Fall Safety Guide: Seasonal Hazards Every Pet Owner Should Know

As leaves change and temperatures drop, autumn brings new adventures for our canine companions, but also hidden dangers. Here's your essential guide to navigating fall hazards and keeping your dog healthy through the season.

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Miss Sarabi implores us to take seasonal safety seriously.

Indoor Plant Precautions

Many fall decorations and houseplants pose serious risks to curious pets

Toxic Plants to Avoid:

• Chrysanthemums (Mums) - Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation

• Autumn Crocus - Extremely dangerous; can cause severe digestive issues and organ failure

• Geranium - Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, skin irritation

• Common Bulbs - Certain bulbs that may be dug for overwintering or plants used in indoor arrangements can be hazardous to pets. Particularly toxic plants are iris, daffodil, hyacinth, crocus, and amaryllis. They can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
  

Safety Strategy: Place all seasonal plants and floral arrangements well out of reach. Consider pet-safe alternatives like sunflowers, asters, pansies, and thornless roses. Please note: This list is not all-inclusive. You can learn more about plant safety for pets at www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

Chrysanthemums are a common cause of toxicity in pets during the fall season.

A Hidden Danger

Halloween and fall festivities bring fun treats for humans, but they can be deadly for dogs.

Xylitol - The Silent Killer: This artificial sweetener, found in sugar free gum, mints, and candies, can cause rapid insulin release leading to severe hypoglycemia. Even small amounts can be fatal. Symptoms appear within minutes and include vomiting, lethargy, seizures, loss of coordination, and can lead to death in as little as one hour. Spice Dangers:

• Nutmeg - Found in fall spice blends; toxic in moderate amounts

• Cinnamon sticks - Not toxic but can cause mouth irritation and digestive upset

• Cloves - Can cause liver toxicity in large quantities

Chocolate remains the classic concern. Darker chocolates, baking chocolate, and chocolate covered raisins are especially dangerous.

Emergency Action: If your dog consumes any of these items, contact your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.

Sweet treats for humans can be dangerous for our furry friends.

Outdoor Hazards

Crisp fall walks bring unique seasonal dangers.

Mushroom Mania: Autumn's damp conditions create perfect mushroom-growing weather. Many wild varieties are toxic, some fatally so. Train your dog to "leave it" and always supervise outdoor time in wooded or damp areas.

Leaf Pile Perils: While leaf piles look inviting for play, they can hide:

• Sharp sticks or debris

• Mold and bacteria from decomposing leaves

• Snakes or insects that might bite when startled
  

Antifreeze Awareness: As temperatures drop, antifreeze usage increases. This sweet-tasting liquid is extremely toxic to all pets and wildlife with even tiny amounts causing kidney failure. Check your garage and driveway for spills, and consider pet-safe antifreeze products that use propylene glycol (PG) instead of the more toxic ethylene glycol (EG) found in traditional antifreeze.

Shorter Days, Greater Risks: Earlier sunsets mean more walks in low light conditions. Invest in reflective gear and LED collars to keep your dog visible to vehicles and other pedestrians.

It's worth the effort to ensure our pets are safe during outdoor time.

Seasonal Decoration Safety

Spooky seasonal decorations can create unexpected hazards.

Dried corn cobs are autumn decorating staples that look harmless but can spell serious trouble for dogs. Unlike corn kernels, which dogs can digest, the fibrous cob material doesn't break down in their digestive system. Instead, it can create a blockage in their intestines that often requires emergency surgery to remove.

Pine cones present similar risks. While they're natural and seem harmless, pine cones can break into sharp pieces that might cut your dog's mouth or throat. Large pieces can also cause choking or intestinal blockages.

Potpourri smells wonderful to us, but it can be a nightmare for dogs. Both liquid potpourri and dried potpourri mixtures contain concentrated oils and fragrances that can cause serious problems. If your dog gets into potpourri, they might experience severe mouth pain, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Moldy pumpkins and gourds are generally safe for dogs, but as they start to decay, they can develop molds that are extremely dangerous. Some molds produce toxins that can cause severe neurological problems in dogs, including tremors, seizures, and other serious symptoms.

Scented candles and essential oil diffusers create cozy fall atmospheres but can irritate your dog's sensitive respiratory system. Dogs have much more sensitive noses than humans, so scents that smell pleasant to us can be overwhelming or irritating to them. Some essential oils, like tea tree, eucalyptus, and certain spice oils, are actually toxic to dogs.

Holiday string lights and electrical decorations bring autumn magic to our homes but can be dangerous for dogs who like to chew. Young dogs and puppies are particularly at risk because they're more likely to chew on interesting new items. Secure all electrical cords out of reach, use cord protectors in areas where your dog spends time, and always unplug decorative lights when you're not home to supervise.

Small decorative items are everywhere during fall decorating season, and many of them are perfect choking hazards for curious dogs. Small items can get lodged in your dog's throat, causing choking, or they might make it to the stomach where they can cause intestinal blockages. Fake cobwebs are particularly concerning because they can wrap around your dog's tongue or teeth, and the synthetic materials don't break down if swallowed. Safety Strategy: The best approach is placing all seasonal plants and decorations well out of reach of curious noses, paws, and tails. Consider placing displays on high mantels, in hanging planters, or in enclosed rooms where your dog doesn't spend time. If you want decorations at ground level, choose larger items that can't be swallowed and avoid anything with small, detachable pieces.

Enjoy seasonal activities with safety in mind for everyone.

Quick Reference: Emergency Contacts

Keep these numbers easily accessible:

• Your veterinarian's regular and emergency numbers

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435

• Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
  

  

  Go to aspca.org/poison for more information and support

The Bottom Line

Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors with your canine companion. By staying informed about seasonal hazards and taking simple precautions, you can ensure your dog stays safe while soaking up all the joys autumn has to offer. When in doubt, err on the side of caution; your dog's safety is always worth the extra vigilance.

Remember: Quick action saves lives. If you suspect your dog has ingested something dangerous, don't hesitate to seek professional help immediately.