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Ah, autumn! The season of pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and colorful leaves. But did you know that it’s also when our furry friends need a little extra TLC? As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, fall also ushers in a bushel of dangers for our furry companions. Follow these essential fall pet safety tips to keep your four-legged family members happy and healthy this season.
Should You Adjust Your Pet's Diet for Fall?
Some pet owners believe there is an increased need for food once the summer heat dies down. Is this necessary? Several decades ago, your veterinarian may have recommended a slight increase in your pet's food consumption as the weather cooled and your pet required slightly more caloric intake to regulate his system.
Today, however, things have changed. With a shocking number of pets categorized as obese and most dogs and cats kept primarily as house pets, this isn't a concern for most pet parents. If you do have a very fit working dog, a small increase may be a wise idea, but an increase around 10% is probably all that is necessary. This does not mean an extra meal or an unlimited pass to treats.
Bundle Up for Temperature Changes This Fall
As fall's chill sets in, our pets feel it too – especially the little ones, puppies, and senior furballs. Keep an eye on outdoor time and help them adjust to the cooler weather by providing extra warmth, like blankets for outdoor dogs, and observe how they cope with the changes in temperature. And if you’ve got a short-haired pup? Consider a stylish doggy sweater for those crisp morning walks. Don't forget about outdoor kitties – a cozy shelter can make all the difference on chilly nights.
What Dangers Lurk When the Fall Weather Sets in?
Fall brings a plethora of fun opportunities and events; however, a lot of autumn-themed food and the accompanying wildlife can be dangerous for our beloved cats and dogs.
Apple Orchard Adventures
While a day at the apple orchard sounds delightful, it might be best to leave Fido or Fluffy at home if they’re a ground-grazer. Can dogs eat apples? While the flesh of ripe apples doesn’t pose a problem for dogs or cats, apple stems, leaves and seeds are not so gentle. They can cause GI upset, decreased oxygen in the blood, decreased heart rate, difficulty breathing, seizures, coma, and even death. With reasonable preparation, the flesh of apples can make a suitable treat for dogs, but cats are unlikely to enjoy the flavor of this fruit.
Holiday Feast Dangers to Watch Out For
As tempting as it is to share your Thanksgiving turkey, many holiday foods are on the naughty list for pets. Steer clear of sharing desserts, candies, fatty meat and trimmings, bones, gravies, calorie-dense casseroles, and seasoned sides. Don't forget that garlic and onions are toxic! Many pet parents aren't aware of the many dangerous things that can happen, such as acute and life-threatening pancreatitis, a condition brought on when a pet ingests highly fatty foods. There are plenty of other ways to include your pet in the Thanksgiving festivities that will make your holiday that much sweeter.
Chocolate Alert
Here's a fun fact: chocolate is the most popular flavor for dog medications. Why? Because our canine companions love it as much as we do! But it’s a deadly treat for them, so understanding how much chocolate can kill a dog and why it’s bad for them is a must. Keep those Halloween candy stashes and baking supplies well out of paw's reach.
Creepy Crawlies and Autumn Pests
Don't let the cooler weather fool you – ticks and fleas are still lurking around in fall. After those lovely leaf-crunching walks, give your pet a thorough tick and flea check. Keep up with flea and tick prevention, by maintaining tick repellant and talk to your vet about the best prevention methods for your furry friend. Tick-borne illnesses can be serious, but with the right steps, you can keep your pet safe and healthy all season long.
Beware of Toxic Mushrooms
While most are non-toxic, dogs are highly susceptible to mushroom poisoning because of their wandering and scavenging behavior, so it's important to be aware of this fall pet safety information. Since our furry friends can't tell the difference, it's best to keep them away from any fungi altogether during your autumn adventures. Symptoms of mushroom toxicity include profuse bloody diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, fever, and elevated heart rates. Without treatment, your pup could succumb to liver and kidney failure within 3-7 days. As with most poisonings, prompt upper gastrointestinal decontamination and supportive care are critical elements of treatment.
Snakebite Season is Here
Fall is prep time for many critters, including snakes getting ready to hibernate. Be aware of what kinds of venomous snakes are in your area and practice snakebite prevention through avoiding the snakes’ usual hangouts during your walks.
Skunk Encounters
And let's not forget about skunks! These stinky fellows are more active in fall, so be mindful during dusk and dawn when they're most active. Secure your trash cans, clean up fallen fruit, and keep your pet's food indoors to keep your yard skunk-free. It's also a good idea to teach your dog commands like "leave it" or "come" to avoid potential skunk encounters. And hey, if your pet does have a run-in with a skunk, don't panic – just have an emergency kit on hand with hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap to neutralize the smell and consult your veterinarian if needed. Stay alert and keep your pets safe from these stinky critters this fall!
What Fall Activities Are Safe for Your Pets?
Don't let all these warnings scare you off fall fun with your furry friend! While apple orchards may not be the best option for dogs who like to snack while they walk, there are plenty of other events pet owners can partake in!
Go Pumpkin Picking
Pumpkin patches are great for dogs to romp around in, just be sure to check ahead of time to make sure that they’re pet friendly. Whether you intend on carving the pumpkin, having a photoshoot, or making some pie, a trip to the pumpkin patch is a great way to bond. Also, pumpkin—both raw and canned—is a safe snack, provided your pet is not suffering from a chronic condition such as kidney disease or diabetes. As far as our healthy pets go, seeds and flesh of fresh, raw, or cooked pumpkins are safe. Fresh pumpkin is more nutritious than canned. If you choose to go with canned, make sure it doesn't have added sugar or sweeteners. Roasting the seeds in the oven is an easy way to have some handy dog treats around that will last several weeks.
Trick – or – Treating
Halloween is a fun time for everyone, including our furry friends! If you're planning on taking your pet trick-or-treating, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Dress your pet up in something they are comfortable in. Avoid costumes that are too tight or restrictive, or that have small pieces that could be a choking hazard.
Keep your pet on a leash. This will help to prevent them from running off or getting into trouble.
Bring a bag of dog-friendly treats. This way, you can reward your pet for good behavior and keep them from eating any stray candy.
Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid areas where there are a lot of people or traffic, and be careful of any potential hazards, such as open flames or decorations that could be harmful to your pet.
Take lots of pictures! Trick-or-treating with your pet is a great photo opportunity.
With a little planning, and some pet safe Halloweens tips, you can make sure that your pet has a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience.
Autumn Outdoor Adventures
Fall is the perfect time for outdoor explorations with your four-legged friend. Whether it's a hike through colorful forests or a romp in a pile of leaves, these moments are what memories are made of. Remember to bring water and a towel for muddy paws! Then prepare for a tired-out pup who’s ready to snuggle under a blanket with you all evening.
Embracing Peace of Mind with Pet Insurance This Fall
Fall is a wonderful season to enjoy with your pets, but it comes with its own set of potential hazards, from skunks to snakebites to the dangers of wild mushrooms. Despite our best efforts to keep our furry friends safe, accidents can happen, and unexpected vet visits can be costly.
Fall presents unique challenges for pet health, but pet insurance can provide peace of mind for your fall adventures. This includes emergency care for wildlife encounters, treatment for accidental ingestion of fall's dangers, and even help with the costs associated with diagnosing and managing seasonal allergies that some pets experience during this colorful time. Embrace offers comprehensive coverage designed to help pet parents provide the best possible care during the fall season and beyond.
Look for optional pet wellness plans that complement your insurance, helping you stay proactive about your pet's well-being throughout the year. This budgeting tool ensures that your pet receives crucial preventive care during fall, like early allergy detection through checkups, continued parasite prevention, and consultations for maintaining a healthy weight as the holidays approach.
While you’re enjoying the season with your furry friend, let Embrace help ensure they get the care they deserve, no matter what surprises fall may bring.
Keep Your Pets Safe and Happy This Fall with Simple Tips
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, remember that a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your pets safe and happy. From avoiding toxic treats to bundling up for chilly walks, these fall pet safety tips will help ensure that you and your furry friend make the most of this beautiful season.
So go ahead, jump in that leaf pile, snuggle up for movie nights, and create those precious autumn memories with your four-legged companion. After all, the best part of fall is sharing its magic with the ones we love – furry or otherwise!