{"id":4833,"date":"2024-03-06T15:31:12","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T15:31:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vitaanimalhealth.com\/?p=4833"},"modified":"2024-04-15T13:23:28","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T12:23:28","slug":"autumn-advice-keep-your-pets-safe-as-the-leaves-start-to-fall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vitaanimalhealth.com\/autumn-advice-keep-your-pets-safe-as-the-leaves-start-to-fall\/","title":{"rendered":"Autumn Advice: Keep Your Pets Safe as the Leaves Start to Fall"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the seasons change and we move into autumn and winter, there are some common hazards it\u2019s worth being aware of. Taking appropriate precautions can help to keep autumn fun for the whole family, including your pets. We\u2019ve summarised some of the most common hazards along with top tips to avoid them and keep your pets happy and healthy this autumn.<\/p>

1.<\/strong> Darker nights call for something bright<\/strong><\/p>

As the nights draw in and evenings (and early mornings) become darker, keeping pets safe from vehicles and ensuring you can spot them easily is more important than ever. Reflective collars and harnesses can play a major role in keeping your pets safe, while light up collars for dogs take this to the next level. Make sure that whoever walking the dog is also wearing clothes which are highly visible. Off lead exercise is best kept for daylight hours, but a long lead in appropriate areas can help to give your dog more freedom while keeping them safe.<\/p>

2.<\/strong> Spooky season doesn\u2019t need to be scary: stay safe on Halloween<\/strong><\/p>

Halloween can be an exciting time for the whole family, but there are some specific hazards to be aware of. Chocolate toxicity is a common concern so making sure children don\u2019t share their treats with pets is crucial, but it\u2019s also important to make sure they don\u2019t get their paws on other potentially toxic items like glow sticks. If your pet does eat something they shouldn\u2019t, you should speak to your vet as soon as possible to determine if treatment is needed.<\/p>

Keeping an eye on your pets and being aware of their body language is also vital: while some may enjoy playing dress up, others can become distressed or overwhelmed by costumes or excited children.<\/p>

Finally, it\u2019s worth keeping cats indoors over Halloween, and keeping your dog on-lead. The noise and commotion of trick or treaters can be frightening and could cause your pet to panic and put themselves in harm\u2019s way.<\/p>

3. Help your pets manage their firework fears<\/strong><\/p>

For many pets, the scariest part of autumn has nothing to do with Halloween. Fireworks can cause anything from mild anxiety to severe distress, but there are some things you can do to help.<\/p>

First, pets should always be kept indoors or on a lead when fireworks are expected; in addition to the physical danger posed by fireworks, including scavenging of debris, they may also panic in response to the noise.<\/p>

Secondly, it\u2019s important to take measures to keep them calm at home. Keep windows closed, remain calm yourself and play some background noise, whether it\u2019s soothing music or the TV. Creating a safe space, whether it\u2019s a covered crate, hiding spot under a bed or a den on the sofa, can help to ease many pets\u2019 fears, while distraction with toys and snuffle mats may also help. For some pets, it may be worth discussing calming supplements or even medications with your vet. Longer-term, desensitisation training can help to manage noise phobias.<\/p>

4.<\/strong> Ticks: the real Halloween monsters<\/strong><\/p>

Most active in spring and autumn, ticks are a common parasite of dogs and cats. Risky locations include heathland, woodland, areas with long grass, and places frequented by wildlife and farm animals.<\/p>

Ticks in the UK can transmit infections like Lyme disease, but usually need to remain on your pet for several hours to do so. You can use parasite products that kill ticks, but these usually take 24-48 hours to kill a tick, so checking your pet after walks and removing ticks as soon as they\u2019re spotted can help to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Sticking to paths and open spaces can help to avoid ticks, but if you live in a high-risk area you may want to discuss repellent products with your vet.<\/p>

5. A (wasp) sting in the tail<\/strong><\/p>

As the warmer weather fades, it\u2019s not just ticks that become more active; wasps also spend more time foraging in the autumn months. Keeping your pet away from fermenting fallen fruit can help them to avoid a nasty sting.<\/p>

Wasp stings in pets typically cause some mild swelling and discomfort but resolve within a couple of days; however, some pets may show more severe symptoms and require veterinary attention. If your pet is stung in the mouth or throat, has been stung multiple times or shows signs of an allergic reaction like facial swelling or breathing difficulties, you should see a vet urgently.<\/p>

6.<\/strong> Pumpkin spice or something not so nice\u2026<\/strong><\/p>

Autumn flavours are hugely popular, but unfortunately for our pets there are several potentially hazardous items. Common examples of so-called \u2018dietary indiscretion\u2019 in autumn include:<\/p>