7 Fall Hazards for Dogs

The dog days of summer are almost behind us and fall time is soon to be here. While fall is the perfect season to spend time outdoors with our pups, the cooler season brings along some dangers for our furry friends. Before breaking out the pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters, read up on these 7 fall hazards for dogs. 

Seasonal Allergies

Most people associate seasonal allergies with the spring time, but did you know that you and your dog can experience allergy symptoms in the fall as well? The drastic change from hot weather to cool can cause itching and sneezing for our pets. 

If you notice your dog constantly scratching or having runny eyes, talk to your vet about dealing with seasonal allergies for your pet. Over the counter allergy medication, such as Benadryl, may be recommended. 

Keeping your pooch clean using a dog safe shampoo and washing their feet after they come indoors will help keep the allergies at a minimum as well. 

Toxic Mushrooms

Cool damp weather and leaf covered grass is the perfect environment for fungi, such as mushrooms, to grow. You may notice mushrooms sprouting up around your yard and on your daily walks. While not all mushrooms are toxic, you never know which ones may be.

Keep your pup from eating mushrooms (or any foreign plant) found growing around your home. If you suspect your dog ate something they shouldn’t have, call your vet ASAP.

Fleas and Ticks

Unfortunately, fleas and ticks don’t disappear come fall time like many other insects do. In fact, autumn is actually peak season for fleas! And because fall is often camping season for many, ticks are commonly picked up as well.

Talk to your vet before backing off your flea and tick prevention in the fall and continue to check your pet frequently for signs of these parasites. 

Nighttime Walks

Fall time means shorter days and longer nights, so it is not uncommon for pet parents to find themselves walking their dog after the sun sets. While a nighttime walk can be quite relaxing, it brings along a whole list of hazards you won’t experience when the sun is out.

It’s important to make sure that both you and your dog are visible to cars and other passerby once the sun has set. Consider a reflective leash and/or collar for your dog. Carrying a flash light is a good idea as well. 

Dangerous Foods

One of the most obvious fall hazards for dogs is all the food that comes with the beginning of the holiday season. Both of the major fall holidays, Halloween and Thanksgiving, are full of yummy foods for humans that are toxic to our dogs. 

Be mindful of where you store your Halloween candy this year and make sure you aren’t dropping any turkey fat while cooking Thanksgiving dinner. 

Read here for a list of Thanksgiving foods that are safe for dogs and those that aren’t.

Rodenticides

As the weather begins to drop, critters such as mice and rats will begin looking for a warm place to stay for the winter. To keep these rodents out of our homes, many people will put out rodenticides which are poisonous to not just the mice, but your pooch as well. 

If you put rodent traps out around your home, make sure to keep your dog away from them. Consider a humane, catch and release trap, to keep the rodents out while your pets remain safe. 

Fallen Acorns

Acorns litter the ground in the fall as squirrels and other animals collect them to prepare for hibernation. Unfortunately, acorns pose as more than one hazard for our pups.

Not only are acorns a choking hazard but they can also cause intestinal blockage, especially in smaller dogs. 

Acorns also contain tannis, which is toxic to dogs and cause an upset stomach and in extreme cases lead to kidney failure.

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