Avoiding Autumn Dangers to Your Dog
November 6, 2009 by Paris and John
Filed under Safety, Tips
Autumn is a beautiful time of year to get out an enjoy with your dog but this season presents its own special dangers to dogs as well. While you and your dog enjoy your fall walks, be sure to keep an eye out for these seasonal hazards to dogs:
- Antifreeze. Fall means it’s time for many people to change the antifreeze in their cars in preparation for the cold weather just around the corner. Antifreeze is deadly to dogs so be sure you never let your dog drink from puddles in driveways, parking lots and other places that could contain antifreeze.
- Autumn Crocus. This beautiful plant flowers in the fall months; its bulbs are poisonous to dogs.
- Mistletoe Berries. As your thoughts start to turn to the holidays, you might be tempted to snip off some seasonal mistletoe to decorate with…avoid that temptation and buy the fake stuff instead! Mistletoe berries are very poisonous for dogs (and kids) so steer clear of this holiday decoration!
- Mothballs. Getting those sweaters out of storage? Keep the mothballs AWAY from your dog!
- Rodent poison. Some households are plagued by mice and rats when the weather turns cool; they may leave out poison for rodents. Dogs can get the bait or get the poisoned rodents; both are very hazardous.
- Snakes. The changing season means snakes are on the move more than usual. Know the snakes in your area, especially any poisonous snakes. Cooler weather means snakes will come out to sun and warm themselves in the morning; keep a careful eye out anytime you’re around rocky ledges.
- Tarantulas. If you live in the Southwest as we do, fall means that tarantulas are on the move. These spiders look scary to us but pose little threat; they can, however, give a very dangerous bite to dogs. We’ve seen two on our walking trails this week alone!
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