Fall Safety Tips For Pets

As leaves turn vibrant hues across Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, fall brings cozy sweaters and crisp air. But, Fall also brings hidden dangers for our pets. At ParaMount Pet Care, your local pet sitting and dog walking experts, we see how seasonal changes can catch even the most vigilant owners off guard. From toxic mushrooms to chilly walks, here’s how to protect your furry family this autumn.

Watch for Wild Mushrooms

Fall rains spark a mushroom boom in yards, parks, and forests around Luzerne County. This often turns curious sniffers into unwitting foragers. Many species like Amanita or Inky Cap contain toxins that hit fast. Symptoms include drooling, diarrhea, seizures, organ damage, or worse in both dogs and cats. Not all are deadly, but identification is tricky even for experts.

So, keep leashes short on walks through woodsy areas and train a solid “leave it” command. Additionally, be sure to mow your lawn weekly to nix pop-ups. If your pet chows down, note the mushroom’s look (snap a pic), then rush to the vet or dial ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. Time is critical, so act fast.

 

Avoid Leaf Pile Hazards

Nothing says fall like jumping into crunchy leaf piles. But for pets, they’re booby traps loaded with foxtail awns that burrow into ears, eyes, or paws causing painful infections. Also, damp leaf piles often foster mold spores which could trigger respiratory issues. Additionally, parasites like hookworms thriving in decaying matter such as leaf piles. Add in hidden glass, trash, or chocolate from Halloween candy, and you’ve got an ER trip waiting to happen!

To help protect your pets, rake daily (especially after windstorms) and bag leaves curbside pronto. Post-romp, give muddy paws a warm rinse with pet-safe wipes, dry thoroughly, and check for burrs. For allergy-prone pups, our dog walking routes skip leafy lots, opting for paved paths. Lastly, dog booties can add extra protection on rugged terrain. For more information on the different types of dog booties, click here.

Steer Clear of Antifreeze

That sweet, cherry-scented drip from winterizing cars screams “treat” to pets, but antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is lethally toxic. Even just a few licks of the stuff can shut down a pet’s kidneys within hours. Garages, driveways, and street puddles in busy spots multiply the danger as temps drop.

So, switch to propylene glycol-based pet-safe antifreeze, clean spills with cat litter or vinegar immediately, and store jugs locked away. Also, wipe paws after any street-adjacent walks, and pet-proof your garage. Pro tip: Cats lap it from concrete cracks too, so vigilance saves lives.

 

 

 

Master Cooler Weather Walks

Luzerne County’s fall chill (hello, 40°F mornings) zaps heat from short-coated breeds like Greyhounds or Chihuahuas, risking hypothermia on long outings. Frosty sidewalks crack paw pads, icy roads hide salt that irritates skin, and dry air masks dehydration despite shorter days.

So, layer pups in weatherproof jackets with belly coverage, limit walks to 15-30 minutes based on breed, and use Musher’s Secret balm or booties for traction. Boot warmer-up times with blankets and broth; watch for shivering, lethargy, or blue gums. Hydrate extra, frozen Kongs make fun toppers.

 

 

 

Hire The Pet Professionals This Fall Season!

Fall’s beauty shouldn’t come with worry. ParaMount Pet Care offers expert dog walking and pet sitting in Luzerne County to navigate these hazards together. Contact us at 570-814-1037 or nepapetsitting.com to keep tails wagging safely!

We offer a wide variety of pet sitting services such as in-home pet sitting, routine dog walking, overnight stays, and more! Click here to see all of our services! Click here to become a client today or give us a call at 570-814-1037. We look forward to hearing from you soon! Be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram too. We post adorable pictures of pets everyday that you won’t want to miss!