Part and parcel of being a dog parent is keeping your eye out for potential hazards that could harm your pup. In the summer, for example, heat is one of the biggest things to be mindful of, but how about when we get into fall?
Even though the weather will begin to get colder and the nights will get darker, it’s important to get one of the best dog leashes on your pup and get them out for those nice, long walks, but you might pass some things on your journey that could harm them.
Fortunately, however, Pooch & Mutt’s resident vet Dr. Linda Simon is on hand to highlight five of the biggest risks to your pup over this time of year, and the second one really surprised us!
1. Slugs and snails: These small critters can be really dangerous for our pets. As Dr. Simon explains, “They can transmit lungworm, which is a parasite that can lead to signs including a chronic cough, internal bleeding, and even death. As well as this, where we find these insects, we often find slug bait, and this can cause severe toxicity if ingested.”
If there are lots of slugs in your yard, it’s a good idea to keep a watchful eye on your pup and walk them on a lead, so you can pull them away if you need to – and if you need slug bait yourself, only use pet-safe products. Don’t forget to keep your pup up to date with their lungworm prevention, too!
2. Fallen fruit: You might think it’s fine for your pup to snack on fallen fruit they find when they’re outside, but it can be more dangerous than it first appears. This is particularly true if any of the fruits are pitted.
“Another consideration is that fallen fruit will quickly go rotten,” says Dr. Simon. “Not every pooch is smart enough to turn their nose up. This can lead to a bad case of gastroenteritis.”
3. Fleas, ticks, and mites: These parasites get more attention over the summer, but they can be a problem all through the year are a problem all year round. So, it’s important to keep your pet up to date with the best flea treatment for dogs.
If you’re struggling to get rid of parasites on your dog, you should speak to your vet to discuss the right treatment for them.
4. Rodent poison: This is highly toxic to dogs. “Depending on the type, it may lead to internal bleeding or neurological signs,” says Dr. Simon. “Owners should never use rat bait around their home or garden, if it is not dog/cat safe.”
If a dog ingests it, you may not see signs for several days, but urgent treatment is needed. The sooner vomiting is induced and treatment begins after a dog ingests the poison, the better the chances of a full recovery.
5. Buckeyes and conkers: We often see these in the fall, but vets aren’t as fond of them as the rest of us. This is because dogs often chew and eat them. But, as they’re not very digestible, they aren’t good for a dog’s intestines. Generally, puppies are more likely to eat them.
If your dog has free access to your yard, it’s best to clear it of buckeyes and conkers if you can. But if your dog does find one and starts chewing on it, swapping it with a high-value treat is best. You should try to do swaps when taking things out of your dog’s mouth as much as possible, to avoid your dog running away, hiding, or starting to resource guard.
If you’re looking further ahead to the winter months, do dogs need coats in the winter? You can find out here. Meanwhile, here are seven dog breeds that hate the cold.
