Fall can be an exciting time for our pets – while the thrill of having more company over the summer break might be over, the cooler weather and darker evenings mean that we might feel like spending more time indoors with our furry friends.
But as much as our pets may enjoy fall (and it’s always fun to be looking at the best Halloween costumes for cats and dogs!), the season does bring with it some dangers to be aware of.
Some of the regular household items we use throughout fall can be harmful to our pets, and pet insurance provider Waggel has outlined its top 10 household items to be aware of. Let’s take a look.
1. Candles and air fresheners
"Many popular autumn candles are made from paraffin wax, which can release harmful toxins into the air when burned," says Waggel CEO Andrew Leal. "These include benzene, acetaldehyde, toluene, formaldehyde, and acrolein. Animals are often more sensitive to these than humans due to their smaller size and faster metabolism."
Synthetic fragrances and oils can harm our pets, too, with many culprits being popular fall scents – like eucalyptus, clove, and pine.
2. Toxic flowers and plants
A lot of popular fall houseplants, like chrysanthemums, can be harmful or even poisonous to pets when ingested – check before you buy! To help you through to Christmas and beyond, don’t forget to check out our list of holiday plants poisonous to pets, too.
3. Cleaning products
It might sound obvious, but it’s worth remembering to keep cleaning products stored safely away, particularly this time of year, when you might be dealing with muddy footprints and wet clothes!
4. Human medication
Even simple over-the-counter painkillers could be harmful to pets if they ingest them, so it’s best to keep them in a cupboard or drawer.
5. Chocolate
"With Halloween approaching, be extra cautious about keeping candy securely out of reach,” says Leal. And with Christmas on the horizon, this is well worth remembering! Here’s everything you need to know about chocolate poisoning in dogs (plus what to do if your pup eats some).
6. Cooked bones
While you might want to share hearty, warming fall meals with your pet, cooked bones can splinter and cause injury to them.
7. Open trash cans
Keep your trash secured, particularly if there’s any food waste or anything that could be harmful.
8. Seasonal decorations
Leal explains, "As people start to decorate for autumn, they should be mindful of dangling cords and small ornaments that pets might chew on or swallow." So, it’s best to keep these out of reach!
9. Insecticides and rodenticides
You might find yourself using more pest control products as the weather gets colder, so ensure that they’re pet-safe and stored safely.
10. Essential oils
People often enjoy using essential oils in the fall and winter, but they can be toxic to pets when ingested or even inhaled, so it’s best to be careful and use them sparingly.
If you’d like some fall advice that shows the fun side of the season, meanwhile, here’s how to throw a Halloween party for dogs.
