11/06/2025
As beautiful as autumn can be, those crunchy piles of leaves may hide more than just fun for your pets. Fallen leaves can collect moisture, mold, bacteria, and even pests like ticks or fleas. When your pet runs through or sniffs around them, they may be exposed to allergens, skin irritations, or parasites that could affect their health.
What to watch for:
1. Mold and bacteria: Damp leaves create the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Pets can develop respiratory issues if they inhale spores, or digestive upset if they eat contaminated leaves.
2. Toxic plants or fungi: Certain mushrooms and plants that grow under leaf litter can be poisonous if eaten. Even chewing on moldy leaves can be toxic.
3. Allergens: Leaves trap pollen, dust, and mold spores, which can cause itchy skin, sneezing, watery eyes, or other allergy flare-ups in sensitive pets.
🐾 Safety Tips for Pet Owners:
🍂 Rake and dispose of leaf piles promptly.
🍂 Supervise pets when outside during fall playtime.
🍂 Keep an eye out for scratching, sneezing, or lethargy afterward.
🍂 Maintain a consistent grooming routine to catch fleas, ticks, and skin issues early.
