10 autumn dangers the vet warns you about

During autumn-winter walks, there can be a number of dangerous situations that you need to be prepared for as a responsible owner.

At this time of year, you need to take many precautions to protect your pet. Some of these require special equipment, while others need more attention. Veterinary surgeon Dr Dave Tweedle has compiled the most important seasonal information to avoid many autumn dangers that threaten your dog.

1) Be visible!

It is very important that during the morning, afternoon and evening walks both you and the dog are properly visible to vehicles. Visibility vests, reflective collars and harnesses, as well as a variety of lights, are good solutions.
The key is to make sure that you can be seen from a distance and that you can actually see that you are walking (even cyclists sometimes have just one tiny light flashing on the back of their bike. No need to explain how much protection this really is after dusk.)

However, be careful with devices filled with fluorescent liquid that activate when broken, as the substance inside is toxic.

2.) Autumn crops are toxic to your dog

Also make sure that don’t let your dog eat conker, acorns or walnuts off the ground. The former two are poisonous and the latter two often become mouldy in wet weather, which can lead to the death of the animal if eaten. Many dogs die from mouldy nuts year after year. It’s also a good idea to collect these crops regularly along the paths where you live and on your regular walks. This also protects your dogs.

3) Watch out for fleas

The autumn heating season is a good time for fleas to proliferate, as the little critters move from the cold outside into warm homes. And once inside, it’s very difficult to eradicate them from fabrics! Make sure your dog is properly protected against parasites in autumn and winter.

4.) Antifreeze poisoning

One of the The most dangerous toxin is the sweet-smelling antifreeze which, because of these properties, can easily lure a dog. And that can be fatal! Always keep the liquid out of your pet’s reach, and never leave the bottle unattended, let alone open, for even a moment during use. If it does happen, symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, weakness, uncoordinated movement, difficulty breathing, tremors, convulsions and loss of consciousness. The condition requires immediate medical attention and unfortunately even then it is not always possible to save the animal.

5.) Road salt

Although it is used more in winter, it is not uncommon to find road salt as early as the autumn frosts. Which is also toxic to dogs and can cause irritation to skin and mucous membranes. Avoid taking your dog to a place where road salt has been visibly spread and never allow it to sniff or lick an area contaminated with it. And always clean the fur and paws after a walk to remove any stuck-on material!

6.) Obesity

Although an indirect “danger”, obesity is also a typical phenomenon in autumn and winter.
This is when many owners take their dogs for fewer and/or shorter walks, which can cause them to put on extra pounds.
If the weather is really bad and you really can’t spend much time outdoors, play indoors as much as possible and mentally tire your pet out with various tricks and exercises.

7 Never get cold

It’s important that your dog is comfortable outside in the cooler seasons. Especially very young, older and sick animals should be careful not to catch cold. Dogs suffering from arthritis can be made worse by inadequate temperatures. Coats and footwear should be worn for sensitive animals and should always be checked on walks to make sure the dog is not cold. Signs of this In this article.

8.) Careful with the crowd

In autumn, there are a number of outdoor events that continue into the Advent period. However, crowded venues can make many dogs tense and anxious, and they may even let go of their owners at a moment’s notice. Always consider before you take your pet to a crowded event, and take extra care of your dog.

9.) Mites

Autumn is also particularly favourable for the proliferation of mites, which can cause a lot of discomfort for the pet: itching, skin irritation, scratching and licking, and in the worst cases, shedding of fur and reinfestation. Ears and similar areas on the dog’s body with less hair, such as the paws, are favoured.

10.) Seasonal dog disease

The seasonal dog disease (Seasonal Canine Illness; SCI) is unknown to many but is a very significant health problem.
Research into this often mysterious disease, which occurs two to three days after a walk in the woods, usually between August and November, has only been conducted since 2010. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, abdominal pain, fever and muscle tremors. The origin of the disease is still unknown, but some studies suggest that it may be spread by a species of forest mite.