Fall may be Fido’s favorite season. He can run and play outside without being too hot or cold, and he definitely enjoys the crisp air and gorgeous weather. Of course, every season has advantages and disadvantages for our animal friends, and fall is no exception. Read on as a local Lawrenceville, GA veterinarian discusses some important safety considerations for pet owners to be aware of.
Be Aware Of Seasonal Canine Illness
If you’ve never heard of seasonal canine disease, don’t be surprised: it’s not well known. This mysterious illness strikes quickly and is most commonly seen in dogs who have been walking in the woods. Symptoms often appear one to three days after the dog has gone on a walk, and can become severe quickly.
Vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, fever, and trembling are all warning signals. Of course, these things can be linked to a wide range of ailments. If you notice any of these red flags—or any other indicators of illness—in your pet, please contact your Lawrenceville, GA veterinarian immediately.
Be Wary of Toxins
Many people will be putting products to their lawns and gardens during this season. This is also a popular time to set out insecticides and rodenticides, since many creatures will try to come inside when the weather cools. These products are not only harmful to their intended victims, but they are also extremely toxic to pets and can even be lethal. If you apply insecticides or rodenticides, ensure that your pet does not come into touch with them.
Keep in mind that several of these items can poison the animals that hunt vermin. Owls and other raptors, cats, and many other small animals can be poisoned by a mouse that has consumed bait.
Rodenticides are not the only problem to be concerned about. Antifreeze is another cause for concern. Many brands have a taste that pets like. While some businesses have switched to less hazardous items, this is not universal. Propylene glycol-based coolants are a safer alternative, though not completely safe. Keep in mind that pets can consume chemicals by strolling through a spill and licking their paws. Clean up any spills right away, and place sand or cat litter on damp areas.
Decorate Carefully
Dogs don’t know what is and isn’t safe for them, so they sometimes test items by eating them. That can be extremely dangerous: your pet could choke or consume something harmful in seconds.
When decorating for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or the winter holidays, keep anything small or sharp out of the reach of paws. This comprises a variety of small items such as beads, buttons, craft kit bits, coins, and jewelry. Anything ropy or stringy is also hazardous. Paper streamers, garlands, tinsel, and the faux spiderweb you hung from your porch are all examples of this.
Be Very Careful With Fires
Candles, fire pits, and fire places are prominent in many images of warm fall houses and scenes. Just be careful here: pets and flames do not mix well. Keep candles in strong holders or sconces, and keep them out of reach of curious pets. When it comes to fire pits and fire places, just make sure your pet doesn’t get too close.
Watch Out For Flora
There are also some seasonal flora to be cautious about. Conkers (also known as horse chestnuts) are one hazard. They include toxic alkaloid saponins and glucosides that are poisonous to dogs. (Fun fact: Ohio State University’s moniker, Buckeyes, was inspired by the state’s abundance of trees.)
Conkers aren’t the only unsafe plant. Chrysanthemums are not usually fatal, but consuming them can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. Red maple is another: the leaves are beautiful, but their leaves are toxic to dogs. You don’t have to worry about your pet treading on them, but he should not consume them. Ginkgo trees (Ginkgo biloba) are also harmful. There is one caveat here: only the seed from the female tree is hazardous. (They are also stinky.)
Take Care of Fido’s Furry Feet
As the weather grows colder, you’ll need to pay particular attention to those cute toe beans. Cold, dry air can chafe and aggravate Fido’s paw pads. Paw balm or wax might help protect your dog’s paw pads.
Offer A Good Bed
Make sure your canine companion has a comfy bed to snuggle in. Orthopedic beds are fantastic because they provide additional support. Of fact, there is no regulation requiring Fido to have only one. Get a couple different ones and place them in different rooms.
Reconsider Dietary Needs
Cold, damp weather can irritate tight and sore bones and joints, exacerbating painful disorders like arthritis. Supplements can also be beneficial to some dogs. Glucosamine, fish oil, green-lipped mussel, or chondroitin supplements are a few that you may want to consider. However, this is something you should absolutely discuss with your vet.
Make An Appointment At Our Lawrenceville, Ga Pet Hospital
Do you have a question about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your local Lawrenceville, GA animal clinic, now!
