With each change of the season comes new potential hazards for pets. For pet owners, it’s important to know what each season of the year can bring. Below are some of the dangers fall can bring to pets.
Snakes: With the change of seasons from warmer to colder, animals, such as snakes, will start preparing for hibernation. This increases the chance of a pet coming across them and getting bit. Be sure to keep the yard clear of any potential hiding spots for snakes, and be careful around rocks or any other formations they may like to hide in. Be aware of what kinds of venomous snakes are in the area.
Mushrooms: Most mushrooms are not toxic, but some of them are. Unfortunately, two certain kinds of mushrooms, amanita phalloides and inocybe, tend to attract dogs because of their fishy odor. Be sure to pick up any mushrooms found in the yard before pets get a chance to ingest them.
Rat poison: With the change in weather, many people use rat poison to fight off rodents. Unfortunately, these toxins can also poison pets in the neighborhood. One could try either humane traps or other traps that don’t use poison. If poison must be used for rodent control, use extreme caution. Place it in places where the pet cannot access. Also, keep a watch out for the rodents after they’ve ingested the poison. If a pet eats an animal that has ingested poison, he or she too will ingest the poison.
Antifreeze: Keep this substance carefully locked up and be aware of spills. Clean those up immediately when present. Also, avoid touching pets until you’ve washed your hands after handling antifreeze.
Acorns: Causes digestive issues and could be a choking hazard or damage teeth.
These are just a few hazards that can present themselves in fall. Be sure to be aware of the surroundings to watch out for these, and other, hazards. If there is concern that a pet has ingested something that could be harmful, contact a veterinarian, such as the staff at Healing Springs Animal Hospital or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
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