Autumn Hazards for Dogs - Infographic

Top Tips for Staying Safe in Autumn

Out and About

Harvest mites:

In autumn, these tiny insects climb up long grass, bushes, and trees waiting to sink their fangs into something warm-blooded. Signs of infestation can include skin inflammation and scratching.

Mushrooms and toadstools:

Some wild mushrooms are highly toxic and, if swallowed, can cause kidney and liver failure. Try to keep your dog away from all wild varieties.

Fireworks:

Many dogs show signs of stress when exposed to fireworks. Fireworks can scare dogs into running onto busy roads.

Darker nights:

Darker nights can reduce your dog’s ability to be seen, and with it being firework season, if they hear a noise they could also run away. Ensure you and your dog are visible with reflective leads, collars, and hi-viz vests.

Rock salt:

Rock salt or grit on the roads can cause your dog to become dehydrated or, in serious cases, cause liver failure if they lick it from their paws. Ensure you wipe away any rock salt after you have taken them on a walk.

From Trees and Plants

Conkers:

Conkers contain a poison called aesculin, which can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Ingestion can also lead to potentially fatal intestinal blockages.

Acorns:

Acorns contain a chemical called gallotannin that’s toxic to dogs, and ingestion can cause liver and kidney damage. Affected dogs will show signs that include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain.

Fallen leaves:

Leaves left long enough will eventually turn to leaf mould and, like any decomposing organic matter, may contain dangerous mycotoxins.

Rotten fruit:

Fallen fruit, such as apples, pears, and plums, eventually ferments naturally on the ground and so may contain poisonous ethanol.

In and Around the Home

Halloween treats:

Many of the jelly sweets people buy for Halloween ‘trick or treaters’ contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs. And chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine, which is also toxic to dogs.

Rat poison:

Rodenticide is commonly put down in autumn when rats start heading indoors for warmth. While designed to taste nice to rats, unfortunately, dogs like it for the same reason. Speak to your vet if you think your dog has eaten a poisoned rodent.

Antifreeze:

Ethylene glycol, as it’s officially known, is sweet-tasting and palatable, but even a small quantity can cause severe kidney damage. Dogs who have ingested antifreeze may vomit, have seizures, or have difficulty breathing.

Top Tips for Staying Safe in Autumn

Stay bright:

Whilst walking your dog at night, consider reflective or glow-in-the-dark leads and collars. Perhaps take a small torch to ensure you and your dog are seen by drivers.

Flea treatment:

Ensure your dog has up-to-date flea treatment administered, as fleas can thrive indoors when we start to heat our homes in autumn.

Keep calm:

In the lead-up to and during fireworks night, walk your dog early and ensure they have a safe space to hide. Drown out the noise by drawing your curtains and playing music or having the television on.

Trees & plants:

Do not encourage your dog to play with conkers or acorns during walks. Avoid letting them roll around in rotting leaves, which can be toxic if ingested.

Chemicals:

Always use a pet-safe product if you are attempting to get rid of vermin.

Sweets:

Keep Halloween treats and sweets out of reach of your dog.