Desire Vet Bills? Ignore These Fall Pet Health Tips
Humans and fur babies are enjoying the cooler weather ushered in to North Texas this week. Last week, the end of September, the “feel like” temp was 105. Today, the high is 77 degrees. Woo-Who!! Even though humans and fur babies welcome the break from the heat and humidity of summer, dangers lurk in the cooler days of Fall for our four legged friends. Cats are curious. Dogs live, and love, to smell, touch and ea,t so consider these Fall pet health tips:
1. CHOKING HAZARDS/INTESTINAL BLOCKAGE DANGERS
• Back-to-School time means glue sticks, colored pencils, crayons, paperclips, and other supplies are more accessible to our furry friends. Although these items are considered low toxicity to pets, gastrointestinal upset and blockages can occur if ingested.
• This fall pet health tip may be a surprise. Did you know acorns are toxic and a choking danger? And, pine needles and pine cones are dangerous to the gastrointestinal tract.
• Fall decorations are beautiful and can look like fun toys to our dogs and cats. Many decorations contain toxic metals and pieces that could be choking hazards, so make sure they are out of reach.
2. TOXINS
• Antifreeze is lethal. It tastes sweet, attracting both cats and dogs. Check your car for leaks and store antifreeze bottles appropriately.
• Because rodents are seeking a warm place to live, the use of rodenticides increases. Rodenticides are highly toxic to pets. Use them in places that are inaccessible to pets.
• Fall cooking can be delicious but deadly to cats and dogs. Chocolate, cooked bones, raw bread dough and many fruits and vegetables can also be life threatening to pets.
• Dogs are unable to sniff the difference between poisonous mushrooms and non poisonous. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning include: bloody diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, dehydration, and elevated heart rate. Without treatment, pets will succumb to liver and kidney failure within 3-7 days.
3. REFLECTIVE GEAR
Keep safety a priority. Many Fall dog walks take place before or after work, in the dark. Reflective gear will help you and your fur baby be more visible to drivers and other pet owners. Find a led pup collar here and a reflective leash. DO NOT use the glow in the dark necklaces for people. The liquid inside is toxic to pets.
4. SEASONAL ALLERGIES
Our pup sucks her hair out. Unless she wears a t-shirt, she ends up with bald spots in her coat. Does your pup sneeze? Maybe your kitty coughs? The most common culprits for Fall allergies are: tree, grass mold and ragweed pollen. Talk with your vet about treatment. Our pup takes a daily, store brand, human, allergy pill. Supplements are also available to help with allergies.
5. SEASONAL CHECKUP
• It’s still tick season. Make sure your pet’s repellent is working.
• Flea breeding is at its peak in the Fall. Check with your vet for a flea preventative.
• Snakes are preparing for hibernation, making them more likely to strike. Keep your yard free from snake habitats.
• Check your pet’s ID tags and microchip
Follow these Fall pet health tips. Help your fur baby have a healthy Fall and yourself, a wealthy Fall.