This week’s cooler temperatures this reminds us that fall and cooler weather are right around the corner. While it’s the perfect time of year to get outside with your furry friend, it’s also a time to refresh yourself on how to keep your pet safe during the season.

 

There are new dangers during the fall that could be hazardous to your pet with new important safety issues to consider. Here are some tips that Highsmith Animal Hospital recommends.

 

Watch Out for School Supplies

This holds true every year. However, during the COVID-19 era that we currently find ourselves in, many kids are learning from home which means school supplies are placed throughout the house more than ever before. While we understand that many school items are considered low toxicity to pets, if ingested they could cause a gastrointestinal blockage or upset stomachs. While your children are learning from home, always make sure that they keep all school supplies out of reach from your pet.

 

Keep Away from Wild Mushrooms

When it’s fall, it means mushrooms will start sprouting up more often than any other season outside of spring. In Colorado, there are over one hundred mushroom species that are considered poisonous. Since there are many varieties of mushrooms throughout the state, we advise keeping your dog or cat away from areas where any mushrooms are growing. To see a list of the most common poisonous mushrooms seen throughout the area, follow this link. 

 

Watch for Snakes

Fall is the time when snakes in Colorado start to prepare themselves for winter hibernation, which could increase the chances that your pets may experience an unprovoked bite. Keep an eye on areas throughout your yard, and places where you walk, that could be the right environment for a snake to take shelter. Knowing where these areas are ahead of time could help prevent being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

Fall Shedding

Early on in the season, your cat or dog will start to shed their summer coat to allow room for their winter coat. This means you could start seeing their hair everywhere, from your clothes, the couch, and everywhere else you can think of. To help alleviate the amount you have to deal with, make sure you put aside time at least once per week where you can brush your pet. Depending on your pet’s shedding habits, you may even want to make sure they are being brushed daily. It’s important to maintain a regular pet grooming schedule to help ensure that your pet’s safety and health.

 

Bundle Your Pet Up

Once we get to the end of summer, we are ready for chilly days and colder nights. Your pet is just as ready as you are! However, always make sure that they have a warm place to go at night. As we all know, Colorado’s weather can change rather quickly so always keep an eye on when a cold snap is going to hit or if a snowstorm is heading our way. Always keep your pet inside to help prevent her from getting wet and possibly getting frostbite or hypothermia.

 

 

 

Holiday food

With Halloween and Thanksgiving coming soon this means lots of yummy food! Remember your pets do not process these foods the same as a human.

Even just a “little bit” can cause pancreatitis and gastroenteritis. !! Human foods are too rich for these pets to process. These can be very dangerous and if not treated be deadly.

Keep the candy locked up in a safe area, these pets are very smart and creative. When the holidays start and we are running in different directions, that’s when we see pets investigating snacks they shouldn’t.

 

As long as you take all the safety precautions needed, you and your pet will enjoy the fall season and everything that comes along with it!

 

If your pet has ingested any and/or dangerous foods, toys , decorations or other items. Please call our hospital 910-799-5587 Or call the Wilmington Animal Emergency and Trauma Hospital  910-791-7387 Located 50 Greenville Ave. Wilmington, NC 28403