How to keep your pets healthy and safe during 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.