Autumn Hazards

Dogs

Autumn can be one of the best times for lovely walks with our furry friends. With crunchy leaves, fallen conkers and other delights to explore, the season offers plenty of enrichment. Sadly there are also a few hidden risks to watch out for. To keep your dog safe this season we’ve rounded up the top autumn hazards to watch out for.

1. Conkers and Acorns

These can be dangerous if eaten as they contain tannins which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea and in large quantities, kidney damage. They are also a risk for intestinal obstruction and choking in small dogs.

2. Mushrooms and Toadstools

There are many species of mushroom in the UK, not all are toxic, but it is safest to keep your dogs away from all wild fungi. If ingested, toxic mushrooms can damage the liver, kidney and nervous system. Watch for symptoms such as salivating & increased tear flow, urinating, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal pain, vomiting, and disorientation.

3. Autumn berries

Berries such as elderberries and holly berries can cause upset stomachs in dogs. The most dangerous berry-bearing plants are:

  • Deadly Nightshade (shiny black berries)
  • Cuckoo pint (orange-red berries)
  • Mistletoe

4. Harvest Mites

These mites live in long grass and woodland areas. You might notice clumps of small, orange bugs on your dog. They cause your dog to be itchy and uncomfortable. Fipronil spray is one of the few topical treatments effective against these mites.

5. Fireworks

Fireworks can be very enjoyable for us but can cause anxiety and fear in our pets. A big concern is dogs panicking and running away. Please make sure all microchip details are up to date. 

Ways to help keep your dog calm can include:

  • Creating a safe retreat. A den-like space in their favourite room with comforting scents.
  • Playing calming music or white noise to help drown out the bangs.
  • Staying at home and keeping everything as normal as possible.
  • Using medications as required to reduce anxiety and stress. Please contact us to discuss an appropriate plan for your pet.
  • Starting a noise phobia counter conditioning behavioural plan early to help your dog become accustomed to loud noises. Please follow this link to our blog on fireworks noise desensitisation.

6. Darker nights 

Just because it is dark outside doesn’t mean that your dog or you should miss out on  the before or after work walks. Using reflective or LED collars, leads, jackets and a good torch, can enable you both to stay safe as well as looking rather dashing too!

7. Rocksalt 

 This is used to de-ice roads and pavements. It can be irritating to the pads on your dog’s feet. It can cause dryness, cracking and abrasions. If ingested it can cause dehydration and potentially liver failure.

8. Halloween treats

so much fun for u but sadly toxic to dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine which can affect the gut, heart, central nervous system and kidneys. Sweets contain xylitol which can cause a life threatening reduction in blood glucose in dogs and in large quantities liver failure.

9. Antifreeze

This contains ethylene glycol which is very palatable to dogs. It can cause severe kidney damage as well as having effects on the heart and central nervous system.

Symptoms include:

  • vomiting
  • increased thirst
  • seizures
  • lack of appetite
  • difficulty breathing

If you are concerned that your dog may have had access to any of the above or you have any questions about how to keep your dog safe this autumn, please do not hesitate to contact us (see our details at the bottom of this page).

Cats

With crunchy leaves, fallen conkers and other delights to explore, the season offers plenty of enrichment. Sadly there are also a few hidden risks to watch out for. To keep your cat safe this season we’ve rounded up the top autumn hazards to watch out for.

1. Conkers and Acorns 

Cats may enjoy playing with these but they can be dangerous if eaten as they contain tannins which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea and in large quantities, kidney damage. They are also a risk for intestinal obstruction and choking in cats.

2. Mushroom and Toadstools

Cats are generally more selective eaters than dogs but could still be tempted to have a nibble. If ingested toxic mushrooms can damage the liver, kidney and nervous system. Watch for symptoms such as salivating & increased tear flow, urinating, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal pain, vomiting, and disorientation.

3. Harvest Mites

These mites live in long grass and woodland areas. You might notice clumps of small, orange bugs on your cat. They cause your cat to be itchy and uncomfortable. Fipronil spray is one of the few topical treatments effective against these mites.

4. Fireworks 

Fireworks are fun for us but can be a terrifying experience for cats . Cats may bolt in fear. Please check that your cat’s microchip details are up to date. We are happy to check the microchips work. Trying to keep your cat indoors after dark on Fireworks nights is a good idea. Ways to help keep your cat calm include:

Ways to help keep your dog calm can include:

  • Creating a safe retreat. A den-like space in their favourite room with comforting scents.
  • Playing calming music or white noise to help drown out the bangs.
  • Staying at home and keeping everything as normal as possible.
  • Using medications as required to reduce anxiety and stress. Please contact us to discuss an appropriate plan for your pet.

Starting a noise phobia counter conditioning behavioural plan early to help your cat become accustomed to loud noises. Please follow the link to this blog on fireworks noise desensitisation.

5. Darker nights.

It is ideal to keep your cat indoors after dark, but lots of cats naturally want to spend all night out on the tiles! Arming them with a reflective or LED collar can help them be more visible.

6. Candles and fireplaces 

Cozy candles and nights by the fire are winter highlights, but just to be sure to not leave your cat unattended around them. Curious cats may approach them and if your cats are climbers, they may knock candles over.

7. Antifreeze

This contains ethylene glycol which is very palatable to cats. It can cause severe kidney damage as well as having effects on the heart and central nervous system.

Symptoms include:

  • vomiting
  • increased thirst
  • seizures
  • lack of appetite
  • difficulty breathing

If you are concerned that your cat may have had access to any of the above or you have any questions about how to keep your dog safe this autumn, please do not hesitate to contact us (see our details at the bottom of this page).