As the leaves change color and temperatures cool down here in Central Florida, autumn brings a beautiful transformation to our surroundings. However, this season also introduces several autumn pet hazards that every pet owner should be aware of. At the Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Central Florida, our team of over 20 dedicated veterinarians wants to help you identify and prevent these seasonal dangers to keep your beloved companions safe throughout the fall months.
Understanding these autumn pet hazards can make the difference between enjoying a peaceful season and facing an emergency veterinary visit. Let’s explore the most common fall dangers lurking in and around your home.
Home & Decor Autumn Pet Hazards
As we decorate our homes for the cozy fall season, we often overlook how these festive touches can pose serious risks to our pets.
Candles and Fires
The warm glow of candles and crackling fires create the perfect autumn ambiance, but they’re significant autumn pet hazards. Curious cats can knock over candles with their tails, while excited dogs may bump into side tables displaying flickering flames. Beyond the obvious burn risk, pets can also suffer from smoke inhalation or start house fires. Always use flameless LED candles when possible, and never leave your pet unattended in a room with open flames or a burning fireplace.
Decorations
Fall decorations like miniature pumpkins, gourds, and decorative corn can be tempting chew toys for pets. String lights, electrical cords, and battery-operated decorations present choking hazards and risk of electrical shock. Fabric decorations like table runners and wreaths may contain small parts that can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Keep decorations out of reach and supervise your pets around seasonal displays.
Corn Cobs
Corn on the cob is a popular autumn treat, but the cobs are among the most dangerous autumn pet hazards. Dogs, in particular, may steal corn cobs from trash cans or compost bins. These cobs don’t break down in the digestive system and frequently cause complete intestinal blockages that require emergency surgery. Always dispose of corn cobs in secure, pet-proof containers.
Moldy Decorations
Decorations stored in damp basements or garages can develop mold over time. When pets chew or lick these items, they may ingest mycotoxins that cause tremors, seizures, and severe illness. Inspect all decorations before displaying them, and discard anything showing signs of mold or mildew.
Dangerous Autumn Foods for Pets
Fall festivities often center around food, but many seasonal favorites are serious autumn pet hazards.
Sweets
Halloween candy, caramel apples, and fall desserts often contain chocolate and xylitol, both of which are toxic to pets. Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, seizures, and even death depending on the type and amount consumed. Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum and candies, can cause life-threatening drops in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
Fruits
While some fruits are healthy pet treats, autumn favorites like grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to dogs and cats, causing acute kidney failure. Even small amounts can be deadly. Keep fruit baskets, trail mix, and baked goods containing raisins safely out of reach.
Onions and Garlic
These aromatics are staples in fall cooking, appearing in stuffing, gravies, and savory dishes. However, all members of the allium family are toxic to pets, damaging red blood cells and causing anemia. This includes onion powder in seasoning blends, so never share seasoned table scraps with your pets.
Yeast Dough
Homemade bread is a fall baking tradition, but unbaked yeast dough is one of the lesser-known autumn hazards for pets. When ingested, the warm, moist environment of a pet’s stomach causes the dough to rise, leading to painful bloating and potentially life-threatening gastric dilatation. The fermentation process also produces alcohol, causing alcohol poisoning.
Alcohol
Fall gatherings often include beer, wine, and cocktails. Pets are extremely sensitive to alcohol, and even small amounts can cause vomiting, disorientation, difficulty breathing, and coma. Never leave drinks unattended where pets can access them, and be mindful of cocktails made with fruit juices that might attract curious pets.
Acorns
Oak trees drop acorns throughout autumn, and these nuts contain tannins that are toxic to pets. Ingesting acorns can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, kidney and liver damage. Regularly clear acorns from your yard, especially if your pets spend time outdoors.
Outdoor Autumn Hazards for Pets
The changing season brings unique dangers to outdoor environments that pet owners must monitor carefully.
Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms
Fall rainfall creates ideal conditions for mushroom growth, and many species are toxic to pets. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning range from mild gastrointestinal upset to liver failure, seizures, and death. Additionally, autumn plants like chrysanthemums, while beautiful, can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested.
Leaf Piles
Jumping into leaf piles is a classic fall activity, but these piles can hide dangers like sharp sticks, insects, and even snakes seeking warmth. Moldy leaves can also contain the same harmful mycotoxins found on decorations. Additionally, leaves may have been treated with pesticides or fertilizers that are toxic if ingested or absorbed through paw pads.
Rodenticides
As temperatures drop, rodents seek shelter indoors, leading many homeowners to use rat and mouse poisons. These rodenticides are among the most serious autumn pet hazards, causing internal bleeding, seizures, and death. If you must use pest control, choose pet-safe alternatives and place any traps in areas completely inaccessible to your pets. Remember that pets can also be poisoned by eating rodents that have consumed poison.
Protecting Your Pets This Autumn
Awareness is your first line of defense against autumn pet hazards. Take time to pet-proof your home before decorating, educate family members and guests about what foods are dangerous, and maintain close supervision during outdoor activities. Keep the phone number for the Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Central Florida easily accessible, and don’t hesitate to call if you suspect your pet has been exposed to any of these hazards.
When to Seek Emergency Care
If your pet exhibits any of the following symptoms after potential exposure to autumn hazards for pets, seek immediate veterinary attention:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy or weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures or tremors
- Loss of coordination
- Excessive drooling
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Rapid heart rate
Time is critical in poisoning cases and other emergencies. The sooner treatment begins, the better your pet’s chances of a full recovery.
Here For You 24/7 In Case of Emergency
At the Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Central Florida, our professional and dedicated staff of over 20 veterinarians is available 24/7 to help your family when you need it most. We understand that pet emergencies are scary situations, and we’re committed to ensuring this valued member of your family receives the best possible care.
Don’t let autumn pet hazards ruin your fall season. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic or is showing signs of illness, contact our Central Florida emergency clinic immediately.