While this blog is mostly about gardening, we also agree with Monty Hall’s observation that “gardens aren’t about plants, they’re about people.” And people tend to enjoy having their pets with them in their outside spaces or garden spaces. While we love animals—the Gardzen Test Garden is home to a few of them—we also know that animals need to be kept safe. With that in mind, we’d like to offer a quick list of pet safety tips for autumn weather and fall activities. This is an incomplete list so you should talk to your veterinarian for advice about your specific situation, but we hope it helps get you started!
· Keep an eye on the weather when planning outdoor activities with your pets, or even just letting them enjoy a walk or time in the back yard. Autumn weather can vary widely; here at the Gardzen Test Gardens we’ve had cool nights with very hot days for the last few weeks. Some days may be hot, meaning that your pet needs shade, extra fresh water, and limited outside time. Some days will be colder, meaning that you’ll want to ensure your pet stays warm and dry. And some days may be just perfect. Check the forecast and stay aware of what’s going on outside.
· Use safe seasonal decorations. Autumn is a fun time to decorate—who doesn’t love Halloween?—but the reality is that some seasonal decoration can be hazardous to pets. In general, remember that many pets, dogs especially, like to explore the world by chewing on or eating things. Small decorations may become choking hazards or lead to intestinal obstructions. Halloween makeup can be toxic to pets of all kinds—or smaller humans. Halloween candy is a tasty treat for people, but it can be dangerous for pets. So be aware of what kind of decorations or seasonal treats you’re putting out and where you’re putting them. Keeping non-pet friendly items out of reach of pets is a good idea, and avoiding them altogether is safest.
· Be careful around de-icing products. Most of us don’t have this concern yet, but if you’re getting early frosts and freezes please remember that many chemical de-icing products can be toxic to pets. You should avoid using them on your own property, but if you’re taking your pet out into the world it’s a good idea to wipe down their feet, legs, and belly if there’s a chance of exposure to de-icers or similar products. Even de-ice salt can be an irritant for paws and feet, so wiping it away is best for your pet’s comfort.
· Provide safe, healthy shelter for outdoor animals. While we don’t recommend leaving your pets outdoors full time, many of us have a feral cat or other outdoor animal we care about. A warm, weather- and wind-proof shelter can help keep outside animals of all kinds safe in cooler weather. There are a number of different ways to build such a shelter, but any animal shelter should be solidly built, warm and dry, and have more than one entrance/exit for safety.
· Check your car’s engine compartment before starting and driving. While we’re on the subject of outdoor animals, as the weather cools down we may find them taking shelter in various places, including the engine compartments of our cars. Popping the hood open to double check before starting the car—or even just banging on it a few times to scare them away—can keep both animals and vehicle safe from injury or damage when the weather cools down. This is especially important in the mornings, when animals may be sheltering from a cold night.
Autumn can be a wonderful time of the year, with several of our favorite holiday taking place during this season. As with all changing seasons, fall does bring some changes and considerations particularly around pet safety. We hope this list helps get you started on keeping pets safe in autumn, and that you and your animal friends have a wonderful fall season!
Leave a comment