Chilly Nights and Holidays: Be Prepared with Some Fall Pet Safety Tips

It’s coming! The change in the weather and that crisp, cool air perfect for gathering apples, raking leaves, and roasting corn. And of course Halloween and Thanksgiving are also on the horizon. What’s not to love about fall?

While this is an incredible time for many of us, the season poses additional risks for pets. The team at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates is here to give a few fall pet safety recommendations.

Prepping for the Holidays

The holidays are a time of cheer and fun for our families, and even our fur families when we use some planning and precautions. From toxic food to dangerous decor, here are some dangers to keep away from your four-legged pal.

• Candlelight (use battery powered lights)
• Toxic plants like lilies, poinsettias, and holly
• Small decorations that can be ingested
• Potpourri and essential oils
• Toxic foods, such as Xylitol, alcohol, grapes and raisins, walnuts and macadamia nuts, onions and garlic, and chocolate
• Glow sticks and bracelets

Make sure that if you dress your pet up during Halloween, make sure their costume is properly fitted (not tight or constricting), and that they are able to breathe comfortably.

Fall Pet Safety Tips

When the weather cools, many pet owners and their furry ones spend time outdoors, preparing garden beds for winter and doing fall cleanup. Seasonal changes also mean garage and attic cleanup, among other cooler weather duties.

There are several things to be aware of, so you can keep your pet from getting into something they shouldn’t get into.

• Avoid using rodenticide, mouse traps, and other poisons anywhere in the home or yard. Many pets and wildlife are poisoned each year due to these chemicals.
• Mulch, cocoa hull mulch, rose food, and other soil additives contain toxic ingredients. Opt for pet friendly lawn and garden care, or use regular garden soil and straw to prep winter beds.
• It’s mushroom season, and while most fungi are harmless, there are some that are highly toxic to pets and people. Remove mushrooms or fungi from the yard and prevent your pet from eating them while you are on walks.
• Fall means back to school for many kids, and along with this, a backpack full of supplies. Keep backpacks and lunch bags away from pets, since some of the contents may not be safe for your four-legged friend. Of particular concern are chocolates, candies, grapes, raisins, chapstick, coins, and gum.
• When outdoors, be on the lookout for anything your dog might ingest such as fallen fruit (contains pits that are toxic), flower bulbs, and acorns. 
• Prevent your pet from rifling through leaves, as many small mammals and reptiles are making their winter beds in preparation for winter.

If you would like additional tips for fall pet safety, please do not hesitate to call us. Have a wonderful, pet safe autumn!