Pet Wellness Network

Fall Pet Safety Hazards to Watch Out For

www.petwellnessnetwork.com

DarknessThe days are going to continue to keep getting shorter and shorter until December. As a result, morning and evening dog walks will take in more and more darkness. This presents a very real danger of car strikes because of the decreased visibility, so considering reflective vests for you and your pet and don’t let the leash run too long.

The early nightfall also means more danger to pets who are let outside to roam free, so know your pets and neighborhood and consider the risks when you decide to let them out.

School SuppliesPets are kids are usually a great mix, but young children tend to bring home a lot of items that may tempt chew-happy cats and dogs, such as crayons, glue sticks, markers and pencils. If these items are ingested they may present toxicity, choking and gastrointestinal hazards.

Fall LeavesPicturesque piles of fall leaves may be fun for pets to play in, but they can also trap in moisture and grow colonies of bacteria and mold, so intervene if pets attempt to eat any of the foliage. The same piles of leaves can also cover sharp tools and stumps, so be careful where you place them.

Lawn Mowers and leaf blowers produce a lot of noise, which may startle pets, so keep pets inside when performing any heavy-duty yard work.

AntifreezeWith the falling temperatures homeowners may decide to add antifreeze to their engine fluids. Antifreeze also has a very sweet taste and dogs are known to lick up puddles left behind in garages and on driveways. The primary ingredient, ethylene glycol, is a ruthless poison and even a small amount can kill a cat or dog.

Poisonous Plants & MushroomsFlowers like clematis, autumn crocus and chrysanthemums bloom in the fall, which may attract the attention of cats and dogs. They are all as poisonous as they are beautiful, so don’t let your pets be around them while unsupervised. Wild mushrooms that grow in the yard or nearby woods are also as big a risk to pets as they are to people.

Rat PoisonThe cold weather encourages mice, rats and other rodents to find warm places to nest, which often draw them to houses, garages and other buildings. These leads to a large amount of rat poison being placed out during the fall.

If you suspect your pet has consumed any variety of poison, call your animal hospital immediately for emergency instructions.

Pet Wellness Networkwww.petwellnessnetwork.com

Ashbridges Bay Animal Hospital1392 Gerrard St E

Toronto, ON M4L 1Z4Monday to Friday: 8am - 8pm.

Saturday: 9am - 5pm(416) 915-7387

Beaches Animal Hospital 2304 Queen St. EastToronto, ON M4E 1G8

Monday to Sunday: 8am - 10pm(416) 690-4040

Downtown Bay Animal Hospital579 Church Street

Toronto, ON M4Y 2E4Monday to Friday: 8am - 12am

Saturday: 9am - 12amSunday: 9am - 12am

(416) 966-5122