From costumes to candy, check out these tips to keep your pets safe this fall
Whether it’s a trick or treating on a crisp evening or digging into game day grub before a Buckeyes kickoff, it’s hard not to love fall in Columbus. While it brings plenty of festive fun, autumn also introduces some hazards to our pets, many of you may not be aware of.
And whether you have a dog or a cat, here are a handful of helpful tips from MedVet to keep your animals happy and healthy this fall.
Be aware of decoration safety: Corn cobs and spooky skeletons are great at setting the tone for Halloween, but they also pose a risk to pets who may curiously consume small pieces or kernels. Also, opt for flameless candles in your jack-o’-lanterns if possible. And speaking of candles, be aware of how they affect the air quality. Grab a beeswax alternative to minimize this risk.
Looking out for fall foods: Halloween, especially with kids, means your home is about to be flooded with fun-sized candies, many of which can be harmful for your pets. Make sure to leave candy buckets off the ground, and be particularly vigilant with chocolate. The same goes for game days. Even though tailgate food is delicious, rich and greasy options like pizza or burgers can cause intestinal distress on any animal that finds a way to grab some.
Stay spooky and safe for Halloween: We’ve already touched on candy, but make sure your pet has a safe, quiet space if you participate in trick-or-treating. Additionally, we love a pet in costume, but be mindful of strings, small pieces and sections that might restrict movement or even breathing. Be aware of small parts and hazards on your own costume too!
Autumn outdoor safety: A hike through the woods or a local preserve draped in fall foliage is hard to beat, but be cognizant of hunting and trapping in your area. Wear bright colors! Keep an eye on the flora and fauna as well, some autumnal mushrooms can be poisonous, and snakes are easy to surprise with a full coverage of fallen leaves. Avoid fields during harvest time as well, large machinery can pose a risk, and so can bacteria and mold that’s left behind.
Stay allergy aware: Allergens are an unavoidable aspect of the fall. Ragweed pollen can remain under the first frost, while mold and dust mites can also pose a risk to your pet. Changing grass in the colder weather can also impact your pet’s paws. Keep an eye out for signs of allergies, such as excessive licking, scratching or biting, and reach out to a family vet or a veterinary dermatologist if you can!
Prepping for winter with care: None of us want warmth-seeking rodents to take up residence in our homes when winter hits, but be mindful of traps or poison (particularly bromethalin) you set out for them, as they can be toxic to pets. Antifreeze and other wintering chemicals also pose a safety risk to your animals. Check out this list of 15 surprising pet poisons to be aware of to be prepared for winter.
Keep in mind that accidents still happen to even the most diligent pet parents. If you encounter an issue, MedVet is here for you this fall for pet emergencies, wherever you may be.
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