Tips for keeping your pet safe this Autumn
Let’s look at how to keep your pets safe and comfortable during the autumn season.
Autumn walkies
Stay visible! Consider getting reflective lights on your dog’s collar, lead or harness. They are a great way to ensure your pet can be seen in the dark.
Cooler, damp conditions can aggravate arthritis and reduce mobility. A dog jacket will help keep them warm and protect their joints from the cold.
Pesky parasites
Colder weather means that we are more inclined to turn on the heating, and the raised temperature can bring dormant fleas living in carpets and furniture out of hibernation.
Regularly checking your pet for fleas and staying up to date with parasite treatments will help prevent them from catching fleas and other pests, such as ticks and harvest mites.
Antifreeze
The effects of licking antifreeze can be seen quickly (wobbliness, drooling and vomiting) but the potentially fatal effects are not seen until two to three days later when it has caused severe kidney damage.
If you spill antifreeze or find leaks of fluid near your car and you think it could be anti-freeze, please keep your pets well away until you have thoroughly hosed down the area.
Seeds and fungi
While conkers and acorns can be great for creating autumn crafts, they are toxic to dogs and can cause blockages if swallowed.
You may have noticed fungi/mushrooms appearing in the damp autumn months. Although various species aren’t dangerous, some can be very toxic. To be safe, its best to keep pets away altogether.
Windfall fruit
Lots of dogs are attracted to the sweetness of windfall fruit. If too many of these are eaten, they can cause diarrhoea and stomach pain or even signs of intoxication if the fruit has started to ferment.
Cherry laurel
Did you know all parts of the cherry laurel shrub are poisonous? However, the berries that appear this time of year are particularly attractive to dogs.
If eaten this shrub can cause signs varying from stomach pain, vomiting, abnormal heart rhythm leading to low blood pressure and weakness, rapid shallow breathing, collapse and possible seizures.
Don’t forget smaller pets!
Make sure your outdoor small pets and rabbits are prepared for the colder weather. Add extra hay for them to snuggle into and use hutch covers to keep the chill away. Keep hutches off the ground to prevent them getting wet and draughty.
If your pet is showing signs of being unwell, or you believe they have eaten any of the above hazards, please contact us immediately.
Spooky Season Safety Guide
As Halloween creeps closer and Bonfire Night lights up the sky, it’s important to remember that while these events are fun for us, they can be scary and even dangerous for our pets.
Halloween Hazards:
- Costumes & Trick-or-Treaters – Continuous doorbell ringing and people in costumes can be confusing and stressful for pets.
While adorable, resist the urge to dress up pets. Costumes may cause anxiety and restrict movement, breathing, or vision.
With doors opening and closing for trick-or-treaters, it’s easy for pets to slip out unnoticed. Keep them secure in a quiet room if possible. - Toxic Treats – Chocolate and sweets: These are toxic to pets. Keep Halloween treats well out of reach.
Firework Fright:
Loud noises and flashing lights from fireworks can trigger intense anxiety in animals.
Below are some tips on how to help:
-
Create a Safe Space
Set up a cosy den in your home where your pet can go. Use blankets, toys, and their bedding to make it comfortable.
Consider playing calming music or putting the radio on to mask outside sounds. -
Keep Pets Indoors
Walk dogs before dark, well ahead of firework displays.
Keep cats and other pets indoors with windows and curtains closed, to block out flashing lights. If it is not possible to bring smaller pets indoors, cover their hutches up to hide the flashes. -
Microchipping
Make sure your pet’s microchip details are up to date in case they do escape. Their microchip can then be scanned, ensuring they are returned home quickly and safely.
Does your pet need extra help?
Pheromone diffusers and sprays can help reduce your pet’s anxiety. In severe cases, we may recommend temporary anti-anxiety medication. Please note, most medications work better if started well in advance of firework night, so it is worth preparing early.
If you think your pet may benefit from additional treatment, please contact us soon to discuss treatment options.
