas will die out at such temperatures if left to the elements. However, fleas are very good at finding warm places (such as under your house) where they wait until spring to reemerge. The best option for your pet is to keep their pest prevention up-to-date all the through the winter.

Halloween and Fall Décor

The harvest season and Halloween offer opportunities for creative decorations. However, some of these can be dangerous for your pet. Anything with an electric cord for one, should be secured so that pets cannot gnaw the wires. Additionally, harvest décor such as dried corn stalks can pose a danger to your pet who may ingest dried corn kernels which, while not poisonous, can cause an obstruction or irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. Other potential dangers include candles and jack-o-lanterns which, when lighted, pose a fire hazard. Make sure decorations are secured away from your pet and that your pet is always supervised around those that are not.

Halloween Costumes, Candies, & Trick-or-Treaters

The three staples of Halloween include the costumes, candy, and the trick-or-treaters. While it can be fun to dress your pet in a Halloween costume of their own, it is important to make sure they are happy in their outfit and that it fits them properly. Give them a few days before to get used to their costume and check that it doesn’t obstruct their movement, breathing, sight, or hearing.

Also, keep candies out of reach. While most of us know chocolate is harmful to our pets, other candies that could include the sugar-free substitute, xylitol are just as if not more harmful.

Last but not least, the trick-or-treaters can either be a welcome surprise to friendly, playful pets or an annoyance or even fear factor to shy, timid pets. You know your pet best, so if needed, keep them inside in a quiet room so they don’t become stressed by the constant visitors.

Portrait of dog in disguise for Halloween.