Fall seasonal pet safety tips

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 and yard waste

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.

Mushrooms

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.

School supplies

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.

Early sundown

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.

Holiday decorations and costumes

Some aspects of fall celebrations like Halloween and Thanksgiving can be dangerous for pets.

• Decorations: From creepy crawlies to a classic cornucopia, holiday decorations are often mistaken for toys by curious pets. Keep garlands, candles, plastic baubles, foliage and more out of paw’s reach.
• Human foods: From trick or treat to turkey day, keep people treats away from pets! Chocolate and sugar-free candies, which commonly contain xylitol, can spell serious trouble for pets. Many Thanksgiving favorites contain high levels of salt and fat, while others feature raisins, which are toxic for animals. Instead, go with pet-friendly treats like these homemade ginger pumpkin cookies.
• Outfits: When selecting a Halloween costume for your pet, choose one that doesn’t have loose accessories like wings that can be torn off and eaten.

Learn more about pet safety for Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Updated 10-10-2024