Pet safety is always important – but especially during the autumn months, when additional hazards present themselves. From Halloween and firework season to weather changes that might affect our pets’ routines, here are some things you need to bear in mind this autumn.
Autumn can be a great time of year – chunky scarves and thick coats come out, your garden becomes a blaze of reds and yellows, and then there’s the joy of letting your cat or dog leap about in piles of crisp leaves. But there are also certain hazards you and your pets may need to watch out for, too.
Read on for our expert tips to keep your pets healthy and safe during the autumn months.
Keep your pets warm
As the temperature drops, pets can suffer from the cold – particularly elderly pets who can’t regulate their body temperature as effectively. Consider buying dogs a pet jacket for walks if they are susceptible to the cold, and providing extra bedding – especially if you have a cat or dog that suffers from arthritis, since the cold can aggravate joints.
Provide shelter for cats that spend time outside, such as a designated space or box partially covered with plastic sheeting. When it comes to cats and autumn changes, encourage your pet to spend more time indoors, especially during darker evenings, so they’re safe from traffic on busy streets.
If you’re a rabbit owner, move your bunny’s hutch indoors to a warmer place, such as a garage or shed, and provide them with extra bedding, so they’re able to stay warm.
Continue to exercise your animals
You may be tempted to go for fewer walks with your dog when the weather is frosty – but this could lead to your dog putting on weight and increase the health risks associated with weight gain. Behavioural problems, such as hyperactive behaviour or chewing, may also occur as a way for your dog to exert excess energy.
To avoid this, ensure you keep your animals active during the colder months. While walking your dog during darker evenings can feel more hazardous, a reflective jacket and a reflective collar on your canine companion can help to keep you both visible and safe. You can also look for ways to keep your dog active indoors, if you’re both spending less time outside.
Likewise, ensure your cat stays active during the colder months – especially if they’re indoor cats or aren’t heading out of their catflap as often.
Ensure a healthy diet
There’s no need to fatten your pets up to insulate against dropping temperatures, but be sure to keep their diet healthy and consistent so they can remain in good health. The only exception to this rule is if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working dog, then some additional calories will be needed to keep their body temperature regulated.
As always, consult your vet to ensure your pet gets the correct dietary advice. If you have Petplan dog insurance, you can log into your My Petplan account and utilise Pet Expert Chat, our video vet service which allows you to get veterinary, behaviour and nutrition advice 24/7.
Watch out for autumn dangers
Antifreeze
Antifreeze poisoning is unfortunately a common occurrence during colder months, as cats and dogs are prone to drinking from puddles, ponds and standing water – which makes them more susceptible to consuming contaminated water.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic but appealing to pets due to its sweet taste. It’s vital that products are stored away to prevent antifreeze poisoning in cats and dogs, and that any spills are mopped up immediately.
If your pet does ingest antifreeze and is diagnosed early, they can recover – but early warning signs are subtle. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include:
- Delirium
- Appearing uncoordinated
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive urination
- Diarrhoea
- A fast heart rate
- Signs of depression
- Weakness
- Seizures or tremors
These symptoms are indicators of possible kidney failure. Once the kidneys have been damaged however, survival rates are low. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your vet immediately. Ensuring your cat or dog insurance policy is up to date can help to cover the unexpected.
Conkers
The conker is highly dangerous for both cats and dogs. If you suspect your pet may have ingested one, take them to the vet immediately.
Ingestion of conkers can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, salivation, excessive drinking, abdominal pain and a lack of appetite. Your pet may require fluid therapy and anti-vomiting medicine – but they should recover.
Conkers can also cause an intestinal obstruction, which could be fatal, so make sure to keep a close eye on what your pet nibbles on outside.
Acorns
Acorns are also poisonous for pets. The symptoms can take a day to manifest but include retching, vomiting, pain, lethargy and diarrhoea.
In extreme cases, there may be permanent damage to the liver or kidneys, but if caught early, this can be avoided. Consult your vet as soon as possible if you suspect your cat or dog has ingested one.
Lungworm
Lungworm larvae, which can be deadly if ingested by a dog, are in the slimy coating of slugs and snails, so it’s easy for your pet to come into contact with them. Be mindful if your dog tends to eat grass, drink from puddles or play with toys that have been left outdoors.
Symptoms of lungworm in dogs include coughing, upset stomach, tiredness, struggling to breathe, pale gums and bleeding. Regular worming treatment can help, as well as not leaving toys and bowls out in the garden. Always consult your vet if you are concerned.
Glow sticks
Glow sticks that are often used during Halloween and Bonfire Night can cause uncomfortable symptoms for your pet. The chemicals inside can cause dribbling, foaming at the mouth, stomach pain and vomiting if ingested.
While these symptoms aren’t nice for your pet, they rarely cause long-term damage – but do be sure to keep glow sticks out of your pet’s reach.
Do you make any changes to your pets’ routines in autumn? Share your ideas on Petplan’s Facebook page.