Autumn brings cooler weather and all the delights that come with it—turning leaves, nutmeg-y aromas and cozy sweaters. It’s a time when people and their pets gather for hayrides and family feasts and football games.
However, the changing season can also present new challenges for pet owners. We asked the experts at Nationwide VetHelpline®, powered by FirstVet, for advice on keeping pets safe around these common seasonal pit-“falls.”
Be ready for anything this autumn. Download the Nationwide VetHelpline® app to connect 24/7 with licensed veterinary professionals, included with all Nationwide pet insurance policies.
Leaf piles are a popular place for snakes to hide out during the cooler nights and mornings of autumn. Many biting and stinging insects, including ticks, spiders and snakes, will also seek shelter in heaps of yard waste. Keep curious pets away from wood piles, heavy brush and leaf piles where animals may be hiding.
Most mushrooms present little or no toxicity for pets, but the 1% that do can be life-threatening. Distinguishing between poisonous mushrooms and harmless ones is extremely difficult—even for experts—so it’s best to keep pets away from all fungi and where it may be growing.
Fungi love damp, shady areas like the underside of leaf piles, wooded areas and shaded grass. Steer your pet clear of these areas and keep an eye out for tempting toadstools in the yard and on walks.
Back-to-school time is here, which means stocking up on fun school supplies like glue sticks, markers and pencil erasers. Unfortunately, pets commonly mistake them for fun new toys.
While most school supplies are non-toxic for pets and kiddos alike, ingestion can lead to stomach upset and dangerous intestinal blockages.
When darkness arrives early in the autumn, the number of traffic injuries significantly increases for both humans and animals. For walking in low-light conditions, stay safe by using reflective gear for both you and your pet. Bring a flashlight and stay on the sidewalk whenever possible.
Some aspects of fall celebrations like Halloween and Thanksgiving can be dangerous for pets.
Learn more about pet safety for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Updated 10-10-2024
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new pet
