Fall is one of the best times of year to enjoy the outdoors with your pets. Cooler temperatures make walks more comfortable, the scenery is beautiful, and let's face it—dogs love having a whole new collection of smells to investigate!
But before you let your pup dive headfirst into that giant pile of leaves, take a closer look. Fall can bring some outdoor hazards for pets that aren't always obvious.
🍂 Moldy Leaves: More Than Just a Mess
Damp piles of leaves can become a breeding ground for mold as they break down. Some molds can produce toxins that may make pets sick if they eat or ingest contaminated leaves or other decaying material.
Dogs that love to dig, sniff, and snack their way through leaf piles may be especially tempted. Keep an eye on your pet during walks and avoid letting them eat large amounts of leaves or other decaying vegetation.
🍄 Watch Out for Wild Mushrooms
Mushrooms seem to appear overnight in the fall, especially after wet weather. While many are harmless, some wild mushrooms are poisonous to pets and can cause serious illness.
The tricky part? You can't always tell which mushrooms are dangerous just by looking at them. If mushrooms are growing in your yard, remove them when possible and keep curious pets away from areas where wild fungi are growing.
🪲 Fleas & Ticks Aren't Finished Yet
Don't put away your flea and tick prevention just because summer is over. Many parasites remain active during the fall, and pets can still pick up fleas and ticks while walking through grass, brush, wooded areas, and leaf litter.
After outdoor adventures, check your pet's coat, ears, paws, and other areas where ticks like to hide. Not sure which flea and tick prevention is right for your pet? Stop by our store and talk with us! We're happy to help you explore your options and find a solution that works for you and your pet.
🌰 What's That Your Dog Is Eating?
Fall brings plenty of tempting things to the ground—acorns, nuts, fallen fruit, and other plant material. Some can cause stomach upset or become a choking hazard, while certain nuts and plants can be toxic to pets.
Keep an eye on what your dog is sniffing out during walks. Their nose may be excellent at finding interesting things, but it doesn't always know what's safe to eat!
🧪 Don't Forget About Outdoor Chemicals
Fall is also a time when homeowners may use lawn treatments, fertilizers, rodent bait, or other products around their homes. Keep pets away from treated areas and store chemicals and pest-control products securely where curious paws can't reach them.
Enjoy Fall—Just Keep an Eye on What's Underfoot
You don't have to spend autumn worrying about every leaf, mushroom, or acorn your pet encounters. Just be aware of what's around you and keep an eye on those curious noses.
A little extra attention can help keep fall adventures fun, healthy, and safe. So grab the leash, enjoy the cooler weather, and let your pet explore—just maybe skip the leaf buffet!
