Autumn Pet Safety Tips

Keep your pets safe and cozy as the seasons change.

Autumn is my absolute favorite time of year, and many pups agree! Falling leaves, cooling temperatures and the holiday season can all be tons of fun for your pet. The changing season also brings changes to your dog’s routine, as well as new hazards to watch out for when you take your furry friend out on seasonal excursions or just their daily walks. Here are some fall safety tips to keep your pet safe and cozy this Autumn.

Avoid Agitated Wildlife

In the fall, you may notice changes in the behavior of local wildlife. Some animals–such as deer–are in their mating season, meaning they may be more active and more aggressive than usual. If you and your dog like to enjoy a hike in the cool Autumn weather, make sure to keep an eye out for stags who may see your presence as a threat. Keep your dog on a leash at all times, and stay away from wild animals that may act unpredictably. Other animals are getting ready for hibernation; snakes and rats are particularly likely to find their way into your home during the fall, seeking warmth and shelter. Learn about your local venomous snakes, and always take your pet to the vet if you suspect they may have been bitten. Use non-toxic pest control methods such as traps, and check for openings into your attic or basement, where animals most often find their way in.

Watch Out For Toxic Hazards

When the seasons change, many people take special preventative measures to combat the cooling weather. Mothballs, rat poison, and antifreeze are particularly dangerous chemicals that are used more often in the fall. When you’re preparing for the changing seasons, try using pet safe measures where you can. Mothballs can be replaced with non-toxic cedar chips, herbs such as lavender, cloves, and bay leaves, or essential oils. Substitute traps or pest exclusion methods for chemical rodenticides. Antifreeze isn’t usually replaceable, but you should take care to store it safely out of reach of your pets, never use it when your pets are with you, and clean up any spills immediately. Remember: your neighbors might not be following this advice, so you should never let your dog investigate unidentified puddles or foods on their own.

Bundle Them Up

Some pets will feel the chill harder than others. While your husky might be loving the cooling weather, your small, elderly, or fur-less pets might need some extra protection this Autumn. Chihuahuas, greyhounds, whippets, and dachshunds are all particularly sensitive to the cold, as are hairless pets such as Chinese crested dogs and Sphynx cats. Close-fitting coats and sweaters can help keep your pet warm, and consider getting booties to cover your dog’s feet during walks, especially if the ground is wet. 

The cold weather might cause another problem for older pets, as cooling temperatures and changing barometric pressure can cause or worsen joint pain from arthritis. If your pet starts looking a little stiff at the knees or refuses to go on walks when the weather cools, consider adding a joint supplement to their diet to help keep them comfortable.

Practice Fire Safety

Bonfires are a classic Autumnal pastime; who doesn’t love roasting s’mores or hotdogs over a campfire on a cold night? If you have a fireplace in your house, you might be firing that up this time of year too. Fire safety is always important, but it’s vital to be extra vigilant when you have a pet around who might not know any better. If you bring your dog to warm up at a bonfire, make sure they are on a leash at all times. Keep an eye on them if they are within reach of the fire, and watch for flying embers–fur can be highly flammable, and a thick coat might be able to catch before your dog even feels it. When you light an indoor fireplace, make sure to cover it securely with the fire grate. Curious cats may be particularly likely to get close to the fire, once they realize how cozy the hearth will get. Never leave the fireplace unattended with pets in the room, and close the doors once the fire is out–charcoal and ashes can stay hot for hours or even days after the fire has stopped burning.

Beware the Fallen Leaves

There’s no argument, crunchy fallen leaves are one of the best parts about the Autumn season. If your pup loves to jump into leaf piles, I can’t blame him. You should take a few precautions, though, to make sure your dog is safe while he plays. Big piles of leaves aren’t just appealing to jump into, they also can create a warm place to hide for smaller wildlife such as snakes. Even worse, they are the perfect environment for harboring ticks. Keep up-to-date on your pet’s parasite prevention year round, and check your dog for ticks any time they have been playing in leaves or tall grass. On that note: fleas usually die off in cold weather, but they might survive by finding their way into your warm and cozy house! You can keep fleas from surviving in your home by using repellent herbs like rosemary, or treating soft furnishings like carpets with diatomaceous earth.

Stay Safe After Dark

Days are getting shorter and shorter, which means by the time you get home from work, the sun may already be setting! Longer nights in the fall and winter mean more nighttime walks with your dog. If you will be out by the road after dark, make sure you and your pup are equipped with extra visibility gear. A brightly colored coat or sweater can help your dog stand out at dusk or during foggy weather–especially if their fur is black or dark brown. A reflective safety collar and leash will make you more visible to passing cars, even long after dark. You may also want to bring a flashlight with you on late-night walks, so you can keep an eye out for sharp objects, slippery patches, or any of the other hazards we talked about.

Autumn is a fantastic time to get out and about with your pup. However, seasonal holidays, end-of-year crunch, and shorter days might make it hard to find the extra time to hang out with your pets. If your pup is feeling a little cooped up this fall, consider hiring a professional dog walker to get them out of the house and playing! On a crisp, sunny autumn afternoon, a 30-minute walk will be a hit with anyone. Check out our daily dog walking options or fill out our new client form!