Fall can be one of the most gorgeous times of the year, especially if you live where the leaves turn bright oranges and reds and where there is a brisk crispness in the air. People are going apple and pumpkin picking, and raking their leaves into giant piles, perfect for jumping into. Children are preparing their Halloween costumes and adults are stocking up on candy for the swarm of trick-or-treaters that will come their door at the end of October.
There’s no doubt that fall can be a fun and exciting time for everyone, including your dog. However, with the abundance of activities and agriculture, there are also some dangers to be aware of as you and your furry friend enjoy the season. Here’s what to look out for:
Acorns , Oak Leaves, and Red Maple Leaves:
While the trees in your yard are pretty and offer great shade, their acorns are dangerous for your dog. Not only do they offer a choking and intestinal blockage hazard, but they are also toxic. Consumption of oak acorns can cause severe gastrointestinal distress in dogs, including cramps, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and even kidney failure. Seizures can also result. The same symptoms can result from dogs consuming oak buds, bark, leaves, and water that oak leaves have been soaking in. Red maple leaves are also toxic to animals. When consumed in large amounts, they can cause severe hemolytic anemia, resulting in weakness, pale gums, an elevated heart rate, and shock.
Leaf piles:
While leaf piles are fun to play in for people and pets alike, they can also house hidden dangers. Ticks, mites and other parasites can be lurking among the leaves, and spread a host of illnesses. Make sure your dog is up to date on all of his tick and flea medications, and check him for pests after each time he goes outside. Check out our past posts on ticks and fleas for more information on how to keep your dog safe from these miniscule menaces. Leaf piles can also provide a refuge for our next fall danger: snakes.
Snakes:
Fall is a time when snakes are on the move. As they prepare for their winter hibernation, snakes are particular ornery and prone to striking. Keep an eye out as you are walking with your dog, scanning for places where snakes could be hiding. Some areas of the country have particularly poisonous species of snakes, so make a point of learning what snakes are in your area, where they like to hide, and how to recognize them.
Autumn crocus:
These beautiful flowers bloom in the fall, but their bulbs are poisonous to dogs. Check to see if you have any around your house and set up a perimeter around them to keep your pup away. Your local DogWatch dealer can help you decide on the best hidden fence option to keep your pup out of these flowers and other poisonous plants in your yard.
Antifreeze:
Fall is a popular time for people to change out their antifreeze. This chemical is deadly to dogs, and contact should be avoided at all costs. Keep your dog inside when you’re changing your antifreeze, and make sure to clean up any puddles of antifreeze that may have collected. When your dog is outside, keep an eye out on him, making sure he’s not drinking from puddles that antifreeze could have leached into. Make sure to know the signs of antifreeze poisoning, so you can rush your dog to the vet if you suspect he has ingested some, as immediate treatment with an antidote is vital to your dog’s survival. Signs of antifreeze poisoning can include: acting “drunk” or uncoordinated, excessive thirst, and lethargy.
Compost bins or piles:
It’s great to do your part to help the environment by composting, but these piles can be dangerous for your dogs. The decaying matter in them can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can result in agitation, hyperthermia, hyper-responsiveness, panting, drooling, and vomiting, and can progress to severe Central Nervous System issues, such as lack of coordination, tremors, and seizures. We suggest setting up a DogWatch hidden fence system around your compost pile to keep your dog from getting into it. If your dog DOES get into the compost pile and begins showing any of these symptoms, make sure to get him to the vet, as immediate treatment is necessary.
Mushrooms:
While there are plenty of great, edible mushrooms growing this time of year, there are also some toxic and even hallucinogenic ones. While we can learn to recognize the difference, to dogs, they’re all the same. Dr. Justine A. Lee, Associate Director of Veterinary Services for the Pet Poison Helpline, recommends bringing your dog straight to the vet if you observe him eating ANY mushrooms, as it is so hard to tell which mushrooms are poisonous and which are not. Your vet will most likely want to pump the dog’s stomach to make sure that the mushrooms get out of the dog’s system. If you do not see your dog eating mushrooms, but observe the following symptoms, it is important to rush your dog to the vet for prompt treatment: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lack of coordination, depression, tremors, and seizures.
Rodenticides:
As the weather gets cooler, the rodents start making their way inside, which means time to bring out the rodenticides and mouse traps. Rodenticides, if consumed directly OR indirectly (if your dog eats a mouse that had consumed rodenticides) can be fatal to a dog. If you suspect your dog has ingested rodenticides, get your dog to the vet immediately, and make sure to let the vet know exactly what products you have been using. Mousetraps obviously pose the risk of injury if a curious pup sticks a paw in. Make sure to keep any mouse or rat poison and traps away from your pets, and restrict your pets’ access to these dangers. A DogWatch indoor boundary system is the perfect way to keep your pets out of dangerous areas like this.
Moth balls:
As you store your summer clothes away, be mindful that moth balls can be fatal to dogs if ingested. A dog who has ingested mothballs may display symptoms such as vomiting, severe abdominal pain, tremors, and weakness, and should be treated by a vet immediately.
Chocolate:
With Halloween and the holidays, chocolate abounds this time of year. While we may love to eat it, it is toxic to dogs. Make sure to keep the candy dish out of your pup’s reach, and make sure any children in the house know not to feed him any candy. As little as one ounce of baking chocolate or eight ounces of milk chocolate can kill a ten pound dog. Consumption of chocolate can cause lack of coordination, restlessness, and heart and respiratory failure in dogs; like with other toxins, a dog should be treated by a vet immediately if chocolate has been consumed.
For further information, or for any concerns over a substance your dog may have ingested, we encourage you to visit the Pet Poison Helpline. From all of us at DogWatch, we wish you and your dog a happy, healthy fall!
Photo credits (top to bottom):
Leaf Dog by Scott Catron via Flickr
Corgi in the Leaves by Aine D via Flickr
Tess on rug and leaves by James Emery via Flickr
Attila and Fly in autumn leaf goodness by Mark Peters via Flickr
Golden retriever in leaves by danibelle2906 via Flickr
