At this time of year, we all try to spend as much time outdoors as possible before the daylight fades and the first snowflake flutters across the sky. We bike, hike, and do more chores outside while we still can. And we include our pets as we desperately crave that vitamin D.
But as the seasons change, so does the outdoor environment your dog or cat plays in. Here are some potential pet hazards you should consider as the days get colder and shorter.
Wandering wildlife
You’re not the only one battening down the hatches and being more active outdoors. The local wildlife is also likely to change their behavior, meaning you or your dog might encounter animals you wouldn’t normally encounter. Some animals, like squirrels and mice, have been out twice, storing food for the winter, looking for comfortable new homes, or even migrating. This means that there may be rodent poison around buildings. Make sure your pet can’t get to it, whether you’re on a walk or in your own home. If you suspect your pet has caught rodent poison, call the poison control center immediately.
Deer mating season typically peaks in the fall, which can lead deer to places (like backyards) they would otherwise avoid in search of a mate. Males can be aggressive, so make sure your dog keeps his distance. If you hear a loud snort near a wood, it’s probably a deer sounding the alarm.
Raccoons are largely nocturnal, but since it gets dark earlier now, you might see them outside during what was once daytime. They spend the fall looking for warm places to brave the cold as they hibernate for much of the winter, so you may even see them near your house or garage. Never let your dog engage a raccoon. They may seem cuddly and friendly, but they can be fierce fighters when cornered.
Snakes can be found on paths or rocks, soaking up the last vestiges of the hot sun before heading into hibernation. If you go into the woods for any reason, familiarize yourself with the types of snakes in the area. Most are harmless, but you’ll want to know if there are any dangerous poisonous noodles around.
The best policy when going out with your pet is to make sure they are on a leash or in a secure fenced area. This is true all year round, but it is even more true in the fall. Be alert when hiking, as there are lots of new smells and sights your dog might want to explore without notice – with many dogs, a running animal is a chased animal.
Make sure your pet’s tags are up to date and consider microchipping them before you go hiking. The same goes for their vaccines and vaccinations.
The buzz about bees and wasps
Bees and wasps can be more aggressive in the fall as they prepare their hives for winter. If you suspect your pet has been stung, first try to determine if it is a bee or a wasp. The bees will leave a stinger that you need to scrape (not pull or squeeze) out of the skin. Pulling or squeezing can cause more venom to enter the bloodstream. Wasps do not leave the stinger but can sting multiple times.
If you notice pain, swelling, redness, and itching, you can apply cold compresses to the area to help reduce swelling. Speak to your veterinarian before giving your pet any medication and monitor it for the next 12-24 hours to make sure no other signs develop.
If your pet shows signs of an allergic reaction to the bite or has been bitten multiple times, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Mushrooms might be irresistible
Fall is the peak season for mushrooms in many areas, and they can grow overnight in the right conditions. Some curious dogs can’t help but sniff out these new additions to the environment, but it’s best to avoid them all together. The vast majority of mushrooms and mushrooms are not poisonous at all, but the few that are can be fatal if eaten.
If you suspect your pet has eaten wild mushrooms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
poo on the way
More wildlife activity means more strange animal droppings in the yard or on the trail. Your most curious dogs might try to eat these new surprises, which can lead to garbage gut or worse.
Make sure you are anti-antifreeze
As the mercury plunges, more and more people are making sure their vehicle engines are protected from the cold. This means that there may be puddles of antifreeze on the floor, either from spills or leaking radiator hoses. Antifreeze can be incredibly toxic if the active ingredient is ethylene glycol – less than three tablespoons can be fatal for a 20 pound dog.
If you suspect your dog has consumed antifreeze, consult a veterinarian immediately. We underline “immediately”. Don’t wait. If your vet’s office is closed, take your dog to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
Temperature
Fall sneaks up on us sometimes, and while we’re still transitioning between tank top and flip-flop weather, it can be easy to forget that our dogs may feel the cold even more than we do. Make sure they are suitable for the weather conditions, be it cold temperatures, wet and muddy conditions or even ice. Don’t assume that this fur coat is enough to keep them warm.
hunting season
Fall is peak hunting season in many parts of the country. If you are walking, running, or hiking near a wooded area, make sure you and your dog are wearing the proper safety gear. Larger dogs can easily be mistaken for deer, so break out those reflective and fluorescent ones.
The tic-talk never ends
Although traditionally thought of as spring and summer pests, ticks are a pretty much year-round threat – even active all winter in some places. It is good practice to maintain your flea and tick prevention throughout the year. For more on fleas and ticks, check out our fact and fiction guide.
Keeping your pet safe this fall can seem overwhelming. But by being aware of your surroundings and always keeping your cat or dog on a leash or in a protected area, you’ll get the most out of sweater weather. Together.
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