09/10/2024
Good advice!
The leaves have changed, there’s a chill in the air and we’ve swapped our sunglasses for raincoats. Autumn is officially here 🍂
While you’re ready for muddy walks and wrapping up warm, are your pets? Check out below what to look out for this season and tips for keeping your pet safe & healthy 🍁
🍄🟫 Poisonous plants - conkers, acorns and mushrooms are among the list of plants that could harm our pets if ingested. If you suspect your pet has eaten any toxic plants, contact your vet immediately for advice.
🍂 Fallen leaves & fruits - ingesting these can cause tummy upset or worse, as old leaves turn mouldy they contain mycotoxins and rotten fruit will eventually ferment and contain poisonous ethanol.
🪲 Mites & fleas - in the autumn, Harvest mites climb up the long grass waiting for a warm-blooded host. Signs of infestation include skin inflammation and scratching. Turning the heating up can also prompt flea eggs to be ‘woken up’, so ensure both your pets and home are treated.
🌙 Darker nights - keep your pets visible with reflective or light up collars & leads, and ensure outdoor cats are safe at home once it’s dark. Have your torch at the ready to be able to thoroughly check on your outdoor small furries like rabbits, and remember to ensure their enclosures are warm enough as the cold sets in.
🎃 Pumpkins & candles - make sure to throw out old pumpkins before they go mouldy to prevent sickness if eaten. Consider battery powered candles over real flames or keep any lit candles and small decorations out of reach of mischievous pets.
🍬 Halloween sweets - remember chocolate is highly toxic for dogs and many treats contain the poisonous sweetener Xylitol. Dogs can also get spooked by our scary costumes, so consider walking earlier in the day before the trick or treater’s are out.
💥Fireworks - these often make our pets stressed & anxious. You can make a safe den to hide in at home and work on desensitising your pets by playing fireworks noises quietly while rewarding calm behaviour.
Check out the & websites for more advice 🍁