Fall Pet Safety

With crisp mornings, crunchy leaves, pumpkin spice, and everything nice, fall has a way of making everything feel deliciously cozy. But it’s also a time when our pets can run into trouble they don’t have to deal with the rest of the year.

Autumn’s unique set of risks includes everything from seasonal plants to holiday celebrations. Knowing what to watch out for can help keep your furry friends safe and happy.

Here’s what the team at BranchVet wants you to know about having a safe and fun pumpkin spice season.

Watch Out for Seasonal Toxins

One of the biggest concerns for pet parents this time of year is fall pet toxins. Many of the things that make autumn so beautiful or tasty for us can be dangerous for our animals.

Case in point: chocolate, raisins, spices, and certain nuts show up more often in fall recipes and holiday treats, and they’re all harmful to dogs and cats. 

Even that leftover Halloween candy bowl can cause problems if curious paws get into it!

Make sure you keep all fall treats for humans well out of reach of your pets. 

Beware of Plants, Both Indoors and Out

Changing seasons also bring more contact with toxic plants that pets should avoid. Take chrysanthemums, for instance. While they’re often used in fall decorations, they can cause vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea in cats and dogs.

And that’s no fun for anyone.

Outdoor mushrooms that pop up in damp fall weather can be poisonous too, and pets may nibble on them out of curiosity. If you’re not sure whether a plant is safe, it’s always best to keep it out of reach.

Fake plants and flowers can also be damaging if your pet gets ahold of them and decides to enjoy a snack. 

Everyday Autumn Dangers

Beyond food and plants, there are other autumn pet dangers worth keeping in mind. Antifreeze is used in cars more often as the weather cools, and just a small amount can be deadly for pets (and humans).

Rodenticides and other pest-control products also tend to appear in homes and garages in the fall. Keep these substances far out of reach, and clean up any spills right away.

Halloween Safety Tips

October wraps up with one of the most exciting—and sometimes stressful—holidays of the year: Halloween.

Halloween pet safety means thinking ahead for the big night. Here’s an overview of what you can do to keep your pawsome pals safe:

• Keep pets indoors (and secure) during trick-or-treat hours
• Store costumes and candy well out of your pet’s reach
• Make sure your animals have a quiet place to retreat if the constant doorbell rings makes them anxious.

Also, if you’re dressing up your pet, make sure your chosen costume doesn’t restrict your furry friend’s movement, vision, or breathing.

A Safe and Cozy Season

Fall is one of the best times of year to slow down and enjoy the cozy life with your pets. With just a little bit of preparation, you can avoid seasonal hazards and focus on what matters most—sharing safe, sweet moments together.

As veterinarians, we often see an uptick of pet poisoning in October, partly because the season puts more temptations within reach. 

Bowls of candy, new decorations, and plants brought inside to escape the cold all add hazards to your home. Even simple things, like leaving out a cup of hot cider, can lead to burns or stomach upset.

Just remember that extra vigilance goes a long way this month. 

If your pet does get into something she shouldn’t reach out to the caring team at BranchVet. We can help your pet feel better if the worst occurs—and we even offer telemedicine appointments to check in on them from the comfort of your home.

Call us at (830) 885-5443 to schedule an appointment for your animal family member today.