As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, autumn brings a new set of challenges and joys for pet owners. At Forget Me Not Pet Crematorium, we understand just how much your pets mean to you, because we are a family-run business that loves our pets just as much as you do!
With that in mind, we want to share some essential tips to help you keep your pets safe, happy, and healthy during the autumn months. Whether it's keeping them warm or protecting them from seasonal hazards, we’ve got you covered.
1. Beware of Autumnal Toxins
Autumn can be beautiful, but it also hides some dangers. Falling leaves, mushrooms, and other natural elements might pique your pet’s curiosity. Here are a few things to look out for:
Mushrooms: Wild mushrooms start to sprout in damp, shaded areas during autumn. While most are harmless, some can be toxic to pets. To be safe, avoid areas with heavy mushroom growth, and contact your vet immediately if your pet shows signs of mushroom poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy.
Conkers: Although they’re fun to play with, conkers can be toxic if ingested by dogs. They contain a substance called aesculin, which can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and drooling.
Acorns: Acorns contain tannins, which can cause digestive issues for dogs if consumed in large amounts. They can also pose a choking hazard.
2. Adjust Your Pet’s Diet
As the weather gets cooler, some pets may require dietary adjustments. Dogs and cats, especially those that spend time outdoors, burn more calories to stay warm. It may be worth increasing their food intake slightly to meet their energy needs. For those pets that slowdownin autumn, reduce calorie intake to avoid weight gain.
Remember, treats should still be limited and used as a reward, not a staple! If you’re unsure, consult your vet about the best diet for your pet as the seasons change.
3. Protect Your Pets From Chilly Weather
Autumn days can bring cold spells, especially in the early morning and evening. Short-haired and smaller pets are particularly susceptible to the cold. Consider the following tips:
Warmth and Shelter: Ensure that pets, especially those kept outdoors like rabbits or guinea pigs, have a warm, dry shelter. Add extra bedding for insulation and consider moving their enclosure to a garage or shed to shield them from the wind and rain.
Dog Coats and Booties: Short-haired dogs, older pets, or those with health issues may benefit from wearing a dog coat on colder walks. Booties can also protect their paws from the cold, wet ground, and sharp objects like fallen branches.
4. Keep Them Visible During Shorter Days
Autumn brings shorter days, which means more of your walks or outdoor time may be in low light or darkness. This can be dangerous, especially near roads or open spaces. Here’s how to ensure your pet stays visible and safe:
Reflective Gear: Equip your dog with a reflective collar, lead, or harness. These make them more visible to drivers during early morning or evening walks.
LED Lights: Attach LED lights to your pet’s collar or lead to help you keep track of them. There are many options on the market designed to withstand rough play.
ID Tags and Microchips: It’s always important to make sure your pet has up-to-date identification tags and is microchipped in case they get lost during these darker, cooler months.
5. Watch Out for Allergies
Many pets suffer from seasonal allergies, and autumn can be a problematic time due to mould spores, pollen, and leaf debris. If your pet shows signs of allergies, such as excessive scratching, watery eyes, or skin irritation, take them to the vet for proper treatment. Regularly cleaning your pet’s bedding and grooming them can help minimise exposure to allergens.
6. Be Cautious with Heating Devices
As temperatures drop, it’s tempting to use space heaters, fireplaces, or electric blankets to keep the home warm. However, these can pose risks for pets:
Fireplace Safety: Always use a fireguard when a fire is lit to prevent pets from getting too close. Curious cats or dogs might burn themselves or knock things into the flames.
Space Heaters: Make sure space heaters are placed in a safe spot where your pet won’t accidentally knock them over or chew on electrical cords.
7. Exercise Caution with Seasonal Treats
Autumn brings Halloween, Bonfire Night, and other celebrations, and with that comes a lot of food that can be harmful to pets. Some of the most common hazards include:
Chocolate: Whether in Halloween sweets or desserts, chocolate is toxic to both cats and dogs. Even a small amount can cause serious health issues.
Sugar-Free Treats: Many sugar-free products contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can be lethal to pets.
8. Halloween Safety for Your Pets
Halloween is a fun time for families, but it can be stressful or even dangerous for your pets. With all the excitement of trick-or-treaters and decorations, here are some tips to ensure your pet stays safe and comfortable:
Keep Sweets Out of Reach: As mentioned earlier, chocolate is a major hazard for pets, especially with so much of it around during Halloween. Make sure sweet bowls are kept well out of reach of your curious pets.
Costumes: While dressing up pets can be adorable, ensure that any costume is comfortable and doesn’t restrict movement, breathing, or vision. Avoid costumes with small, dangling parts that could be chewed or swallowed.
Safe Space: The constant ringing of the doorbell and arrival of strangers in costumes can be overwhelming for pets. Create a safe, quiet space where your pet can retreat if they feel anxious.
Decoration Hazards: Be mindful of Halloween decorations like candles in pumpkins, electrical cords, or small objects that pets might chew or knock over. Opt for flameless candles to avoid accidents.
Door Safety: With trick-or-treaters coming and going, your front door will be opening frequently. Pets might seize the opportunity to dash out, so keep them secure indoors during peak trick-or-treat hours.
9. Falling Leaves and Pile Play
Piles of leaves can be great fun for pets to jump into, but they can also hide dangers such as ticks, sharp objects, or mould. Be mindful of where you let your pet play, and regularly check their fur for ticks after being outdoors.
10. Parasite Prevention
While the cooler weather may reduce the number of fleas and ticks, they are still a concern. Continue using flea and tick prevention products throughout autumn. Ticks are particularly active in the cooler months, so it’s essential to keep your pet protected.
11. Autumn Adventures and Safety
Autumn is a wonderful time to explore the great outdoors with your pet, whether it’s a local park or a woodland walk. However, keep safety in mind:
Check the Weather: Autumn weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast before heading out to ensure you’re prepared for sudden rain or cold.
Stick to Paths: As leaves fall, they can cover hidden dangers such as sharp rocks, holes, or uneven terrain. Stick to known paths to avoid accidents.
Comments