Each season, there are a variety of things that could place your pets in danger and we are working to show you tips and tricks to keep them happy and healthy. Here are just a few things you can do to keep your pets safe in Autumn.
Be Mindful with Rodenticides
As rodents venture indoors to escape from the cooler temperatures of fall and winter, there is an increase of rodenticides used within homes. These rodenticides can be extremely toxic if not fatal if your pets ingest them. If you must use these items in your home, please use them responsibly and with extreme caution. Try to place them in areas that are not easily accessed by your pets.
Watch for Mushrooms
Both Spring and Fall are considered prime time for mushrooms to grow and although 99 percent of mushrooms will do nothing really to harm your pets, there is still that 1 percent that can be extremely toxic. It may be difficult to decipher which mushrooms are good and which are harmful to your pets so the best advice I can give is for your pet to avoid them all. If you spot your pet eating wild mushrooms, contact your vet immediately. You may want to also snip a sample of the mushroom and take it with you in a bag so the vet knows exactly what your pet ate.
Don’t Spill Your Coolant
This time of year, many of us choose to change our vehicle engine’s coolant. Coolants that are ethylene glycol-based can be extremely toxic to our four-legged friends. If you accidentally spill any of your coolants, please clean it up immediately. You may want to also consider switching to a propylene glycol-based coolant. Although this is type is not completely non-toxic, it is far less harmful to your pets than the ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Beware of Snakes
This time of year, snakes who are preparing to hibernate can be a little grouchier than normal. This can mean bad news for your curious pet. You may want to learn more about the types of venomous snakes in your area and assess where these snakes may be located near your home. This way, you can make an effort to avoid harmful areas and keep your pets safe from any dangerous snake bites.
As temperatures cool down, you should be mindful of your pet’s needs. Take additional time to care for your pets. Make sure they have plenty of food to help them produce more body heat to fight the cooler temperatures and also make sure they have access to clean, fresh, unfrozen water. With these tips and tricks, your pet will have a great fall season. Enjoy the crispness in the air and take a little time to let them play in a leaf pile or two.
