Autumn is a delightful season filled with cozy sweaters, beautiful foliage, and the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice and apple cider. As pet owners, it's only natural to want to share the joy of fall with our furry family members.

From leisurely strolls through colorful parks to snuggling up under warm blankets, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season with your pets. However, it's crucial to remember that some of the things we love about fall can pose hidden dangers to our beloved companions.

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Take precautions to protect your pet from health risks this fall.

Seasonal Foods: Not All Treats Are Pet-Friendly

With Halloween and Thanksgiving celebrations on the horizon, you might be tempted to share the festivities with your pets. While it's wonderful to include them, some "people foods" can lead to various health issues, ranging from choking hazards to toxic reactions. Here are some seasonal foods that you should steer clear of to protect your pets:

11. Corn Cobs

Corn cobs may seem harmless, but they can pose a significant choking hazard and cause gastrointestinal injuries in pets.

10. Apple Seeds

Apple seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to both dogs and cats. Be sure to remove seeds before sharing apples with your pets.

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Some "people foods" can lead to various health issues in pets.

9. Nuts, Especially Macadamia Nuts

Nuts, particularly macadamia nuts, can induce vomiting, tremors, and paralysis in pets. Keep them out of reach.

8. Chocolate and Cocoa

Chocolate and cocoa contain theobromine and caffeine, both of which are harmful to dogs and cats. Keep Halloween candy and baked goods out of your pet's reach.

7. Cooked Bones

Cooked bones can splinter when chewed, leading to choking and gastrointestinal injuries. Opt for uncooked bones if you choose to offer them to your pet.

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Keep Halloween candy and baked goods out of your pet's reach.

6. Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are toxic to pets and can cause red blood cell damage and gastrointestinal distress. Be cautious with dishes containing these ingredients.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol can cause intoxication, confusion, vomiting, and other complications in pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from your furry friends.

4. Seasoned Meats

Seasoned meats can lead to gastrointestinal upset in pets. Choose deboned, unseasoned, and skinless meat options instead.

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Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets.

3. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in pets. Be vigilant about keeping these snacks out of your pet's reach.

2. Pumpkin Spice, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, and Spices

These spices can induce tremors, vomiting, and central nervous system issues in pets. Stick to plain cooked pumpkin as a safe alternative.

1. Xylitol-Sweetened Products

Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many seasonal treats, can lead to hypoglycemia, seizures, and liver failure in pets. Be cautious about items like Halloween candy and Thanksgiving pies.

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Pumpkin pie spices can be poisonous to dogs.

Candles, Diffusers, and Other Scents

Fall is synonymous with the comforting scents of leaves, apple cider, and pumpkin spice. While incorporating these fragrances into your home through candles and diffusers can set the mood, it's essential to consider the potential risks to your pets.

Candles

Autumnal candles, with their delightful scents of pumpkin spice and apple cider, can enhance the seasonal ambiance. However, they also pose risks, especially in households with curious pets and children. Open flames can lead to burns or more severe fires if knocked over. Additionally, the scents and smoke emitted by candles may irritate your pet's respiratory system, exacerbating existing conditions like asthma, Good Rx reports.

To mitigate these risks, never leave pets unattended with a lit candle. Consider using burn jars or protective layers, enclosed wax burners, or flameless alternatives. Soy, beeswax, and vegetable wax candles may be gentler on your pet's senses.

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Cooler weather may increase the risk of joint pain and arthritis in pets, so monitor your pet's health closely.

Potpourri and Incense

Burning incense can produce smoke and odors that may irritate your pet's respiratory system, Green Matters reports. The materials used in incense can also be toxic, especially if ingested. Potpourri often contains various plant and herbal materials that are challenging to identify and may pose ingestion hazards.

Air Fresheners

Many air fresheners contain undisclosed ingredients that can range from respiratory irritants to organ-damaging substances, PetMD reports. The lack of transparency in labeling makes it difficult for pet owners to assess the risks.

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Never leave pets unattended with a lit candle to avoid burns and fires.

Essential Oils and Diffusers

Essential oils and diffusers should be used cautiously around pets, as there's limited research on their impact. Organizations such as the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline advise erring on the side of caution when it comes to essential oils in your home. Just seven drops of tea tree oil can cause toxicity in pets.

Some animals, like birds and cats, are particularly sensitive to essential oils. Cats, for instance, have livers that cannot metabolize certain compounds found in oils, 24PetWatch reports. The concentration and type of oil are critical factors in determining safety. Even if your pet doesn't ingest the oil directly, it can get on their fur and be groomed off into their mouths, leading to digestive issues, neurologic problems, and organ failure.

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Consult a veterinarian before using essential oils on pets, especially highly concentrated ones.

According to USA Today, the following oils are most toxic for dogs:

• Cinnamon oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Pennyroyal oil
• Pine oils
• Sweet birch
• Tea tree oil
• Wintergreen

And the following oils are most toxic to cats:

• Cinnamon oil
• Citrus oil
• Clove oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Pennyroyal oil
• Peppermint oil
• Pine oils
• Sweet birch
• Tea tree oil
• Wintergreen
• Ylang Ylang oil

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Cats, in particular, can be sensitive to essential oils due to their liver's inability to metabolize certain compounds.

Aesthetic Plants with Hidden Hazards

Decorating your home with potted plants and seasonal greenery can enhance the festive atmosphere, but some plants and vegetation can be problematic for pets.

Autumn Crocuses

Also known as Meadow Saffron or "naked ladies," these beautiful purple bulbs bloom in the fall. While visually appealing, they contain colchicine, a highly toxic substance for both dogs and cats, reports Best Life. Keep your pets away from these plants to avoid potential poisoning.

Mums (Chrysanthemums)

Mums are popular perennials due to their lovely appearance and fall blooming. However, they contain sesquiterpenes, lactones, and pyrethrins that are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, The Spruce Pets reports. Ingesting these plants can result in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis.

Acorns

While acorns may be a common sight in the fall, they can pose unexpected dangers to pets. Pets that ingest acorns may be exposed to tannins, which can irritate the digestive tract, reports The Kennel Club. Grazing animals, like horses, are particularly vulnerable to kidney damage if they consume acorns in large quantities.

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Be mindful of pesticides and herbicides in your garden, as they can be toxic to pets if ingested.

Be Mindful of Chemicals for Fall Lawn and Garden Care

As you prepare your lawn and garden for the changing season, be cautious about the use of chemicals that can harm your pets:

Pesticides and Herbicides

Many pesticides and herbicides used in the fall contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful if ingested or if pets come into contact with treated areas. Keep pets away from recently treated areas, and follow manufacturer instructions for safe use.

Fertilizers

Some fertilizers contain ingredients like bone meal and blood meal that can be attractive to pets but are also harmful if ingested in large quantities, WagWalking reports. Keep fertilizers securely stored, and prevent your pets from digging in freshly fertilized soil.

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Watch out for fall allergens like ragweed and mold spores, which can trigger pet allergies.

Fall Allergies and Health Concerns

Just as humans can suffer from allergies and seasonal health issues, pets can too. Fall allergens like ragweed and mold spores can trigger allergies in pets, leading to symptoms like itching, sneezing, and watery eyes, VCA Hospitals reports. Additionally, as the weather cools, pets may be more susceptible to joint pain and arthritis. If you notice any changes in your pet's health or behavior, consult your veterinarian for guidance on managing their symptoms.

Celebrate Fall Safely with Your Pets

Autumn is a magical season, and sharing it with your pets can be a joyous experience. However, it's crucial to be aware of the potential hazards that lurk amid the falling leaves and cozy ambiance. By avoiding toxic foods, using caution with scents, being mindful of plants and decorations, and taking precautions in your lawn and garden care, you can create a safe and enjoyable fall environment for your furry friends.

Remember that when it comes to your pet's safety, vigilance and proactive measures are key. Keep harmful items out of reach, supervise your pets around seasonal decorations, and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about their well-being. With the right precautions, you and your pets can savor the beauty and warmth of autumn together, creating lasting memories to cherish.

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