As the weather’s changed, we all look forward to wrapping up warm, enjoying a hot chocolate in front of the fire and snuggling with our pets on the sofa.
But let’s not forget that the autumnal weather can present some potential hazards for our furry friends, so here’s some top tips to be aware of.
Leaf piles, twigs, muddy puddles and stagnant water
Have you ever jumped into a big pile of crunchy autumn leaves? Or splashed about in a nice big puddle in your wellies? Dogs love to do it too, but unless you’ve built the pile yourself, be aware of hidden hazards such as glass, sharp sticks or leaf mould that could cause injury or illness to your dog.
Muddy puddles harbour bacteria that can give your pup an upset tummy. Similarly, stagnant water can give rise to blue-green algae or leptospirosis, both of which can cause major health issues for you and your dog.
We always recommend keeping your dog up-to-date on their vaccines, but speak to your vet about the risks and get them booked in for a health check.
Acorns and conkers
Puppies particularly seem to love these fallen nuts, but in large quantities acorns, and especially young acorns, can be harmful. They can cause a variety of symptoms, some of which can make your pet very unwell. Conkers can cause similar issues, with the added potential for obstruction because of their size.
Toadstools and other wild mushrooms
Whilst they may look pretty on a walk, these woodland dwellers can be very toxic. Unfortunately, their odour (some toadstools are said to smell ‘fishy’) can be quite appealing to dogs, making ingestion more likely. Since there are so many types of mushroom and their toxicity can be variable, it’s always best to be cautious. If your pet does eat some mushrooms on a walk, it can be helpful to photograph/collect some to show your vet for identification purposes.
Fallen fruits and Autumn plants
Apple cores can pose a risk of obstruction, but another risk comes from the seeds, which contain cyanide. In large quantities, this can be fatal, but even at low doses can cause painful tummies and vomiting. Whilst most of us know about the dangers of grapes and their dried varieties, not everyone is aware of plums. They can cause similar issues to apples, but often only need small amounts to set them off. Fruits that have been on the ground for some time can ferment and contain alcohol, which isn’t good for your pet.
Alongside the woodland flora, there are other plants that can make your pets feel poorly. Yew, chrysanthemum, amaryllis and autumn crocus are all plentiful at this time of year. Spring bulbs are being planted now which can also cause problems if eaten. Don’t forget the hidden garden hazards, such as compost bins and plant clippings – these can harbour harmful bacteria and mould and so are best to keep away from inquisitive pets.
Alabama rot
Whilst rare in the UK and still without a definitive cause found, many affected dogs were walking in muddy woodland areas. If your dog enjoys walks in these types of areas, it’s good to check them over every few days for unexplained skin sores. If you do see anything unusual, you should speak to your vet for advice.
Parasites
When was the last time you gave your dog or cat parasite treatment? We’re lucky to live in a beautiful area with fields and rivers, but this does unfortunately increase the risk of parasites.
Ticks have two periods of activity – one in early Spring/Summer and a second in Autumn. Fleas are with us all year round since our central heating starts to come on at this time of year and they prefer warm environments.
Pets with fleas can also have tapeworms, and lungworm is associated with slugs and snails which love the damp environment Autumn brings.
We believe in preventative treatments, tailored to your individual pet and recommend discussing yours and your pet’s lifestyle with your vet to ensure the correct treatments are being given.
If you have any worries about your pet, or come across any of the hazards mentioned, get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.
