Next Wednesday is officially the first day of fall which means cooler weather is right around the corner. While it’s the perfect time of year to get outside with your furry friend, it’s also a time to refresh yourself on how to keep your pet safe during the season.
There are new dangers during the fall that could be hazardous to your pet. Here are some tips that Larimer Humane Society believes will help keep your pet healthy and happy this fall.
Watch Out for School Supplies
This holds true every year. School supplies are placed throughout the house as your child works on homework and projects. While we understand that many school items are considered low toxicity to pets, if ingested they could cause a gastrointestinal blockage or upset stomachs. Whether your children are learning from home or have returned to the classroom, always make sure that they keep all school supplies out of reach from your pet.
Keep Away from Wild Mushrooms
When it’s fall, it means mushrooms will start sprouting up more often than any other season. In Colorado, there are over one hundred mushroom species that are considered poisonous. Since there are many varieties of mushrooms throughout the state, we advise keeping your dog or cat away from areas where any mushrooms are growing. To see a list of the most common poisonous mushrooms in our region, follow this link.
Watch for Snakes
Fall is the time when snakes in Colorado prepare themselves for winter hibernation, which could increase the chances that your pets may experience an unprovoked bite. Keep an eye on areas throughout your yard, and places where you walk, that could be the right environment for a snake to take shelter. Knowing where these areas are ahead of time could help prevent your pet from being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Fall Shedding
Early on in the season, your cat or dog will start to shed their summer coat to allow room for their winter coat. This means spotting hair everywhere, from your clothes to the couch, and all places in between. To help alleviate the amount you have to deal with, make sure you put aside time at least once per week when you can brush your pet. Depending on your pet’s shedding habits, you may even want to make sure they are being brushed daily. Larimer Humane Society Supervising Veterinarian Lindsey Gapstur says that grooming is vitally important during the fall season. “Grooming is more than just a bath, especially for double-coated breeds. It’s important to maintain a regular pet grooming schedule to help ensure that your pet’s skin and coat are clean and healthy, his nails are kept short, and his ears are clean.”
Bundle Your Pet Up
Once we get to the end of summer, we are ready for chilly days and colder nights. Your pet is just as ready as you are! However, always make sure that they have a warm place to go, especially at night. As we all know, Colorado’s weather can change rather quickly so keep an eye on when a cold snap is going to hit or if a snowstorm is heading our way. Also, be sure to keep your pet inside to help prevent her from getting wet and possibly getting frostbite or hypothermia.
According to Gapstur, it’s important to keep an eye on your pets who are older. “Drastic changes in temperatures can be especially challenging for older animals. Make sure to monitor them for signs of stiffness or weakness that could indicate arthritis.”
By taking the safety precautions needed, you and your pet will enjoy the fall season and everything that comes along with it!
